AS&E Students
Arts and Sciences, Engineering, SMFA at Tufts
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AS&E Students
Arts and Sciences, Engineering, SMFA at Tufts
Health and Wellness

How to Use Your Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

Your Tufts Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) helps cover your medical, mental health, and preventive care needs — both while you’re at Tufts and anywhere in the U.S. We know health insurance can feel complicated, but we’re here to make it easier. This page gives you an overview of how your plan works, with links to more detailed guides on specific topics.  

Taking a few minutes to understand your insurance can help you pay less by using in-network providers, avoid unexpected bills, and get the most out of your benefits. Before you schedule care, review the sections below to see how it all works.

Using In-Network Providers

Learn what “in-network” means, why it saves you money, and how to find in-network doctors and facilities.

Before You Get Care

What to do before your appointment to save money, avoid surprises, and make sure your insurance is used correctly.

After You Get Care

How insurance billing works, how to read your EOB, and what to do if you have questions about charges.

Manage Your Insurance Online

Use the UHCSR app and website to access your ID card, track claims, check benefits and coverage details, and find in-network providers.

Certificate of Coverage and Reimbursement

How to get a Certificate of Coverage or request reimbursement if you paid out of pocket.

Using Your Coverage Abroad

How your SHIP benefits work overseas and what steps to take before you travel.

Coordination of Benefits

If you’re covered by more than one health insurance plan — such as the Tufts SHIP and a parent’s plan — it’s important to understand how Coordination of Benefits (COB) works. At Tufts, your SHIP through UHCSR is considered your primary insurance.  

At Your Appointment

  • Bring both insurance cards to your appointment.
  • Tell your provider that Tufts SHIP is your primary plan.
  • The provider will:
    • Bill UHCSR first.
    • Send any remaining costs to your secondary insurance. 

After both plans process the claim, you’ll get a bill if there’s still a balance. You won’t know your final cost until both plans have processed the claim. If the provider bills the wrong plan first, the claim may be denied. If that happens, ask the provider to resubmit the claim to UHCSR as your primary insurance. 

Questions

If you’re not sure where to start or have questions, we’re here to help you at Help and Contacts.