Health Insurance at Tufts

What You Need to Know About Health Insurance 

If you are a full-time or half-time student in a residential program, you must have health insurance that meets Massachusetts minimum coverage standards. 

You can meet this requirement in one of two ways: 

• Enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) offered by Tufts
• Use your own U.S.-based health insurance and waive SHIP 

If you waive SHIP, you still need to keep your private insurance active all year. The waiver must be submitted every year through your SIS account.  

How the SHAW Fee and Health Insurance Work Together 

The SHAW fee and health insurance are not the same thing. 

• The SHAW fee is a required fee that covers most on-campus care at Health Service and Counseling and Mental Health Service, including telehealth visits.
• Health insurance (either SHIP or your own plan) is required for hospital care, specialists, and other services not fully covered by the SHAW fee. 

Even if you waive SHIP, you still have to pay the SHAW fee. Learn more about what the SHAW fee covers on the SHAW Fee page.  

Your Options for Health Insurance 

Take time to review your options and choose what works best for you. 

Option 1: Enroll in SHIP 

SHIP is a full health insurance plan provided through Tufts. Vision coverage is included as part of SHIP. On the SHIP page, you can learn what SHIP covers (including vision), how to enroll, costs and deadlines, and how to use your SHIP coverage. 

Option 2: Use Your Own Insurance & Waive SHIP 

If you already have U.S.-based insurance that meets Massachusetts standards, you can waive SHIP. On the Using Private Insurance & Waiving SHIP page, you can learn what counts as acceptable insurance, how to waive SHIP, how billing works if you use private insurance, and where to get help.

Other Plans and Fees 

Tufts also offers optional plans and explains required fees that support your health and education: 

• Vision Insurance (included with SHIP): Vision coverage is already part of SHIP. Learn more about what it includes on the Vision Insurance page.
• Student Dental Insurance (optional): Separate dental coverage is available if you choose to enroll. Learn more on the Dental Insurance page.
• Tuition Insurance (optional): Coverage that can help protect your tuition if you need to withdraw for medical or other covered reasons. Learn more on the Tuition Insurance page.  

Have Questions? 

Health insurance and fees can be confusing — but we’re here to help.

Visit the Help & Contacts page to find the right office to contact, business hours, and additional resources that can answer your questions about SHIP, waivers, billing, and more.