Student Health Insurance
Massachusetts state law requires all students enrolled in at least 9 qualifying credits (not enrolled exclusively in online courses or short-term courses) must either provide proof of enrollment in a medical insurance plan that meets the Commonwealth mandated guidelines OR be enrolled in the college sponsored student health plan (SHP) provided by United Health Care and administered by Academic Health Plan (AHP).
According to the state regulation, comparable coverage is considered a health plan that provides comprehensive coverage, including all of the following: preventive care, emergency services, surgical services, hospitalization benefits, ambulatory patient services, and mental health services. In addition, the services covered need to be reasonably accessible to the student in the area where the student attends school. Out of state Medicaid and health insurance policies from other countries are not acceptable.
Dean College has partnered with Academic Health Plans to provide a qualified student health insurance program (SHP) in compliance with the minimum standards required by the state. The annual premium for 2025-2026 is $2,480.00 (coverage from August 1, 2025 through July 31, 2026). For students starting in January, the cost is $1,040.00 (coverage from January 1, 2026 through July 31, 2026). Costs of the plan may change from year to year.
To ensure compliance with the Massachusetts Law, all students are automatically billed for this SHP plan.
Waiving the Student Health Plan
If a student is covered by a qualified health insurance program, they may opt out of the college-sponsored plan. The student MUST log in to their Academic Health Plan account to submit an on-line waiver and verify their enrollment in a comparable plan by a U.S. health insurance provider by the published waiver deadline (see below). If a waiver form is not submitted and approved by the published waiver deadline the student will be enrolled in the SHP plan and the charge will be non-refundable.
No waivers will be accepted after the deadline.
Fall Semester – Waiver/Enrollment opens May 30, 2025. Waiver closes September 16, 2025.
Spring Semester – Waiver/Enrollment opens December 2, 2025. Waiver closes February 3, 2026.
It is important to note that the burden of proof of participation in health insurance with comparable coverage falls on the student. By completing and submitting the insurance waiver, the student accepts responsibility for all medical and/or mental health expenses incurred should his/her own insurance prove insufficient.
Enrolling in the Student Health Plan
Students who do not have qualifying health insurance can expedite their SHP enrollment process to receive their health insurance member information sooner. If you do not complete this enrollment process, your information will not be added to the insurance plan system until after the add/drop period in September. The plan will still be effective as of August 1, 2025.
To enroll in the SHP for the 2025-2026 policy year, please click here.
To view the benefits offered: Dean College Student Health Plan Benefits.
iMPORTANT iNFORMATION
For any student who does not matriculate to the College or withdraws from school during the first 31 days of the period for which coverage is purchased will not be covered under the student health insurance policy and a full refund of the premium will be made. Additionally, any individual that no longer meets the criterion for a student in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as defined by 956 CMR 8.00 will not be covered under the student health policy as noted above.
All International students are required to maintain the school health insurance.
To ensure compliance with the Massachusetts State Law, students are automatically billed for this Student Health Insurance Plan each year. To be eligible for coverage you must:
- Meet the enrollment requirements stated in the Insurance Information Schedule;
- Pay the required premium; and
- Attend classes for at least the first 31 days of the period for which premium has been paid.
If you have any questions or concerns, email healthservices@dean.edu.