To comply with Massachusetts state law, all Suffolk students (domestic and international) who are enrolled in 75% of full-time academic program per semester must have health insurance.

The Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP) is a health insurance plan that meets a specific level of benefits as required by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. If you are enrolled in 75% or more credits of your academic program then you will be automatically enrolled in the SSHIP, although if you are already covered under an existing comparable U.S.-based insurance plan you can waive** the SSHIP enrollment online.

If you are already covered by a comparable insurace plan provided by a U.S. based carrier, you must complete and submit the online waiver form, annualy, in order to decline the Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP). If you do not complete this form before the last day of the Add/Drop period you will automatically be enrolled in the SSHIP for the remainder of the policy year and will be responsible for the cost of that insurance. Please make sure that you print out and save the waiver confirmation page, as this will be the only proof you have that you waived the insurance. If you are not sure if your current insurance plan is eligible, please click here for waiver eligibility.

The Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SHHIP) provides a plan to students who do not already have a plan that meets the requirements. Massachusetts law permits students to stay on their parent’s employer’s health insurance until the age of 26 while in school. In most cases this plan will provide better benefits than the SSHIP.

The SSHIP is designed to provide a cost-effective option for students in order to meet the minimum standards to comply with the law. It is important to understand this is not designed to be a comprehensive health insurance plan with benefits to cover routine preventive care. It is offered to help mitigate the potential for large health care costs of an unforeseen injury or illness. If you know you have a chronic medical condition or need ongoing or expensive care, you may best be served by purchasing an alternative plan.

If you choose to stay on your current insurance plan, you must make sure to waive the Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP). If you fail to waive the SSHIP by the deadline, you will be automatically enrolled in the SSHIP, and are charged the premium rate. Click here for more information on how to enroll or waive the SSHIP.

Dependents are required by law to have health insurance, but are not required to have the Suffolk insurance; only the student is required to purchase the SSHIP. Since only students may be treated at Health Services, students should locate a physician or clinic for their dependents as soon as possible so that if/when they become ill or injured, they know where to go for health care.

Students should always go Suffolk Health & Wellness Services first, for any health care needs. Health & Wellness Services is available for appointments and urgent care issues for all students, no matter what health insurance you have. In some cases, you are more likely to be seen at Health & Wellness Services, than at your own doctor's office.

For those students who are enrolled in the Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP), Health & Wellness Services can serve as your primary care physician. With this in mind, the hospital emergency department should only be used for life-threatening injuries or illnesses.