Attention: Some of the MyBU Student screens and online forms may be unavailable on smart phones. We highly recommend using a non-mobile device to access websites. If you encounter any issues with your web browser, please try using a different web browser.
How do I enroll in the BU medical insurance?
Boston University automatically enrolls full-time (incl. certified full-time or full-time continuing study), three-quarter time, and international students in the Basic Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). The SHIP premium is billed through your student account. For information on how to enroll in the more comprehensive Plus plan or how to add dependents, please visit Student Accounting Services.
Can I waive the BU medical insurance?
Health insurance is required by the state of Massachusetts. You have the opportunity to waive SHIP coverage provided you have other coverage that meets the comparable coverage requirements. For additional information, please visit Student Accounting Services.
When does coverage start and end?
Health insurance coverage takes effect once the student successfully registered for the fall semester or on August 15, whichever is later, and it ends on August 14 of the following year. Students who graduate in January or who go part-time in spring can enroll in fall only coverage before December 31; in this case, the coverage will end on December 31 and the premium will be adjusted. For additional information, please visit Student Accounting Services.
Does my fellowship cover the cost of my BU medical insurance?
Graduate students receive an insurance credit that covers half the cost of the Basic Student Health Insurance Plan premium ($3,401 in AY24-25) in each semester that they receive a full fellowship stipend (defined as working 20 hours per week and earning the full stipend rate). Graduate students who receive a full fellowship stipend in one semester (fall/spring) but not the other semester (fall/spring) are responsible for the second half of the premium. If you choose to enroll in the Plus Student Health Insurance Plan ($4,567 in AY24-25), and/or enroll any dependents ($4,567-$9,134 in AY24-25), you may be responsible for the difference in cost between the those plans and the basic plan. For information on the Boston University Student Medical Insurance plans, please visit Student Accounting Services.
I have a fellowship, but I still see a balance on my student account for insurance. Why?
Although the full cost of the insurance plan appears on your fall semester bill, medical insurance credits may be awarded on a semester basis ($1,701 in fall 2024 & $1,700 in spring 2025), and a credit for half the annual cost of the Basic plan will appear in the fall semester and then the other half of the credit will appear in the spring semester, as long as you receive a full fellowship stipend in both semesters (see above). In this case, the credits are split in half, and you will have a balance on your fall bill for half of the Basic plan’s cost. As long as you are eligible for a spring insurance credit, and you have no other outstanding charges on your account, your student account will be considered settled/paid. If you enroll in the PLUS plan, you will need to pay the difference in cost between the two plans by the payment deadline.
I do not have a full fellowship, but I am receiving a stipend. Will I receive a credit for insurance?
No. Graduate students who receive less than a full fellowship or no fellowship at all do not qualify for an insurance credit.
I will graduate at the end of the fall semester. What happens to my coverage? Will I owe a balance?
Health insurance coverage takes effect once the student successfully registered for the fall semester or on August 15, whichever is later. Students remain enrolled in the insurance through August 14 of the following year even if they withdraw at any point during the fall or spring semester, or graduate at the end of the fall semester. The premium is automatically charged to your student account in the fall semester when you enroll in the plan. If you graduate at the end of the fall semester and will not receive a full fellowship in the spring semester, you will owe the remaining balance of the insurance premium, and your diploma will be withheld until your student account balance is paid off. Students who graduate in January or who go part-time in spring can enroll in fall only coverage before December 31; in this case, the coverage will end on December 31 and the premium will be reduced. For additional information, please visit Student Accounting Services.
If I don't use the insurance or waive the enrollment, will I receive a refund?
No. You will not receive any kind of refund if you end up not using your insurance. The insurance credit is an additional benefit that is tied to your stipend earnings. It is not paid for by your stipend. Waiving the insurance will not increase your stipend.