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Student Health Insurance Plan (2025-2026)
MA Health Insurance Requirement
Massachusetts state law requires students enrolled in at least 75% of a full-time curriculum at any Massachusetts institution of higher education to either:
- Enroll in the school-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
- Or provide proof of comparable coverage under another major medical insurance plan.
Student Blue Cross Blue Shield (BSBS) Plan Overview
UMass Boston partners with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) to offer SHIP coverage. All eligible students are automatically billed for SHIP and must either:
- Confirm Enrollment, or
- Waive the Plan via the process below
Non-action results in automatic enrollment.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate Students: Enrolled in 9+ credits.
- Graduate Students: Enrolled in 7+ credits.
- International Students: Automatically enrolled with 1+ credit
- May only waive if covered by an embassy-sponsored plan, qualifying U.S.-based, or Massachusetts Connector plan (must include medical evacuation and repatriation)
Undergrads enrolled in fewer than 9 credits may request coverage. Contact the Bursar's Office for details.
Plan Highlights
- Nationwide Provider Network: Access BCBS's extensive network. More info.
- Primary Care at UMass Boston University Health Services (UHS):
- No deductibles
- No copayments for covered services
- No coinsurance for lab services
- Vision: One routine eye exam every 24 months.
- Optional Dental Plan: Click here for details.
Obtaining Your Insurance Card
Once enrolled, BCBS will mail your card to the address on file. If your card hasn't arrived, you can still access care as long as you are in the BCBS eligibility system.
- Lost Card? Call BCBS at 888-753-6615 for a placement.
How to Waive the Student Health Plan
Students with comparable coverage can waive SHIP by following these steps:
Steps to Waive (via WISER)
- Log into WISER.
- On the home screen, go to "Student Financial Center."
- Under "Health Insurance," click on "Waive/Enroll in Health Insurance." This opens the University Health Plans (UHP) site in a new tab.
- In the UHP site menu, under "Student Health Plan," click "Waiver Form."
- Confirm your alternate insurance meets all listed waiver requirements.
- Enter your date of birth and WISER student ID to begin.
- Complete the Pre-Waiver Questionnaire.
- Fill out all required fields under student information and insurance information.
- Press "Apply" to submit the form.
You will receive a confirmation email at your UMass Boston email address. It may take a few days for the health insurance charge to be removed from your WISER account.
Fall 2025 Health Insurance Deadline: October 1st, 2025.
Spring 2026 Health Insurance Deadline: March 1st, 2026.
You cannot waive SHIP if you are covered by:
- Mass Health Limited
- Health Safety Net
- Children’s Medical Security Plan
Instructional Video: How to Waive Your Insurance
Contact Information
- UMass Boston Bursar's Office (Eligibility & Waivers)
- Location: Campus Center, 4th Floor, 04300
Email: bursar@umb.edu - Phone: 617-287-5350
- Location: Campus Center, 4th Floor, 04300
- University Health Plans (Enrollment, Eligibility, Benefits)
- Email: info@univhealthplans.com
- Phone: 833-251-1126
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (Claims & Benefits)
- Phone: 888-753-6615