What’s Not Covered by SHIP
Even though the Tufts Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) covers a wide range of medical and mental health services, not everything is included. This page explains what services, supplies, and situations are excluded or limited under the plan, so you can plan ahead and avoid unexpected costs. Like all health insurance plans, SHIP has exclusions and limitations — services or situations where the plan does not pay for care, or only pays under specific conditions. These rules are standard across insurance policies and approved by Massachusetts regulators. By reviewing this page and checking your full policy certificate, you can better estimate what you may need to pay out of pocket.
Common Exclusions
Here are examples of services not covered under SHIP. This is not a complete list — always check your full policy for details.
Not Covered | Description |
|---|---|
Cosmetic procedures | Surgery or treatment for purely cosmetic purposes (unless medically necessary due to injury or congenital condition) |
Experimental treatments | Services that are investigational or not yet proven effective |
Dental care | Routine exams, cleanings, fillings, and orthodontics (except as noted for accidental injury). Learn more about optional dental insurance |
Infertility treatments | Procedures like IVF, artificial insemination, and other fertility services |
Travel vaccines for leisure | Immunizations required for personal (non-school or non-work) travel |
Over-the-counter drugs | Medications you can buy without a prescription, unless specifically covered. |
Services not medically necessary | Any service, procedure, or supply determined not medically necessary by the insurer |
Massage therapy | Not covered, though available at Tufts Health Service for an additional fee |
Examples of Limited Coverage
Some services are covered, but only under certain conditions or with specific limits:
Service | Limitation |
|---|---|
Chiropractic care | Covered only for medically necessary spinal manipulation and related diagnostic tests. Chiropractic services are available to students on campus through Health Service. |
Mental health care | Subject to Massachusetts parity laws; some levels of care may require prior authorization |
Allergy treatments | Covered when medically necessary, but not for experimental food sensitivity testing |
Durable medical equipment | Covered, but with limits on type, cost, and rental vs. purchase |
Tips
- Always check with UHCSR before scheduling a service that may not be covered.
- If you’re unsure about coverage, call UHCSR at the number on your ID card or visit uhcsr.com/tufts.
- Review your full policy certificate for the complete list of exclusions and limitations.
- Vision insurance is provided separately through EyeMed. Visit Vision Insurance for details.
- Optional dental insurance is available for routine care.
Questions
You can find the full list of exclusions and limitations in your policy certificate, available on your UHCSR account. For help or questions:
- Email: StudentHealthInsurance@tufts.edu
- Phone: See the number on your UHCSR insurance card