What SHIP Covers
The Tufts Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), provided through UnitedHealthcare StudentResources (UHCSR), offers comprehensive medical, mental health, prescription, and preventive care designed to meet the needs of students. Below is an overview of what’s included. For more detailed information, see the Policy Certificate, Summary Flyer, or the Tufts UnitedHealthcare Student Resources site.
Medical Care
- Office visits with primary care providers and specialists
- Preventive and routine care (including annual physicals)
- Diagnostic tests (e.g., blood work, X-rays)
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital care
- Emergency room care
- Surgery (inpatient and outpatient)
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
Mental Health and Substance Use Services
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Psychiatric medication management
- Inpatient and partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Substance use treatment and counseling
- Telehealth through in-network providers
Gender-Affirming Care
The Tufts Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) covers a range of gender-affirming health services to support students’ well-being and gender identity.
- Gender-affirming surgeries
- Hormone therapy
- Mental health support
Coverage follows UHCSR Gender Dysphoria Treatment Guidelines and may include cost-sharing. Co-pays, deductibles, and other out-of-pocket costs may apply depending on the provider and type of service. Visit Tufts’ Gender-Affirming Care page for details about additional services and support available on campus.
Prescription Medications
- Covered when prescribed and filled at participating pharmacies
- Includes generic, preferred brand-name, and non-preferred brand-name drugs
Birth Control and Family Planning
- Coverage for all 18 FDA-approved birth control methods
- Contraceptive counseling, prescriptions, and management
- Up to a 12-month supply of hormonal birth control
- Emergency contraception (Plan B and ella)
Immunizations
The Tufts Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) covers many common vaccines, including the ones required by Tufts.
What’s Covered
- SHIP covers routine vaccines, like flu shots, Tdap, and MMR.
- SHIP also covers all immunizations required to attend Tufts.
What’s Not Covered
- Vaccines needed only for travel or work (like yellow fever or TB tests for a job) are usually not covered.
- You would need to pay out of pocket for these vaccines.
To see the cost of vaccines offered at Tufts Health Service (SHAW), visit go.tufts.edu/HSfees.
Where to Get Vaccines
You can get your vaccines at Tufts Health Service or at a local in-network pharmacy.
To find a pharmacy near you:
- Go to uhcsr.com/tufts
- Click on Find a Pharmacy
Nearby CVS Locations (In-Network)
- CVS at 85 High Street, Medford
- CVS at 1 Davis Square, Somerville
Before You Go:
- Call ahead to make sure they have the vaccine you need
- Ask if you need an appointment
- Bring your UHCSR insurance card so they can bill your insurance
Preventive and Routine Care
- Immunizations
- Routine screenings (e.g., Pap tests, mammograms, cholesterol, diabetes)
- Birth control and family planning services
Note: Preventive care recommendations can change over time. See Healthcare.gov Preventive Care Benefits and UHCSR Preventive Care Guidelines.
Emergency and Urgent Care
- Emergency room visits nationwide (subject to copay and deductible)
- Urgent care centers and walk-in clinics
Allergy Services
SHIP covers:
- Allergy testing (e.g., PRIST, RAST, skin scratch tests)
- Allergy injections
- Allergy serum extracts
For the lowest out-of-pocket costs, use in-network providers. If you’re unsure about coverage, contact UHCSR at 1-888-224-4752 or studenthealthinsurance@tufts.edu.
Chiropractic Care
Chiropractic care is covered, including:
- Spinal manipulation (adjustments)
- Lab tests ordered by your chiropractor
- Diagnostic imaging (e.g., X-rays, CT scans)
Visits are subject to the same copays and coverage rules as other outpatient care. Some services may require prior approval.
Chiropractic Services Using In-Network Providers
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is covered, subject to plan copays and medical necessity.
TMJ Disorder (Temporomandibular Joint)
- Diagnostic X-rays
- Medically necessary surgery
- Splint therapy
- Physical therapy
Note: TMJ appliances for dental or cosmetic purposes are not covered.
Vision and Dental Insurance
SHIP includes limited medical vision and dental coverage.
- Students are automatically enrolled in EyeMed for routine vision care.
- Students can opt into Delta Dental for routine dental care.
Questions
If you’re unsure whether a service is covered:
- Call: UHCSR at 1-888-224-4752
- Visit: uhcsr.com/tufts
- Email: studenthealthinsurance@tufts.edu