William Paterson University
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
2026-2027 Academic Year
Student Health Insurance Requirement
In accordance with state law, William Paterson University is required to offer health insurance coverage for purchase by all full-time students. For the 2026-2027 academic year, the University's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) will be provided through Aetna Student Health.
All students who meet the definition of full-time (see below) are automatically billed for health insurance. Students who already have comparable health insurance may complete a waiver (opt out) of the University plan by submitting the online waiver form and providing proof of coverage by the published waiver deadline.
Who Is Considered Full-Time for Insurance Purposes?
Students enrolled in the following credit loads are considered full-time and will be automatically billed for the SHIP:
- Undergraduates: 12 or more credits
- Graduates: 9 or more credits
- Biology/Biotechnology Graduates: 8 or more credits
- Doctor of Clinical Psychology: 6 or more credits
Please note: the Student Health Insurance Plan is not available to part-time students.
Cost and Policy Periods
| Annual | NEW Spring Students | J-1 International Fall | |
| Policy Period | 8/1/26-7/31/27 | 1/1/27-7/31/27 | 8/1/26-12/31/26 |
| Insurance Cost | $3,170 | $1,841 | $1,329 |
The 2026/2027 academic year waiver/enrollment forms will open in early July.
Plan Highlights
The Student Health Insurance Plan will continue to be provided by Aetna Student Health. The plan is ACA-compliant and includes access to Aetna's national PPO network of providers. Students do not have to select a primary care physician, and referrals are not required. BENEFIT CHANGE FOR 2026-2027: The plan will now include a $250 annual pharmacy (Rx) deductible. This deductible must be met before pharmacy benefits are paid.
WPUNJ has partnered with University Health Plans to administer the plan and help with waiver, enrollment, or benefit-related questions. University Health Plans can be reached at 833-251-1114 or info@univhealthplans.com.
Fall 2026
The annual Student Health Insurance fee is automatically billed to all full-time students during the fall billing cycle. Students who waive their insurance in the fall may not enroll in the spring semester unless there is a qualifying life event.
Spring 2027 for NEW spring students
The Spring Student Health Insurance plan will be billed to all new incoming full-time students and students who were part-time for the Fall 2026 semester and become full-time for the Spring 2027 semester.
Health Insurance Enrollment/Waiver Information
Students are required to enroll in or waive out of the SHIP each academic year. If you plan to keep the University-sponsored SHIP, you must confirm enrollment before the plan's effective date. If you have other coverage, you must complete the online waiver form to have this charge removed from your bill. If you do not complete the waiver form by the deadline date or confirm enrollment, you will be automatically enrolled in the Aetna Student Health Insurance Plan after the waiver deadline. The "Waiver Form" and "Enrollment Form" are located on the left-hand navigation menu.
IMPORTANT NOTICES:
- Dropping or withdrawing from courses after the add/drop period does not remove the health insurance premium. You will remain enrolled in the SHIP for the duration of the policy period. You will also be financially responsible for the full cost of the health insurance premium unless you have an approved waiver on file by the deadline date.
- Copies of your insurance card submitted to the Office of Student Accounts or any other William Paterson University office do not constitute a waiver and are not acceptable.
Early Termination (Not Permitted)
William Paterson University and Aetna Student Health DO NOT prorate health insurance premiums or change coverage effective dates for any reason. Students will not be removed from SHIP coverage even if they graduate, withdraw from the University, or obtain new insurance after the waiver deadline. SHIP coverage will remain active through the end of the policy period.
Qualifying Event
Students who waive the insurance in the fall are not eligible to enroll in the spring semester. Enrollment after a waiver is only allowed if the student experiences a Qualifying Life Event that results in the loss of other health insurance coverage. If this occurs, please fill out the qualifying event enrollment form on the left sidebar within 31 days of losing coverage. All qualifying events require documentation as proof of the loss of coverage.
Other Coverage Options
For information about the health care law, finding insurance options, and accessing your state’s health insurance exchange, please refer to http://www.healthcare.gov.
Contact Information
A summary of the insurance benefits and directory of the provider network can be found in the left-hand side navigation menu. UHP is available to manage the waiver and enrollment process and answer general questions about the insurance plan. To speak with a representative, please call 833-251-1114 or send an email to info@univhealthplans.com. If you have specific questions regarding the benefits, please feel free to contact Aetna Student Health at 800-481-8814. If you have questions about your tuition bill, please contact the Office of Student Accounts at William Paterson University at 973-720-2234.
