Plan Cost, Deadlines, and Payment Options (SHIP)
Here’s what you need to know about the cost of the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), key deadlines, coverage dates, and payment options.
Plan Cost
For the 2025–2026 academic year, the cost of SHIP depends on your coverage period. This amount is billed to your student account in early July (or at the time of enrollment if you join mid-year).
Coverage Term | Cost | Coverage Dates | Typically For |
|---|---|---|---|
Annual (2025–2026) | $4,693 | Aug 20, 2025 – Aug 19, 2026 | Most full-year students |
Spring/Summer 2026 | $2,955 | Jan 1, 2026 – Aug 19, 2026 | Students starting in January |
Summer 2026 | $1,247 | May 15, 2026 – Aug 19, 2026 | Students starting in summer |
Note: Students enrolled in SHIP are also charged the mandatory Student Health and Wellness Fee, which supports on-campus health and counseling services. This fee is separate from SHIP and cannot be waived. Tufts also offers optional tuition insurance, which can help reimburse tuition, housing, and fees if you withdraw for medical reasons. Tuition insurance is also separate from health insurance.
Waiver and Enrollment Deadlines
All students enrolled in a degree-granting residential program are automatically enrolled in SHIP and charged the premium — unless you submit a waiver showing proof of comparable health insurance coverage.
You must submit your waiver by the deadlines below to receive a credit for SHIP:
Enrollment Term | Waiver Submission Period |
|---|---|
Academic Year (Fall/Spring/Summer) | June 1 – July 31 |
Spring/Summer (new students) | Nov 1 – Dec 15 |
Summer Only (new students) | April 1 – May 15 |
Important: Waivers must be submitted each year. Your waiver does not carry over to future years. For more information visit our Using Private Insurance & Waiving SHIP page.
Policy Dates
Your SHIP coverage period depends on your enrollment term:
- Full Academic Year: Aug 20, 2025 – Aug 19, 2026
- Spring/Summer Only: Jan 1, 2026 – Aug 19, 2026
- Summer Only: May 15, 2026 – Aug 19, 2026
If you experience a qualifying life event (QLE) — such as losing other health insurance — you may be eligible to enroll in SHIP mid-year. You must contact studenthealthinsurance@tufts.edu within 60 days of losing coverage and provide documentation.
Payment Plan Option
Tufts offers a convenient payment plan through Transact, which you can use to pay your SHIP premium — along with tuition and other charges — in monthly installments. You can split your semester bill into five equal monthly payments. This is available on a per-semester basis through your eBill account in SIS. (Invited Viewer access is required for external users.)
Enrollment Periods
- Fall Semester Plan: July 1 – August 31
- Spring Semester Plan: Opens November 1
Financial Assistance
- For financial assistance resources, visit Help & Contacts.
Questions
We’re here to help you understand your options and meet your deadlines!