Domestic Students with Insurance Coverage

Prior to first attendance at the University and annually thereafter, all students registered at least half-time (undergraduates with 6 or more credits; graduates with 5 or more credits) must complete the online student health insurance enrollment/ waiver process.  Students are required to carry health insurance coverage through the University-sponsored plan or through an alternative plan comparable in nature. 

What do I have to do?

Students with other health insurance coverage must sign an online waiver demonstrating coverage comparable to the University-sponsored plan by the end of the "Drop/Add" period each semester. Students who fail to complete the online enrollment/waiver process prior to the annual deadline will be subject to mandatory enrollment in the student health insurance plan (SHIP) and billing of the annual premium amount to their student account upon close of the Course Registration “Drop/Add” Period. Once enrolled in the plan, removal will be at the discretion of the insurance plan, and may include a processing fee of $25.00.

Please note: A waiver providing proof of coverage must be signed every year (fall semester.)  It is the student’s responsibility to notify the Insurance Coordinator of any changes in health insurance coverage during the academic year.

Click here to waive out of the University-sponsored health insurance plan.

What does "comparable coverage" mean?

Comparable coverage means that students' personal health insurance plan must offer equivalent or greater benefits than what the SHIP offers. The minimum requirements are:

• Coverage for pre-existing conditions
• Annual deductible of $2,500 or less
• Accident/illness coverage of at least $100,000 per year
• Coverage for inpatient and outpatient medical services
• Coverage for laboratory tests and radiology
• Inpatient and outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment care up to 30 days
• Coverage for the purchase of medications (can be a separate plan)

You must verify that the basic benefits provided by the USciences SHIP are included in your current health insurance policy. If ANY of these benefits are not covered through your current policy, you will not be considered sufficiently insured and will be enrolled in the SHIP.

What happens if I lose coverage?

Any student who initially waives out of the student health insurance plan but then loses coverage is eligible to enroll in the University-sponsored insurance (United Healthcare).  To obtain coverage, please contact Ms. Alicia Miller, the Insurance Coordinator by phone (215-596-8536) or by email (a.miller@usciences.edu).

The effective date of coverage under the University-sponsored plan is the date previous coverage was lost and rated will be adjusted/pro-rated accordingly.  Please note that you must be enrolled within 30 days from the date coverage was lost.

*The University reserves the right, as part of its routine auditing process, to require students to provide verifiable proof of their health insurance status upon request (i.e., summary of benefits and ID card).