- Home
- Health Services
- Billing
- Insurance
Student Health Insurance Plan
MA Health Insurance Requirement
In accordance with the Massachusetts Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP), students enrolled in at least 75% of a full-time curriculum at any Massachusetts institution of higher education must participate in a school-sponsored student health insurance plan (SHIP) or provide proof of comparable coverage. Eligible students are automatically billed for the SHIP.
Student Blue Cross Blue Shield (BSBS) Plan Overview
UMass Boston partners with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) to provide health insurance coverage for students. All students billed for the plan must either:
- Confirm Enrollment
- Waive the Plan by submitting proof of comparable coverage via WISER.
Non-action will result in automatic enrollment.
Eligibility
- Undergraduate Students: Enrolled in 9+ credits.
- Graduate Students: Enrolled in 7+ credits.
- International Students: Automatically enrolled if taking 1+ credit and cannot waive unless covered by an embassy-sponsored plan, acceptable US-based insurance, or a Massachusetts Connector Plan that includes medical evacuation and repatriation.
Undergraduates enrolled in fewer than 9 credits may be eligible to purchase health insurance. Email bursar@umb.edu for details.
For eligibility inquiries, contact the Bursar's Office.
Plan Highlights
- Nationwide Provider Network: Access BCBS's extensive network. Click here.
- Use UMass Boston UHS as a Primary Care Provider (PCP): No deductible for covered services at UHS.
- No Coinsurance: Lab services at UHS are not subject to coinsurance.
- No Co-Payments: Services at UHS do not require copays.
- Vision Benefits: One routine eye exam every 24 months. Additional VSP Vision Care Plan available.
- Voluntary Dental Plan: Optional dental coverage is available. Click here for details.
For a full list of benefits and coverage, visit: BCBSMA Benefits (2024-2025).
Obtaining Your Insurance Card
Once enrolled, BCBS will mail your insurance card. If the card does not arrive, you can still access medical services as long as you are in the BCBS eligibility system.
- Lost Insurance Card? Contact BCBS at 888-753-6615 to request a placement.
How to Waive the Student Health Plan
Students must waive the annual health insurance before being charged. To waive:
- Log into WISER.
- Navigate to "My E-Forms" > "Health Insurance Waiver."
- Enter the required information.
- Submit the form before the billing due date.
Fall Health Insurance Deadline: October 1st, 2024.
Spring Health Insurance Deadline: March 1st, 2025.
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