UMass Boston

General Medicine
All departmental services are located in the Quinn Administration Building, 2nd floor.
Phone: 617-287-5660
Fax: 617-287-3977
Counseling Center

24/7 Crisis Phone Support
855.634.4135

Phone: 617.287.5690
Fax: 617.287.5507
Health & Wellness

Student Health Plan (SHP)

In accordance with the State of Massachusetts “Student Health Program - SHP,” students enrolled in at least 75% of the full-time curriculum at any Massachusetts institution of higher education are required to participate in a school-sponsored qualifying SHP or an alternate health plan with comparable coverage. Students meeting this criterion are automatically billed for the SHP. 

 

Student Blue Cross Blue Shield (BSBS) Plan Overview

UMass Boston has partnered with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA) for the 2024-2025 academic year to provide health insurance coverage for students. All students billed for the plan must either "Confirm the enrollment" or "Waive with comparable coverage" via WISER. Non-action will result in enrollment by default. 

Eligibility

  • Undergraduate Students: Enrolled in 9+ credits.
  • Graduate Students: Enrolled in 7+ credits.
  • International Students: All matriculating international students enrolled in 1+ credit hours are automatically enrolled in the SHP and cannot waive it unless covered by an embassy-sponsored plan, acceptable US-based insurance, or a Massachusetts Connector Plan covering medical evacuation and repatriation. 

Undergraduate students enrolled in less than 9 credits may be able to purchase health insurance through UMass Boston. Please email bursar@umb.edu for more information.

All students should inquire about their insurance eligibility by contacting the Bursar's Office. 

Plan Highlights

  • Access to Blue Cross Blue Shield's nationwide provider network
  • Use UMass Boston's University Health Services as a Primary Care Provider (PCP) and for episodic care.

  • Covered services at UHS are not subject to the annual deductible.

  • No co-insurance for laboratory visits at UHS

  • No co-payment for services provided by UHS

  • Vision benefits
    • Offers one routine vision exam every 24 months. In addition, UHP offers a voluntary VSP vision care plan.
    • Please click here to learn more about the benefits and the enrollment process.

  • Voluntary dental plan
    • If interested, please click here to learn more about the plan's benefits and to find the enrollment form.

For more details, see Benefits (2024-2025) | Blue Cross Blue Shield of MA.

Obtaining Your Insurance Card

Once you are enrolled in the BCBS Student Health Insurance Plan, an insurance card will be sent to you. If the card does not arrive on time, you can still receive medical services as long as you are enrolled in the BCBS eligibility system.

  • If you lose your insurance card: Please contact BCBS at 888-753-6615 to obtain another insurance card.

Contact Information

For questions or concerns:

  • UMass Boston Bursar's Office
  • University Health Plans (UHP): For waiver, enrollment, eligibility, general benefit questions, or plan issues.
  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts: For specific benefit or claims questions.
    • Phone: 888-753-6615

How to Waive the Student Health Plan

Students are now able to waive the annual health insurance before being charged. Students can waive the student health insurance plan by submitting an online waiver on WISER, certifying alternative coverage. 

Note: You cannot waive the Student Health Insurance Plan if you are covered by:

  • Mass Health Limited
  • Health Safety Net
  • Children’s Medical Security Plan

Health insurance should be waived prior to the bill due date to avoid paying for it. The final deadline to waive the health insurance is October 1st, 2024. Students who have not taken action by then will be automatically enrolled.

    1. Log onto your WISER.
    2. Click on "My E-Forms" / Health Insurance Waiver.
    3. Enter the required information.
    4. Once completed, the health insurance charge will not populate on your first e-bill. 

Specific Insurance Questions?

General Medicine
All departmental services are located in the Quinn Administration Building, 2nd floor.
Phone: 617-287-5660
Fax: 617-287-3977
Counseling Center

24/7 Crisis Phone Support
855.634.4135

Phone: 617.287.5690
Fax: 617.287.5507
Health & Wellness