College of the Holy Cross
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
2026-2027 Academic Year
Eligibility
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires all students enrolled at least three-quarter time to participate in the Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) or maintain comparable health coverage. Minimum benefit levels and required services are defined by the Qualifying Student Health Insurance Program (QSHIP) regulation.
Plan Highlights
The 2026–2027 Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. The plan is ACA-compliant and includes access to Blue Cross Blue Shield’s national PPO network of providers. Students are not required to select a primary care physician, and referrals are not needed. A summary of benefits, the Find a Doctor tool, and FAQs are available in the navigation menu.
The College has partnered with University Health Plans to administer the plan and assist with waiver, enrollment, and benefit-related questions. University Health Plans can be reached at 833-251-1732 or info@univhealthplans.com. For questions about plan benefits, please contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts at 888-753-6615. For billing-related inquiries, contact the Office of the Bursar, College of the Holy Cross, at 508-793-2521.
Cost and Coverage Periods
| Annual Students | New Spring Students | |
|---|---|---|
| Coverage Dates | 7/25/26 - 7/24/27 | 1/1/27 - 7/24/27 |
| Insurance Cost | $2,921 | $1,658 |
| Waiver/Enrollment Deadline | August 1, 2026 | January 1, 2027 |
Enrollment Process
Although students are automatically charged for SHIP, they are not enrolled until after the deadline. Those who need coverage should submit the enrollment form, located in the navigation menu, as soon as possible to avoid delays in accessing their benefits.
Waiver Process
If you are covered by a comprehensive health insurance plan, you may opt out of the College of the Holy Cross SHIP by completing the waiver form located in the navigation menu. Before submitting a waiver, compare the cost, coverage, and benefits of SHIP with your existing plan. To be eligible to waive, your plan must meet the following requirements.
- Your plan must provide access to doctors, specialists, hospitals, labs, pharmacies, and mental health/behavioral health providers in the College of the Holy Cross campus area without restriction or limitation. Please note that if you are enrolled in an out-of-state Medicaid, HMO, or EPO, your coverage may not be sufficient in Massachusetts. Many out-of-state plans do not provide comprehensive benefits outside of the home service area, and urgent or emergency-only coverage in Massachusetts is not sufficient and does not meet the SHIP waiver requirements.
- The policy must be filed and approved in the US and ACA (Affordable Care Act) compliant. International insurance plans, travel insurance, and short-term limited-duration plans are not accepted.
If you do not submit a waiver form by the waiver deadline of August 1, 2026, you will be enrolled and billed for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and be responsible for the premium.
International Students
All international students attending Holy Cross who are residing in the United States are not eligible to waive participation in SHIP and should complete the enrollment form to expedite their enrollment.
Qualifying Event Enrollment Process
Students who waived the SHIP may qualify for special enrollment rights if they incur an involuntary loss of other coverage. The Qualifying Event Enrollment Form can be found in the navigation menu. To request a premium quote, contact University Health Plans at info@univhealthplans.com.
To enroll, you must submit an enrollment form, a letter from your prior insurance company documenting your loss of coverage, and payment within 60 days of the qualifying event. If all items are received by the deadline, coverage will be effective as of the first day without coverage under your prior plan.
