College of the Holy Cross
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
2023-2024 Academic Year
Eligibility
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts requires that all students enrolled at least three-quarter-time must participate in the Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) or be covered by a health benefit plan with comparable coverage. Minimum benefit levels and services that are required by the SHIP are set forth in the Qualifying Student Health Insurance Program (QSHIP) regulation.
Plan Highlights
The 2023-2024 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 do not have to select a primary care physician and referrals are not required. A summary of the plan benefits, find a doctor tool, and FAQs can be found in the navigation menu on the left-hand side of this page.
The College has partnered with University Health Plans to administer the plan and assist with waiver, enrollment, or benefit-related questions. University Health Plans can be reached at 833-251-1732 or info@univhealthplans.com. If you have specific questions regarding the benefits, please contact Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts at (888) 753-6615. If you have questions about your tuition bill, please 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 | 7/25/23 - 7/24/24 | 1/1/24 - 7/24/24 |
| Insurance Cost | $2,844 | $1,614 |
| Waiver/Enrollment Deadline | August 15, 2023 | TBD |
Enrollment Process
Although students are automatically charged for the SHIP, students will not be automatically enrolled until after the deadline. Students needing coverage should submit the enrollment form located in the left-hand side navigation menu as soon as possible to avoid delays in accessing their health insurance benefits.
Waiver Process
If you are covered by a comprehensive health insurance plan you can opt out of the College of the Holy Cross SHIP by completing the waiver form, located in the left-hand side navigation menu. Before waiving, compare the cost, coverage, and benefits of the SHIP to your existing plan. In order to waive, your plan must meet the below 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, 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 a US-filed and approved, ACA (Affordable Care Act) compliant health insurance plan. 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 15, 2023, 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 may not waive participation in the SHIP and should complete the enrollment form to expedite the process of 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. To request an enrollment form and premium quote, contact the Bursar’s Office at (508) 793-2521 or bursar@holycross.edu.
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.
Student Health Plan
- Waiver Form
- Enrollment Form
- Qualifying Event Enrollment Process
- Provider Search
- Worldwide Providers &
Travel Assistance - Insurance ID Card
Optional Plans
Additional Information
Electronic access to ID Cards is available 24/7 by creating an account with BCBS of MA online at www.bluecrossma.org or by downloading the MYBLUE app to your smart phone or device. To create your account you will need your Member ID number. Please contact University Health Plans at 800-437-6448 if you need your Member ID number.
If you have specific questions about your claims or need help with the app or online portal you can contact BCBS Member Services at 888-753-6615.
If you have questions about your eligibility or need to update your address or request a new ID card, please contact University Health Plans at 800-437-6448
Qualifying Event Enrollment Process
Students who waived the SHIP may qualify for special enrollment rights if they incur an involuntary loss of other coverage. To request an enrollment form and premium quote, contact the Bursar's Office at (508) 793-2521 or bursar@holycross.edu.
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.