Frequently Asked Questions

Waive (Opt-Out)

The Fall 2026 waiver form will be available on 07/02/2026. 


*Graduate Assistantships
IMPORTANT: Health, vision, and dental insurance are contractual benefits and cannot be waived. If you already have existing coverage, it may be classified as secondary insurance. This applies to individuals holding Administrative, Teaching, or Research Assistantship appointments.


Domestic Undergraduate, Domestic Graduate, International Undergraduate Full-Time and Part-Time, and International Graduate Full-Time and Part-Time Students

If you do not want the Student Health Insurance Plan, you must waive or opt-out of coverage by submitting a waiver. You may only opt-out of coverage during the following Waiver Periods:

 Waiver Period
Annual07/02/2026 - 09/01/2026
Spring/Summer12/14/2026 - 01/08/2027

Waiver Requirements

You may request to opt-out of the University of Rhode Island’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) if you have alternate insurance and it meets the following requirements: 

  • Medical coverage is active on, or before September 1st, 2026
  • Be fully compliant with the provisions of the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
  • Provides unlimited coverage for injury/sickness.
  • Provides coverage for pre-existing conditions.
  • Provides coverage for wellness/preventative exams, mental health, and maternity care.
  • Provides hospital coverage (in-patient, outpatient, surgical care)
  • Provides coverage for prescription drugs.
  • Provides Medical Evacuation benefits of no less than $50,000 (International students only)
  • Provides Repatriation benefits of no less than $25,000 (International students only)

 

If your alternate health insurance meets the above minimum requirements, submit electronic copies of the following document(s) with your online waiver request: 

  • An electronic copy of the front and back of your health insurance ID card indicating the student as a covered member. 
  • Proof of coverage, such as a coverage letter, or certificate may be required to verify active coverage. 
  • Policy documents must be in English and coverage amounts must be listed in US dollars.

Your waiver request MUST be submitted no later than  September 1, 2026 to be considered. If you take no action, you will be enrolled in the student health plan by default.