Costs and Billing: What You’re Responsible For

When You May Have Additional Costs 

The SHAW fee covers many services at Health Service and Counseling and Mental Health Service. But you may still have to pay for: 

• Vaccines
• Some lab tests
• Prescription medications
• X-rays and diagnostic imaging
• Ambulance transport
• Durable medical equipment (like crutches or braces)
• Specialty care outside SHAW
• Hospital care and surgery 

If you have private insurance, you’ll be billed through SIS for some SHAW services. You can then submit charges to your insurance company for possible reimbursement.  

Not sure what your insurance covers? 

Contact your insurance company before your visit to ask if specific services—like lab tests, x-rays, or vaccines—are covered and if Quest Diagnostics is in-network.  

Learn more about how private insurance works at Tufts, including out-of-network details, on the Using Private Insurance & Waiving SHIP page. 

If you have the Tufts Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), many of these costs may be covered.

Questions about charges on your SIS account? Email studenthealthinsurance@tufts.edu.   

Immunizations: What’s Covered and What Costs Extra 

The cost of vaccines at Health Service depends on your health insurance and the type of vaccine: 

• Standard immunizations (like MMR, Tdap, and meningitis) may be covered if you get them from your primary care provider, but may not be covered when given at Tufts Health Service. Check with your insurance company before your appointment. 

• Travel or employment-related vaccines are typically not covered by most insurance plans. 

• If you have the Tufts Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), most immunizations are covered. 

• If you have private insurance, the cost of vaccines you receive at Health Service will be added to your SIS student account. You can download a detailed statement from the Patient Portal to submit to your insurance for possible reimbursement. 

If you have questions about the cost of a specific vaccine or how it will be billed, visit the Help & Contacts page to find the right office to assist you. 

How Laboratory Tests Are Billed 

SHAW can perform some tests in-house and sends others to an outside lab. 

In-House Tests 

• Billed to your SIS account as a general “Health Service charge.” 

• Pay through SIS or at the Bursar’s Office. 

• You can download an itemized statement from the Patient Portal if you plan to submit charges to your private insurance. Learn more on the Using Private Insurance & Waiving SHIP page. 

Tests Sent to Quest Diagnostics 

• Quest bills your insurance directly. 

• You’re responsible for copays, coinsurance, or deductibles. 

• Check with your insurance company to see if Quest is in-network. 

• If you prefer to pay Quest directly (without using insurance), tell your provider at the time of your test. 

• Quest offers financial help if you qualify — contact them at 1-844-476-7839 or visit their website. 

For more details on how private insurance works with lab testing, visit the Using Private Insurance & Waiving SHIP page.  

Understanding Your Bill 

Charges in SIS always appear as “Health Service charge” to protect your privacy. 

If you have questions about a charge, your insurance, or an explanation of benefits (EOB): 

• Visit the After You Get Care page, or 

• Email studenthealthinsurance@tufts.edu.  

For information on protecting your privacy, including options under the PATCH Act, visit the Using Private Insurance & Waiving SHIP page.  

Financial Assistance 

If you’re worried about paying for care or health insurance, help is available. 

Visit the Help & Contacts page to learn about financial assistance resources and who to contact based on your program.  

Help

We’re here to help you understand your costs, protect your privacy, and get the care you need. Contact us anytime with questions.