Rider University
STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN

2025-2026 Academic Year

Insurance Requirement

Undergraduate Students taking 12 or more credits, Graduate Students taking 9 or more credits, and all International Students must have health insurance. Online courses do not meet the plan's eligibility. 

Students required to have health insurance will be enrolled in and charged for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), and students may opt out of the SHIP by submitting a waiver form documenting proof of comparable coverage. Domestic students intending to purchase in the SHIP should submit an enrollment. Students who take no action will be enrolled after the deadline and responsible for the premium charged to the tuition statement. International students are automatically enrolled and cannot access the enrollment form. 

Insurance Cost & Coverage Periods

Rates and benefits subject to the NJ Department of Insurance review 

Plan Highlights

New for 2025-2026: Aetna Student Health will provide the 2025-26 Rider University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).  The ACA-compliant plan includes access to Aetna's National Network of PPO Providers. Students do not have to select a primary care physician; referrals are not required.  

With any carrier change, there are important things you need to consider as you transition to the new policy:

• Network Access: While many UHC providers are expected to be in-network with Aetna, you should confirm your provider’s participation before your next appointment.
• Plan Benefits: The new plan is designed to align closely with UHCSR’s current benefits and exclusions. However, all claims will be processed according to Aetna’s policy terms and conditions.
• Prior Authorizations & Prescription Drugs: If you are receiving care or taking medication that requires prior authorization, a new authorization request must be submitted to Aetna at the beginning of the policy year. Please note that processing may take some time. If you take prescription medication, it's recommended that you refill it early to ensure you have enough on hand while the new authorization is being reviewed.
• Insurance ID Card: All students will need to download a new digital ID card.

Rider has partnered with University Health Plans to administer the plan and help with eligibility, waiver, enrollment, and general benefit-related questions. University Health Plans can be reached at 833-251-1146 or info@univhealthplans.com. For specific benefit or claim-related questions, please contact Aetna at  866-381‐1529.   

Waiver Process

Students covered by a comprehensive health insurance plan in the area surrounding the Rider University campus can opt out of the SHIP by completing the waiver form. Before waiving, compare the cost, coverage, and benefits of the SHIP to your existing plan. If you do not submit a waiver form by the deadline above, you will be enrolled in the SHIP and responsible for the cost of the insurance plan. 

Enrollment Process

Although domestic students are automatically charged for the SHIP, domestic student information is not transferred to UHCSR until the deadline. Domestic students planning to use the student health insurance plan should complete the enrollment form to transfer their information to the insurance company. Students who do not submit a form by the deadline will be enrolled in the SHIP retroactively, effective August 20, 2025. Please allow 5 business days after you submit an enrollment form for your enrollment to be activated in the insurance company's database.  International students are automatically enrolled in the plan at registration; no additional action is required.

Eligibility

The student must actively attend classes for at least the first 31 days after the date for which coverage is purchased. Home study, correspondence, and online courses do not fulfill the student's eligibility requirements to actively attend classes. The Company maintains its right to investigate eligibility, student status, and attendance records to verify that the Policy eligibility requirements have been met. If and whenever the Company discovers that the Policy eligibility requirements have not been met, its only obligation is to refund premium contribution amounts. 

Qualifying Event Enrollment

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 university health plans at 833-251-1146 or info@univhealthplans.com. You must submit all qualifying event enrollment paperwork and documentation within 30 days of the qualifying event.