Health Requirements and Insurance FAQ
Do I need health insurance?
Yes, Boston University requires that all full-time, certified full-time, and part-time students that are enrolled for at least 75% of the fulltime course load, and all international students with visa codes J-1 and F-1, and J-2 and F-2 be covered by an approved health insurance plan. Students will be automatically enrolled in Boston University’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) at the BASIC level, with the option to upgrade to the PLUS plan level. BU SHIP is provided by Aetna Student Health and the annual premium for the cost of the BU insurance plan will appear on each semester bill for students who are automatically enrolled.
Can I waive the BU medical insurance plan?
Yes, if you have your own ACA compliant health plan which provides comprehensive coverage in the Boston area, you may submit a Medical Insurance Waiver by the open enrollment deadline. Waivers of SHIP apply to the current plan year only.
To learn more about if your plan meets the waiver requirements and how to submit a waiver, please visit the “Waiving SHIP” section of the Student Health Services website.
What are the requirements if I waive BU health insurance?
If you wish to waive the BU medical insurance for a different medical insurance option, students are required to have comparable coverage. Requirements to qualify as comparable coverage are:
Required services must be provided at a location within reasonable distance to the Greater Boston Area. Health plans with a closed network of providers and accessible for only emergency services are not acceptable
- No lifetime dollar limit on coverage
- United States based company
- Preventive care coverage without co-insurance
- Primary care coverage
- Emergency room coverage
- Coverage for surgery (in hospital and out-patient)
- Coverage for hospital stays
- Coverage for out-patient medical visits (ex. Specialist visits)
- Coverage for outpatient mental health visits including substance abuse (ex. Counseling or psychiatry visits)
- Coverage for mental health hospitalization
- Coverage for prescription drugs
To learn more about if your plan meets the waiver requirements and how to submit a waiver, please visit the “Waiving SHIP” section of the Student Health Services website.
Health Requirements and Immunization Records
- In order to ensure the health of the entire student community and comply with state regulations, Boston University requires that you provide documentation of your immunization records before you matriculate at BU. You may be unable to register for classes if you do not submit the required Health and Immunization forms.
- Start by visiting our Health Requirements Guide. You will be asked a few questions to help guide you to the correct forms. Once you complete all of the required forms, you will be prompted to upload your forms to the patient portal.
- Please check out our website to see a comprehensive list of all of our services along with a guide to navigate SHS services.