Student Health and Wellness (SHAW) Fee

For the 2025–2026 academic year, the SHAW fee is $1,238. This amount is set each year by the Tufts University Board of Trustees and may change slightly from year to year. 

The SHAW fee is not health insurance.

The SHAW fee only covers services provided on campus. You still need separate health insurance — either your own plan or the Tufts Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) — to cover care that the SHAW fee does not include, such as hospital stays, specialists, or off-campus care. 

If you have more questions, check our SHAW Fee FAQ or email us at studenthealthinsurance@tufts.edu.   

What’s Covered by the SHAW Fee 

The SHAW fee covers many on-campus services and programs that support your health and well-being — at no extra cost when you use them. Services covered by the SHAW fee include:

• Unlimited primary care visits at Tufts Health Service (Medford/Somerville campus) 

• Counseling and Mental Health Services (CMHS), including telehealth 

• Health promotion and prevention programs (workshops, events, and resources) 

• C.A.R.E. support services (Center for Awareness, Resources, and Education) 

• Other wellness programs that enhance student life 

You can use these services as often as you need. You won’t be billed at your visit. 

What’s Not Covered by the SHAW Fee 

Some services are not included in the SHAW fee. You’ll need to use your health insurance (or pay out of pocket) for these: 

• Lab tests (like bloodwork) 

• Prescription medications 

• Psychiatry visits 

• Immunizations 

• X-rays and diagnostic imaging 

• Ambulance transport 

• Durable medical equipment (like crutches or braces) 

• Specialist visits, hospital care, and surgery 

If you’re unsure whether a service is covered, check the Health Service Fees or contact us — we’re happy to help.  

Who Pays the SHAW Fee 

The SHAW fee is mandatory for: 

• All undergraduate students 

• All international students (regardless of credit load) 

• Full-time graduate students 

• Approved part-time graduate students enrolled in 7 or more credits 

• Any student enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) 

If you’re not automatically charged the SHAW fee but want to use Health Service or Counseling and Mental Health Services (CMHS), email studenthealthinsurance@tufts.edu to request the fee be added to your account. 

Who Cannot Use SHAW Services 

The following are not eligible to use SHAW services, even if they have other health insurance: 

• Students on a leave of absence 

• Students who have graduated 

• Students who have voluntarily or involuntarily separated from Tufts 

• Spouses and dependents (they can use their SHIP coverage with outside providers) 

• Tufts faculty and staff 

Questions about eligibility? Email us at studenthealthinsurance@tufts.edu.   

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

Is the SHAW fee the same as health insurance? 

No. The SHAW fee is not insurance. It only covers on-campus services at Health Service, Counseling and Mental Health Services (CMHS), and wellness programs. You still need separate health insurance for hospital care, specialists, lab tests, prescriptions, and off-campus care. 

Why do I have to pay the SHAW fee if I don’t use Health Service? 

The SHAW fee supports the health of the entire Tufts community. Even if you don’t use the services, the fee helps ensure everyone has access to care when they need it. 

I already have insurance. Do I still have to pay the SHAW fee? 

Yes. All eligible students must pay the SHAW fee — regardless of personal health insurance. 

Can I waive the SHAW fee? 

No. The SHAW fee cannot be waived, refunded, or reduced. 

I waived the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Can I still use SHAW services? 

Yes. The SHAW fee covers most services at Health Service and CMHS, even if you waived SHIP. However, if you use services not covered by the SHAW fee, those charges will be billed to your SIS account. 

Will I have to pay extra for SHAW services? 

Most services are fully covered. Some — like lab tests, prescriptions, or travel vaccines — may have additional costs. See Costs and Billing.