Health Insurance Requirements

Massachusetts law requires university students enrolled in 75% of a full course load to carry comprehensive health insurance covering routine office visits with medical and mental health providers in addition to emergency care. To support student access to comprehensive health insurance, the Suffolk Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP) is a comprehensive plan offered to eligible Suffolk students.

Eligible Suffolk Students are automatically enrolled in the SSHIP coverage plan and must choose each year whether to accept the SSHIP or waive with documentation of coverage by another comprehensive health insurance. Students should check their Suffolk bill to confirm if they have been automatically enrolled in SSHIP. A cost breakdown is located here.

To accept the SSHIP, students should take no action. To waive, students must complete a waiver process with University Health Plans by the following deadlines:

All Undergraduate and Graduate CAS, SBS, and Law Students

  • September 20: Students entering or returning in the fall semester
  • February 1: Students matriculating in the spring semester

Accelerated Law Students starting in the summer, International Exchange Students, and INTO Students should contact their respective programs to learn about health insurance requirements and options. All International Students are strongly encouraged to accept the SSHIP or to carefully consider their selected alternative within the US healthcare system. Students should be aware that travel plans do not provide comprehensive coverage and thus are not sufficient to waive coverage. Access the waiver here.

Learn More About SSHIP

SSHIP coverage is a Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA Blue Care Elect Preferred (PPO) Plan. Coverage includes both medical and mental health needs through an extensive PPO network of Blue Cross Blue Shield providers and hospital systems. SSHIP is offered through University Health Plans and provides:

  • Comprehensive PPO coverage in Boston and across all 50 states
  • 12 months of coverage (August – August)
  • Preventive and specialty care visits including chronic disease management, primary care, and behavioral health including stubstance use
  • Laboratory Services
  • Prescription Drugs (Please see policy for tiered plan and exclusions)
  • Ambulatory services, including outpatient day surgery and related anesthesia
  • Emergency and hospitalization Services for medical and mental health needs
  • Rehabilitative services and devices

Learn more about policy coverage details, dates of coverage, prescription drug tiered plan and exclusions, and other information. Please note that starting the Summer 2026, reimbursement for gym memberships and weight management are no longer available.