Tufts University School of Medicine

Student Health Insurance

Plan Rates and Coverage for 2023-2024

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Tufts University Health Sciences Schools require all matriculated students of higher education to participate in a health insurance plan. Students may enroll in the student insurance plan offered by Tufts University, or maintain private coverage as long as it meets or exceeds the minimum state requirements set forth by the Commonwealth. To determine if your coverage meets the minimum state requirements see section 8.05 of the Student Health Insurance Program Regulation (SHIP): State Waiver Regulations..

All matriculated students are automatically billed for the student plan offered through Tufts University. Students who submit an approved Waiver Form during Open Enrollment will have a credit for this charge posted to their account. Failure to comply by submitting an Enrollment Form or Waiver by the deadline given will result in being enrolled in the UHCSR student plan. The student health insurance plan is available to all matriculated students and their eligible dependent(s).

The Boston and Grafton campuses student health insurance plan is underwritten by HPHC Insurance Company, an affiliate of Harvard Pilgrim Health Plan, and administered by UnitedHealthcare StudentResources (UHCSR). The plan provides coverage to students on a nationwide preferred provider organization (PPO) network. Plan coverage includes primary and emergency care, major medical coverage, a prescription plan, eye care, mental health benefits and many other services.

When making your decision for health insurance, especially for those with pre-existing medical conditions, we encourage you to weigh plan cost versus benefits associated with other insurance plans, particularly regarding mental health coverage. Please be aware there is no student health services clinic on either the Boston or Grafton Campus.

Students with a qualifying event should contact saha-admin@tufts.edu for 2022-2023 plan information.

Information on the 2023-2024 Plan

For 2023-2024 plan details, please refer to the following documents:

Plan Semester Annual
Individual* $3,582 $7,164
Two Person $7,143.50 $14,287
Family Tier 1
(Student + Spouse + 1 child OR Student + 2 or more children)		 $10,705 $21,410
Family Tier 2
(Student + Spouse + 2 or more children)		 $14,266.50 $28,533

Students who wish to add eligible dependent(s) and domestic partners must first enroll in the individual plan, then log into their UHCSR MyAccount to add dependent(s). Please note students must create a UHCSR MyAccount in order to access account services.

Once enrolled, you can create a UHCSR MyAccount at www.uhcsr.com/tuftshealthsciences to see all claims, view/print an health insurance ID card, find Providers, Pharmacies and add eligible dependent(s). There is also a Mobile App available to access your account.

Health Insurance ID Cards can be accessed via MyAccount. An email will be sent within 48 hours of enrollment being processed. 

Selecting a Primary Care Physician (PCP)

It is recommended that all students select a PCP whether you enroll or waive the school health insurance. The Boston Medical Resources and Grafton Medical Resources List  provides locations to search for a PCP as well as other Medical Resources.

  • Students must waive or enroll in the student health insurance plan prior to their start date as a new student, and then again every academic year.

    Selecting a Primary Care Physician (PCP)

    It is recommended that all students select a PCP whether you enroll or waive the school health insurance. The Boston Medical Resources list and the Grafton Medical Resources list provides locations to search for a PCP as well as other Medical Resources.

    Enrolling in Coverage

    Students who choose to enroll in the student health insurance plan are required to use their new 7 digit ID number, this number can be found on your Tufts ID card or by logging into SIS.

    Students who enroll in this plan will receive an email from UnitedHealthcare StudentResources (UHCSR) with information regarding your electronic health insurance card, the Certificate of Coverage and other important plan details.

    Students may add eligible dependent(s): spouse, domestic partner, and children under the age of 26 for an additional cost. Students must first enroll online in the Individual plan, then add dependent(s) within their UHCSR MyAccount.

    Waiving Coverage

    Students may waive the school offered health insurance if they are covered by a separate policy through a partner, parent, or self. Alternate plans must meet or exceed the minimum state requirements set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. To determine if your coverage meets the minimum state requirements see section 8.05 of the Student Health Insurance Program Regulation (SHIP).  We recommend considering these items when choosing an alternate plan: access, benefits, and cost.

    Waiving with Massachusetts Health Connector (MassHealth)

    Students may waive coverage with a MassHealth plan. To check eligibility status visit  https://www.mass.gov/how-to/check-member-eligibility. Once eligibility status is complete, enrollment and plan options should be reviewed in order to choose a plan that meet your healthcare needs.

    Newly Accepted Students
    Students who begin their program in late August or September must complete their Enrollment or Waiver online. Students will be notified via email when these sites become active for Open Enrollment.

    Students who matriculate at any other time of the year must complete a paper Enrollment or Waiver Form, and submit it to the SAHA office.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students
    All current students must either waive or enroll in the student health insurance plan by August 1st of each academic year. Students will be notified via email when these sites become active for Open Enrollment.

    Students who wish to add eligible dependent(s): spouse, domestic partner, and children under the age of 26 must first enroll online in the individual plan, then log into their UHCSR MyAccount to add dependent(s). Please note students must create a UHCSR MyAccount in order to access account services.

    Refer to the Enroll Dependents Online Flyer for instructions on how to add dependent(s) and submit payment within your UCHSR MyAccount.

    Enrolling after September 1st

    Current students who wish to enroll in the UnitedHealthcare StudentResources plan, or add eligible dependents, after September 1st can only do so with a Qualifying Event. Eligible dependent(s) are: spouse, domestic partner, and children under the age of 26. Students who wish to add eligible dependent(s) and domestic partners must first enroll in the individual plan, once enrolled an link will be sent from UCHSR to submit payment and to add dependent(s).

    Qualifying Events include: change in marital status, birth or adoption of a child, or loss of coverage through no fault of your own. Coverage will begin the day after the Qualifying Event. The following items must be submitted within 30 days of the Qualifying Event.

    • Enrollment Form
    • Proof of Loss of Coverage: Document from your current insurance company, confirming: (1) verification of previous coverage; (2) the reason for cancellation, and (3) the date of cancellation.
    • Payment: Payment is prorated monthly, based on the effective enrollment date. Full payment must be made at the time of application for the remainder of the current semester and next semester, if applicable.

    Please email the SAHA Office for the cost and a Verification of Payment Form.

    Waiving after September 1st

    Students who enroll in the UnitedHealthcare StudentResources plan effective September 1st, but obtain alternate qualifying coverage during the academic year can cancel their spring semester coverage March 1st - August 31st during the 2nd Waiver Period in November.

    Students have two (2) waiver periods during the year to waive the school health insurance plan. Waiver Period 1 will occur during Open Enrollment, June 1st – August 31st to waive for the year. Waiver Period 2 will occur November 1st – February 1st to waive spring semester coverage March 1st – August 31st, for those who enrolled in the fall and now have found alternate coverage.

    To determine if your alternate coverage meets the minimum state requirements based on the State Law under section 8.05: Student Health Insurance Program Regulations.

    To complete the Health Insurance Waiver during the 2nd waiver period, use your insurance card to enter the required information on the Health Insurance Waiver. Form must be submitted no later than February 1st Forms that are submitted after February 1st will not be processed for the spring semester coverage period. All questions on the waiver must be answered in order for your waiver to be approved. Once approved, you will receive an e-mail confirmation and your student account will be credited for the spring semester health insurance charge for March 1st - August 31st.

  • UnitedHealthcare StudentResources, offers many products and services in addition to health insurance and prescription benefits. This Resources Guide for insured students includes:

    • To find a Medical and/or Behavioral Health Provider, go to UHCSR site and select Find Providers and select the appropriate link. To narrow your search you can enter your zip code and other criteria to find a doctor.
    • HealthiestYou - 

      UnitedHealthcare StudentResources partnered with HealthiestYou, an innovative nationwide telehealth service, to provide you with round‐the‐clock access to board‐certified physicians via phone and/or video chat. You may be offered a consultation, diagnosis and treatment plan via phone and/or video chat with a licensed MD. If a medication is prescribed, the prescription will be sent electronically to your preferred pharmacy. This service is especially helpful for common illnesses (bronchitis, strep throat, pink eye, etc.). HealthiestYou also offers Geo‐Fencing via the HealthiestYou smart phone app. If you are ever in an Emergency Room or Urgent Care Center, you could receive a notification on your smart phone reminding you of this benefit. *Telephone services and/or video chat availability is determined by state requirements.

      Disclaimer: HealthiestYou is not health insurance. HealthiestYou is designed to complement, and not replace, the care you receive from your primary care physician. HealthiestYou physicians are an independent network of doctors who advise, diagnose, and prescribe at their own discretion. HealthiestYou physicians provide cross coverage and operate subject to state regulations. Physicians in the independent network do not prescribe DEA controlled substances, non‐therapeutic drugs and certain other drugs which may be harmful because of their potential for abuse. HealthiestYou does not guarantee that a prescription will be written. Services may vary by state.

    • HealthiestYou: Virtual Counselor Access : Starting on the effective date of your coverage under the student insurance plan, you have access to mental health providers through a national virtual counseling service.* Psychiatrists, psychologists and licensed therapists are available to you through a variety of communication methods, including phone and video. When you sign up you'll complete a questionnaire, choose your provider and select a date and time for your appointment. Appointments are available 7 days a week. Visits are secure, discreet and confidential, and you have ongoing support with the same provider. *This is not a crisis service. If you or another person may be in danger, please contact the Student Assistance Program by calling the phone number on your ID card or contact your local emergency services. The contact information for these telehealth services is included on your medical ID card. You can also access this information through My Account at uhcsr.com/myaccount.
    • Student Assistance provides immediate access to resources such as crisis specialists online resources, and legal and financial services.
    • How to access your account via the web or a Smartphone.
    • Information on mobile access to search for Providers/Doctors.
    • UHC Global connects you to medical care and other services if you experience a medical emergency while traveling or studying 100 miles or more from campus or home.

Deadlines and Requirements - by school or program

  • Newly Accepted Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline. Students are required to enroll by going to UHCSR or waive by going to SIS by the deadline(s) listed below:

    • IS Program – December 1, 2022*
    • DPG, MS and GPR Programs – June 1, 2023*
    • DMD Program - June 1, 2023*

    *Students who start mid-year must either complete a paper enrollment or waiver form. Forms will be emailed to students.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students in all programs

    To enroll in or waive the school offered plan during the year, email the SAHA Office.

  • Newly Accepted Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline. Students are required to enroll by going to UHCSR or waive by going to SIS by the deadline(s) listed below:

    • MD/PhD Program - June 1, 2023*
    • Maine Track Program - June 1, 2023*
    • MD and MD/MPH Programs - June 1, 2023*

    *Students who start mid-year must either complete a paper enrollment or waiver form. Forms will be emailed to students.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students in all programs

    To enroll in or waive the school offered plan during the year, email the SAHA Office.

  • Newly Accepted Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline. Students are required to enroll by going to UHCSR or waive by going to SIS by the deadline(s) listed below:

    • January Session - December 1, 2022*
    • May Summer Session - May 1, 2023*
    • July Summer Session - June 1, 2023*
    • MBS Program – May 1, 2023*
    • MPH – August 1, 2023*

    *Students who start mid-year must either complete a paper enrollment or waiver form. Forms will be emailed to students.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students in all programs

    To enroll in or waive the school offered plan during the year, email the SAHA Office.

  • Newly Accepted Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline. Students are required to enroll or waive by completing an Enrollment or Waiver Form and submitting it by the deadline given:

    • PA Program - December 1, 2022

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students

    To enroll in or waive the school offered plan during the year, email the SAHA Office.

  • Newly Accepted Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline. Students are required to enroll or waive by completing an Enrollment or Waiver Form and submitting it by the deadline given:

    • DPT-AZ - April 3, 2023
    • DPT-Boston - April 3, 2023

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students

    To enroll in or waive the school offered plan during the year, email the SAHA Office.

  • Newly Accepted Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline. Students are required to enroll going to UHCSR or waive by going to SIS by the deadline(s) listed below:

    • January Session - December 1, 2022*
    • All other Nutrition Programs - August 1, 2023

    *Students who start mid-year must either complete a paper enrollment or waiver form. Forms will be emailed to students.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students in all programs

    To enroll in or waive the school offered plan during the year, email the SAHA Office.

  • Newly Accepted Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline. Students are required to enroll by going to UHCSR or waive by going to SIS by the deadline(s) listed below:

    • July Program – June 1, 2023*
    • September Program - August 1, 2023

    *Students who start mid-year must either complete a paper enrollment or waiver form. Forms will be emailed to students.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students in all programs

    To enroll in or waive the school offered plan during the year, email the SAHA Office.

  • Newly Accepted Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline. Students are required to enroll by going to UHCSR or waive by going to http://go.tufts.edu/sis by the deadline(s) listed below:

    • DVM/MPH Program - June 1, 2023*
    • DVM  Program - August 1, 2023
    • PhD, MAPP, MCM and MS – August 1, 2023*
    • May Ross Program - May 1, 2023*
    • September Ross Program - August 1, 2023

    *Students who start mid-year must either complete a paper enrollment or waiver form. Forms will be emailed to students.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students in all programs

    To enroll in or waive the school offered plan during the year, email the SAHA Office.