College of the Holy Cross
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN

2025-2026 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 2024-2025 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

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.  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 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, 2025, 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 University Health Plans at 833-251-1732 or 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.