Lori Meadows
Tufts University offers health insurance coverage to its students, which is mandatory for all matriculated students of higher education in Massachusetts. Students can either enrol in the university's insurance plan or maintain private coverage, provided it meets or exceeds state requirements. The Tufts insurance plan covers prescription drugs, evacuation and repatriation benefits, and health services such as primary care, emergency services, surgical services, and mental health services. Students with pre-existing medical conditions are advised to consider plan costs and benefits when choosing an insurance plan. International students are required to be covered by the Tufts insurance plan unless they meet the minimum requirements as per state law. Additionally, Tufts offers dental and vision insurance plans, and students have access to global assistance and medical coverage when travelling internationally.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is required to have health insurance? | All matriculated students of higher education at Tufts University, including international students, are required to have health insurance. This is a Massachusetts state law. |
| What are the requirements for the health insurance plan? | The plan must have a valid US address, provide coverage for the full academic year, and include evacuation and repatriation benefits. It must also provide reasonably comprehensive coverage of health services, including primary care, emergency services, surgical services, hospitalization benefits, ambulatory patient services, and mental health services. These services must be reasonably accessible in the area where the student is attending school. |
| Can students waive the Tufts health insurance plan? | Yes, students can waive the Tufts health insurance plan if they have a separate policy that meets certain requirements. The policy must be through a U.S.-based insurance company and provide coverage that is comparable to the Tufts student health plan. The waiver process must be completed annually. |
| What happens if a student does not have health insurance? | Students who do not have health insurance will be automatically enrolled and billed for the Tufts student health insurance plan. |
| Are there any additional fees associated with health insurance? | There is a mandatory Health and Wellness fee for all undergraduate and graduate students who are enrolled full-time or at least half-time. This fee includes the SAHA fee, which is $250 for students in fully hybrid or virtual academic programs. |
| Are there any alternative insurance options? | Yes, students can purchase alternative health insurance plans from companies such as Aonstudentinsurance.com, which offers plans that meet the requirements of Tufts University and are typically cheaper than the university's offering. |
| What is the process for enrolling or waiving health insurance? | Students can enroll or waive coverage through their SIS account on the Bills & Balances tab. For assistance, students can contact the Insurance Coordinator at [email protected] or the SAHA Office. |
| What is the cost of health insurance at Tufts University? | The cost of health insurance varies depending on the plan chosen. Students can expect to be billed for the insurance through their tuition fees. There may also be additional costs associated with lab tests, immunizations, and orthopedic visits, depending on the insurance plan. |
| Are there any travel considerations for students with health insurance? | Students are advised to carry their student insurance ID card when traveling. When traveling internationally, they may need to pay for services upfront and then seek reimbursement. Tufts Global Education participants have access to global assistance and medical coverage at no additional cost. |
| Does Tufts University offer any additional insurance plans? | Tufts University offers dental and vision insurance plans, including pediatric care options. These plans may also include coverage for prescription drugs but typically do not cover Over-The-Counter medications. |
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What You'll Learn
International students
Tufts University offers its own health insurance plan, and international students are required to be covered by this plan unless they meet the minimum requirements as required by law. This means that students can choose an alternative health insurance plan, as long as it meets state and university requirements. This includes having coverage for both preventative and emergency services in the state of Massachusetts, and it must be administered in the U.S. as international policies cannot be accepted.
Tufts University's health insurance plan meets the Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements, and students must also ensure that any alternative plan does so too. This means that the plan must provide coverage for a wide range of health care and medical benefits. Students can request a waiver of the Tufts student health insurance plan by submitting proof of comparable coverage from a U.S. carrier. This waiver process must be completed annually, and students can do so through their SIS account.
Students can also seek advice from the Student Insurance office by emailing [email protected]. Here, students can ask questions about the Tufts student health insurance plan and the insurance waiver process. Students can also contact Aon, a reputable insurance company offering insurance services at affordable rates to international students.
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Private health insurance
All students at Tufts University are required by Massachusetts state law to have health insurance coverage. While Tufts offers a student health insurance plan, students can choose to keep their private health insurance coverage as long as it meets or exceeds the minimum state requirements.
Minimum Requirements for Private Health Insurance
To be eligible for a waiver from the Tufts student health insurance plan, private health insurance coverage must meet the following minimum requirements:
- The insurance policy must be through a U.S.-based insurance company and comparable to the Tufts student health plan.
- The insurance must provide coverage for both preventative and emergency services in the state of Massachusetts.
- The insurance must have a valid U.S. address. International policies are not accepted.
- The insurance must provide reasonably comprehensive coverage of health services, including primary care, emergency services, surgical services, hospitalization benefits, ambulatory patient services, and mental health services. These services must be reasonably accessible in the area where the student attends school.
- The insurance must provide coverage for the full academic year, as well as evacuation and repatriation benefits.
Waiver Process for Private Health Insurance
Students with private health insurance who wish to waive the Tufts student health insurance plan must complete the Health Insurance Waiver on their SIS account on the Bills & Balances tab. This waiver process is required annually and is typically available from June 1st to July 31st. It is important to note that the waiver does not exempt undergraduate students from the mandatory Health and Wellness fee.
Benefits of Private Health Insurance
Students with private health insurance can access a range of benefits, including:
- Access to a network of \"in-network providers\" or mental health professionals whose services are covered by the insurance policy.
- Coverage for prescription drugs (although Over-The-Counter medications may not be included).
- Assistance with scheduling doctor visits, accessing insurance IDs, and filing claims.
- Coverage for lab tests, immunizations, and orthopedic visits and supplies.
- Coverage for travel-related services, including global assistance and medical coverage for Tufts Global Education participants at no additional cost.
Alternative Health Insurance Options
Students who do not have private health insurance or do not meet the minimum requirements can explore alternative health insurance options outside of the Tufts student health insurance plan. These options include:
- Aonstudentinsurance.com: Offers alternative health insurance products that meet the requirements of Tufts University and provides information about the required waiver.
- Student Medicover: Provides comprehensive health coverage at a low cost, with plans starting at $2.36 per day.
- OPT Health Insurance: During the Optional Practical Training (OPT) period, students on an F1 visa are eligible for affordable alternative health insurance plans.
It is important for students to carefully review the requirements and benefits of different health insurance plans to make an informed decision about their health coverage while attending Tufts University.
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Travel and reimbursement
When travelling, it is important to carry your student insurance ID card. When travelling internationally, you may need to pay for your services upfront and then seek reimbursement. You can download a claim form from the UnitedHealthcare website, which can be used for both Medical and Pharmacy claims. These should be submitted within 90 days of the service.
Tufts Global Education participants can access global assistance and medical coverage at no additional cost. You can contact Global Operations to see if you are eligible for Tufts' global assistance and medical benefits program, or email them at [email protected]. It is also important to register your university-related travel abroad using the Tufts Travel Registry.
If you have purchased the insurance plan offered through UnitedHealthCare Student Resources for Tufts University, you will be able to continue on the plan while on medical leave for up to one year from the start of your leave. However, while on medical leave, you will not be able to receive on-campus services, including Health Services and Counseling and Mental Health Services.
Tufts University offers a variety of dental and vision insurance and discount plans. These plans cover pediatric dental and vision care, except for the Basic plan. Supreme, Elite, and Prime 100 include $200 in vision coverage. The 2024-2025 Policy Year Supreme, Elite, Prime 100, and Prime 500 cover the preventive care services rendered in in-network facilities. Most college-required vaccinations are on the preventive care services list.
Tufts University requires all matriculated students of higher education to participate in a health insurance plan. Students may enrol in the student insurance plan offered by Tufts University, or maintain private coverage as long as it meets or exceeds the minimum state requirements. Students enrolled in Maine Track (2nd-4th year students) and DPT programs are required to have coverage in the state in which they reside. You will not be able to waive coverage with a travel health insurance plan, out-of-state Medicaid plan, a plan based outside of the United States, or a plan that is not ACA-compliant.
Tufts University will neither pay nor contribute towards other plans if a student elects not to take the Tufts coverage.
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Dental and vision insurance
Tufts University offers a voluntary dental insurance plan, Delta Dental PPO Plus Premier Plan, to all its students. The plan runs from January 1st to December 31st each year, with open enrollment taking place in November and a deadline of December 1st for enrollment or re-enrollment. Students must submit an enrollment form and payment, and the annual payment must be made at the time of enrollment.
Tufts University also offers a range of dental and vision insurance and discount plans to students aged 18 and above. These plans cover pediatric dental and vision care, except for the Basic plan. The Supreme, Elite, Prime 100, and Prime 500 plans include $200 in vision coverage and preventive care services rendered in in-network facilities.
Students at Tufts University are required by Massachusetts state law to have health insurance coverage. They may choose to enroll in the student insurance plan offered by the university or maintain private coverage as long as it meets or exceeds the minimum state requirements. International students are required to be covered by the student insurance plan through Tufts unless they meet the minimum requirements of plans as mandated by law.
Students with comparable insurance plans may waive the student insurance plan, but this must be done annually. The waiver process is available from June 1st to July 31st each year. Students enrolled in the university's insurance plan have access to global assistance and medical coverage at no additional cost when participating in university-related travel abroad.
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Mental health coverage
Student Health Insurance Plans:
Tufts University requires all students to have health insurance coverage. While students can choose to enrol in the university's health insurance plan, they may also opt to waive this option if they have comparable coverage from another provider. This external coverage must meet the minimum requirements set by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and Tufts University. These requirements include coverage for mental health services, ensuring that students can access the necessary support for their mental wellbeing.
Mental Health Services:
Tufts University offers mental health services through its Counselling and Mental Health Services department. These services are available to students enrolled in the Tufts student insurance plan. However, it is important to note that students on medical leave will not be able to access these on-campus services, including Counselling and Mental Health Services, even if they have the university's insurance plan.
Private Health Insurance:
Many students at Tufts University may have private health insurance plans. These plans can provide mental health coverage, and students can determine their specific benefits by contacting their insurance company directly. It is recommended to review the mental health benefits, including any yearly deductibles or coverage limits, to understand what mental health services are covered by the policy.
Alternative Health Insurance Options:
Students at Tufts University also have the option to explore alternative health insurance plans that meet the university's requirements. For example, Aonstudentinsurance.com offers plans that include access to mental health providers through their 24/7 Student Assistance Program. These alternative plans can provide mental health coverage at a lower price than the university's insurance offering.
Student Medicover:
Tufts University also works with Student Medicover to provide students with comprehensive health coverage at affordable rates. While it is not mandatory for students to purchase insurance during their time at university, it is highly recommended due to the high cost of healthcare. Student Medicover typically covers prescription drugs, and students can access their dedicated customer support team for assistance with navigating their insurance, scheduling doctor's visits, and accessing their insurance ID.
In summary, mental health coverage is a significant component of the insurance plans available to students at Tufts University. Students can choose between various options, including the university's health insurance plan, private health insurance, or alternative plans, ensuring they receive the mental health support they need during their academic journey.
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Frequently asked questions
All Tufts students are required to have health insurance coverage. Students can either enroll in the student insurance plan offered by Tufts University or maintain private coverage as long as it meets or exceeds the minimum state requirements.
The minimum requirements for insurance plans at Tufts University include reasonably comprehensive coverage of health services such as primary care, emergency services, surgical services, hospitalization benefits, ambulatory patient services, and mental health services. These services must also be reasonably accessible in the area where the student is attending school.
New incoming students at Tufts University are required to enroll or waive coverage for the current policy year. Students can enroll in the student insurance plan offered by Tufts University or waive the insurance charge if they have comparable insurance coverage from a U.S.-based insurance company. The waiver process is typically done annually through the student's SIS account.
Students at Tufts University can explore alternative health insurance options such as AonStudentInsurance.com, which offers plans that meet the university's requirements and are often cheaper than the university's offering. Students can also consider Student Medicover, which provides comprehensive health coverage at low costs, or explore other options that meet state and university requirements.
