School of Medicine

Student Health Insurance

Plan Rates and Coverage for 2024-2025

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. 

Health Insurance 101

Visit UHCSR's Help Center | UnitedHealthcare Student Resources (uhcsr.com) where we have FAQs, Glossary, Health Insurance 101, and help videos to explain health insurance. 

Health Service Fee for the 2024-2025 academic year will be:

  • Boston in-person: $988
  • Maine Medical Track Students in-person and Maine-based GSBS in-person students: $604
  • Grafton Cummings in-person students: $1,114
  • Students in fully hybrid or virtual academic programs will only pay the SAHA fee of $250. 

In each case, the Health Service Fee includes the SAHA fee, which remains unchanged at $250. The Health Service fee will be divided and billed equally between the fall and spring semesters.

The updated Health Service Fee covers office visits at CCW for in-person Boston Students and office visits at Student Health Services for Grafton Students. However, fees for additional services may be billed to either your health insurance or your Bursar’s account. 

Information on the 2024-2025 Plan

For 2024-2025 plan details, please refer to the following documents:

PlanSemesterAnnual
Individual*$4,134$8,268
Two Person$8, 231$16,462
Family Tier 1
(Student + Spouse + 1 child OR Student + 2 or more children)		$12,328$21,656
Family Tier 2
(Student + Spouse + 2 or more children)		$16,425$32,850

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 a 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. 

Waiver Periods

Students have two (2) waiver periods during the year to waive the school health insurance plan. Students can only waive during Open Enrollment or during the 2nd waiver period.

  • Waiver Period 1: will occur during Open Enrollment, June 1st – August 31st to waive for the year. Instructions will be emailed on how to waive coverage. 
  • 2nd Waiver Period: 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. See below for more information regarding the 2nd waiver period. 

2nd Waiver Period

This waiver period is for students that are currently enrolled in the school health insurance plan, that have found alternate coverage and wish to waive their spring semester coverage, March 1st – August 31st.

  • 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.
  • If you are enrolled in the school health insurance and do not wish to waive, no action is required. 

To complete the Health Insurance Waiver during the 2nd waiver period, use your insurance card to enter the required information to complete the health insurance waiver. Forms 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.

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 provider 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 each policy year and academic year.

    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.

    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.

    Students should consider the following items when choosing an alternate plan: access, benefits, and cost. Per state and university policy, outside plans:

    • REQUIRED to have coverage for both preventative and emergency services in the state of Massachusetts.
    • Students enrolled Maine Track (2nd -4th year students) and DPT programs are required to have coverage in the state in which you reside in.
    • You will not be able to waive coverage with (including, but not limited to):
      • A travel health insurance plan, out of state Medicaid plan, a plan that is based outside of the United States, or a plan that is not ACA compliant.
      • Discount plans that are short term or limited/indemnity that are not ACA compliant. 
    • International students who are choosing a plan to make sure it is underwritten by a U.S. based provider and avoid travel insurance plans marketed to students.

    Waiver Periods

    Students have two (2) waiver periods during the year to waive the school health insurance plan. Students can only waive during Open Enrollment or during the 2nd waiver period.

    • Waiver Period 1: will occur during Open Enrollment, June 1st – August 31st to waive for the year. Instructions will be emailed on how to waive coverage. 
    • 2nd Waiver Period: 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. See below for more information regarding the 2nd waiver period. 

    2nd Waiver Period

    This waiver period is for students that are currently enrolled in the school health insurance plan, that have found alternate coverage and wish to waive their spring semester coverage, March 1st – August 31st.

    • 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.
    • If you are enrolled in the school health insurance and do not wish to waive, no action is required. 

    To complete the Health Insurance Waiver during the 2nd waiver period, use your insurance card to enter the required information to complete the health insurance waiver. Forms 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.

    Change of Health Insurance Policy Mid-Year

    Students are required to submit an updated waiver, if there has been a change in health insurance policy to ensure your new coverage meets or exceed the minimum state requirements set forth by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Please contact saha-admin@tufts.edu to obtain a waiver that that will need to be completed and reviewed. SAHA will review the new health insurance policy to determine if it meets SHIP waiver requirements. 

    Waiving with Massachusetts Health Connector (MassHealth)

    Students may waive coverage with a MassHealth plan. To check eligibility status visit Eligibility for health care benefits for MassHealth, the Health Safety Net, and Children's Medical Security Plan | Mass.gov. Once eligibility status is complete, enrollment and plan options should be reviewed in order to choose a plan that meet your healthcare needs.

    Please note that most MassHealth plans require a Massachusetts address to apply, and students interested in applying should begin this process as early as possible to provide time to enroll in order to complete a waiver by the deadline provided. 

    Waiving with MaineCare: Maine Track Students 2nd - 4th year

    Maine track students can visit the official health insurance market at https://www.coverme.gov/. First year Maine Track students must have alternate coverage in the state of Massachusetts. 

    Newly Accepted Students

    New students must complete their Enrollment or Waiver online prior to their program start date. Students will be notified via email when these sites become active to enroll or waive. 

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students
    All current students must either waive or enroll in the student health insurance plan by August 1st of each policy 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.

    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.

  • 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, Coverage Periods and Requirements - by school and program

  • New Incoming Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline for the current policy year 2023-2024. 

    Students are required to enroll or waive by going to SIS by the deadline(s) listed below:

    • IS Program – December 1, 2023
    • DPG, MS and GPR Programs – June 1, 2024
    • DMD Program - June 1, 2024

    Coverage start dates are as followed for each program:

    • IS Program – January 3, 2024- August 31, 2024
    • DPG, MS and GPR Programs –  July 1, 2024- August 31, 2024
    • DMD Program – July 22, 2024- August  31, 2024

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    New incoming students are required to enroll or waive coverage for the current policy year, then again for the upcoming 2024 – 2025 academic year that runs from September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025. Information and deadlines for this open enrollment period will be emailed to students in June 2024.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students in all programs

    For information about enrolling or waiving during year email the SAHA Office.

     

     

  • New Incoming Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline for the current policy year 2023-2024. 

    Students are required to enroll or waive by going to SIS by the deadline(s) listed below:

    • MD/PhD Program - June 1, 2024
    • Maine Track Program - June 1, 2024
    • MD and MD/MPH Programs - June 1, 2024

    Coverage start dates are as followed for each program:

    • MD/PhD Program - June 16, 2024- August 31, 2024
    • Maine Track Program - July 15, 2024- August 31, 2024
    • MD and MD/MPH Programs - July 23, 2024- August 31, 2024

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    New incoming students are required to enroll or waive coverage for the current policy year, then again for the upcoming 2024 – 2025 academic year that runs from September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025. Information and deadlines for this open enrollment period will be emailed to students in June 2024.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students in all programs

    For information about enrolling or waiving during year email the SAHA Office.

  • New Incoming Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline for the current policy year 2023-2024. 

    Students are required to enroll or waive by going to SIS by the deadline(s) listed below:

    • January Session - December 1, 2023
    • Summer Session June - May 1, 2024
    • MBS Program – June 1, 2024
    • MPH – August 1, 2024

    Coverage start dates are as followed for each program:

    • January Session - January 10, 2024- August 31, 2024
    • Summer Session June - June 3, 2024- August 31, 2024
    • MBS Program – August 8, 2024 - August 31, 2024
    • MPH – September 1, 2024- August 31, 2025

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    New incoming students are required to enroll or waive coverage for the current policy year, then again for the upcoming 2024 – 2025 academic year that runs from September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025. Information and deadlines for this open enrollment period will be emailed to students in June 2024.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students in all programs

    For information about enrolling or waiving during year email the SAHA Office.

  • New Incoming Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline for the current policy year 2023-2024. 

    Students are required to enroll or waive by going to SIS by the deadline(s) listed below:

    • PA Program - December 1, 2024

    Coverage start dates are as followed for each program:

    • PA Program - January 2, 2025- August 31, 2025

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    New incoming students are required to enroll or waive coverage for the current policy year, then again for the upcoming 2025 – 2026 academic year that runs from September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2026. Information and deadlines for this open enrollment period will be emailed to students in June 2025.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students in all programs

    For information about enrolling or waiving during year email the SAHA Office.

  • New Incoming Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline for the current policy year 2023-2024. 

    Students are required to enroll or waive by going to SIS by the deadline(s) listed below:

    • Boston - May 1, 2024
    • Phoenix - May 1, 2024
    • Seattle - August 1, 2024

    Coverage start dates are as followed for each program:

    • Boston - June 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024
    • Phoenix - June 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024
    • Seattle - September 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    New incoming students starting before September are required to enroll or waive coverage for the current policy year, then again for the upcoming 2024 – 2025 academic year that runs from September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025. Information and deadlines for this open enrollment period will be emailed to students in June 2024.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students in all programs

    For information about enrolling or waiving during year email the SAHA Office.

  • New Incoming Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline for the current policy year 2023-2024. 

    Students are required to enroll or waive by going to SIS by the deadline(s) listed below:

    • January Session - December 1, 2024
    • All other Nutrition Programs - August 1, 2024

    Coverage start dates are as followed for each program:

    • January Session - January 16, 2024- August 31, 2024
    • All other Nutrition Programs - September 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    New incoming students starting before September are required to enroll or waive coverage for the current policy year, then again for the upcoming 2024 – 2025 academic year that runs from September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025. Information and deadlines for this open enrollment period will be emailed to students in June 2024.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students in all programs

    For information about enrolling or waiving during year email the SAHA Office.

  • New Incoming Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline for the current policy year 2023-2024. 

    Students are required to enroll or waive by going to SIS by the deadline(s) listed below:

    • July Program – June 1, 2024
    • September Program - August 1, 2024

    Coverage start dates are as followed for each program:

    • July Program – July 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024
    • September Program - September 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    New incoming students starting before September are required to enroll or waive coverage for the current policy year, then again for the upcoming 2024 – 2025 academic year that runs from September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025. Information and deadlines for this open enrollment period will be emailed to students in June 2024.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students in all programs

    For information about enrolling or waiving during year email the SAHA Office.

  • New Incoming Students

    Information regarding health insurance options will be emailed to students approximately two months prior to your deadline for the current policy year 2023-2024. 

    Students are required to enroll or waive by going to SIS by the deadline(s) listed below:

    • Ross and St. George's Program - May 1, 2024
    • PhD, MAPP, MCM and MS – June 1, 2024
    • DVM and DVM/MPH Program - August 1, 2024
    • September Ross Program - August 1, 2024

    Coverage start dates are as followed for each program:

    • Ross and St. George's Program - June 1, 2024 - August 31, 2024
    • PhD, MAPP, MCM and MS – August 26, 2024- August 31, 2024
    • DVM and DVM/MPH Program - September 1, 2024- August 31, 2024
    • September Ross Program - September 1, 2024- August 31, 2024

    IMPORTANT INFORMATION

    New incoming students starting before September are required to enroll or waive coverage for the current policy year, then again for the upcoming 2024 – 2025 academic year that runs from September 1, 2024 – August 31, 2025. Information and deadlines for this open enrollment period will be emailed to students in June 2024.

    Currently Registered/Enrolled Students in all programs

    For information about enrolling or waiving during year email the SAHA Office.