Montclair State University
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
2025-2026 Academic Year
Health Insurance Requirement
To protect the health and well-being of the students - and to comply with New Jersey state law, Montclair State University requires all full-time undergraduate and graduate students to have health insurance. Full-time students are automatically charged for the insurance premium and will be enrolled in the University-Sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan after the waiver deadline. Students who do not want this plan are responsible for submitting a health insurance waiver online.
The following students are required to have health insurance that meets University requirements:
- Full-time undergraduate students enrolled in twelve (12) or more credits.
- Full-time graduate students enrolled in nine (9) or more credits.
- All International students, regardless of credits.
Online-only students are not eligible for the insurance.
Plan Highlights
The Student Health Insurance Plan will continue to be provided by Aetna Student Health. The plan meets all Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements and gives students access to Aetna's national PPO network of healthcare providers. Students do not need to choose a primary care physician, and no referrals are required. For details, you can review the Plan Design and Benefit Summary located under "Benefit Information" in the left-hand navigation menu.
Montclair State University 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 833-251-1705 or info@univhealthplans.com.
Insurance Cost & Coverage Periods
| Annual Students | NEW Spring Students | |
| Coverage Dates | 8/15/2025-8/14/2026 | 1/2/2026-8/14/2026 |
| Undergraduate and Graduate Cost | $2,940 | $1,812 |
| Waiver Deadline Date | 9/15/2025 | 2/23/2026 |
The deadline for the waiver for Spring 2026 is February 23, 2026.
Waiver Process
Full-time students who wish to waive (opt out) the Health Insurance:
- If you want to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan, you must submit proof of alternative coverage by completing the online waiver before the deadline.
- Submitting a copy of your insurance card to the Office of Student Accounts or any other Montclair State University office (such as the Health and Wellness Center, Athletics Department) does not constitute a waiver and will not be accepted.
- Students who do not submit a waiver by the deadline date will be automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan for the full academic year and will be responsible for the full cost. A new waiver must be completed each academic year. Late waivers will not be accepted.
Enrollment Process
Full-time students who wish to enroll in the Health Insurance:
- Students are encouraged to enroll in the health insurance as early as possible to ensure they have coverage when the plan year begins. Although all full-time students are charged for the plan, you will not be enrolled until after the waiver deadline if you do not complete the enrollment form. To enroll, select the enrollment form in the left-hand navigation menu.
- If you confirm enrollment in the health insurance plan, you will be financially responsible for the full cost of the insurance premium for the entire policy period.
International Students
International students do not have access to the online enrollment form. International students are automatically enrolled before the waiver deadline date. If an international student has a plan that is filed and approved in the United States (typically approved plans are offered through a US employer or embassy), they must email University Health Plans to request the link to the international student waiver form.
**Effective January 1, 2025, state or federal subsidized health insurance plans will no longer meet Montclair State University’s waiver requirements for international students on F-1 or J-1 visas.**
Please note that health insurance plans marketed solely to international students are often not filed or approved in the U.S., and may have limited benefits, provider networks, or coverage periods that do not meet Montclair's insurance requirements. Examples of companies whose plans do not meet the waiver criteria include: GBG Insurance, HDL Global Specialty, ISO, PGH (United), PSI, Student Medicover, and Tata AIG.
Early Termination is Not Permitted
Montclair State 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.
Important Notes
In accordance with Aetna requirements, Montclair State University reserves the right to make all final decisions regarding a student's eligibility for initial enrollment and continued participation in the SHIP.
The University may audit any submitted waivers to verify compliance with its insurance requirements. Please be sure to have a copy of your insurance policy, as you may be asked to provide documentation.
A valid health insurance card must be available when submitting the insurance waiver. Pending insurance coverage or letters from an employer or third party do NOT qualify as documentation for a submitted waiver.
Important Notice to Athletes: The Student Health Insurance Waiver process is NOT the same as providing an insurance card or information to the Athletics Department or the athletic trainers as part of the medical information required for participation in the student’s sport.
Disclaimer: Withdrawing from any courses on or after the add/drop period does not remove the health insurance premium. You will remain enrolled in the SHIP for the rest of the academic year and will be financially responsible for the full cost - unless you have a waiver approved by the deadline.
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 email info@universityhealthplans.com within 31 days of losing coverage to request access to the qualifying event enrollment form. All qualifying events require documentation as proof of the loss of coverage.
Questions? Need Help Deciding?
If you have any questions, call University Health Plans at 833-251-1705.
