Participation in the University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is required for all students unless a waiver is submitted and approved each academic year. The insurance premium is automatically charged to the student account as the "Health Insurance Fee." Students beginning in the spring semester are charged a pro-rated premium for the remainder of the year.Active students, such as those in online programs, who are not required to participate can request enrollment by contacting Student Health Services.
Annual Waiver Process
If you have comparable health insurance coverage, you may waive the University plan to remove the fee from your account.
- An online waiver must be submitted every academic year.
- Waivers must be completed by the deadlines published on the Health Services website (https://healthservices.brown.edu/fees-insurance/student-health-insurance-plan-ship ). Students are responsible for ensuring their submission is successful.
- Once the waiver is received and approved, a credit will be applied to the student account within 5-7 days to offset the Health Insurance Fee.
SHIP Scholarship (Undergraduate Students Only)
Brown provides additional scholarship funds to cover the cost of SHIP for undergraduate students who receive University need-based scholarships and do not have comparable insurance. To determine if your current insurance is "inadequate" and qualifies you for the scholarship, you must follow these specific steps:
- Complete the "Important Consideration Questions" on the waiver page.
- If your insurance does not meet Brown's requirements, you will receive an email from the insurance broker that your waiver request was denied (rejected).
- The Office of Financial Aid (financial_aid@brown.edu) will be notified of the waiver denial and will then determine your eligibility for the SHIP Scholarship.
Graduate & Medical Students: If you require assistance with insurance costs, please contact your respective financial aid offices to inquire about available funding or financing options.