Understanding University of Cincinnati Student Health Insurance Requirements

Navigating the world of health insurance can be daunting, especially for students. At the University of Cincinnati (UC), understanding the Student Health Insurance (SHI) requirements is crucial for ensuring access to healthcare and avoiding potential financial penalties. This article provides a comprehensive overview of UC's SHI policy, waiver options, and other related health resources available to students.

UC Student Health Insurance Policy

The University of Cincinnati Board Rule 40-25-01 authorizes the Student Health Insurance (SHI). Registered students of the University of Cincinnati may be seen at University Health Services (UHS). Insurance fees will be included on your tuition bill as soon as you register.

Key Aspects of the UC SHI Policy

Mandatory Enrollment: Students are automatically enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance plan.
Waiver Option: If you are currently enrolled in a health insurance plan that is equal to or better than the UC Student Health Insurance policy, you may waive UC Student Health Insurance by submitting an online waiver. Students covered under another qualifying health insurance policy are encouraged to complete the Student Health Insurance Waiver located on their "To-Do List" in the Catalyst student portal. The task will direct the student to the on-line waiver form which, if approved, will be valid for the entire academic year.
Coverage Period: Family Plans are added to the account in the fall semester and are charged for the entire year. Coverage is from August 10th - August 9th. Once enrolled, coverage cannot be dropped.
Inquiries: Please know that One Stop Student Services Center or Bursar staff are not qualified or authorized to answer questions concerning policy limits, claims process, waiver status, etc.

Who Needs to Comply?

F-1 students and J-1 exchange visitors must meet Department of State requirements for health insurance coverage; in most circumstances, students must also meet university requirements. It is your responsibility to understand your health insurance requirements and comply accordingly. If you do not meet eligibility requirements for student health insurance, you must still have insurance while in the United States.

Waiving the UC Student Health Insurance

Students who already have adequate health insurance coverage may be eligible to waive the UC SHI.

Waiver Process

Access the Waiver: Students covered under another qualifying health insurance policy are encouraged to complete the Student Health Insurance Waiver located on their "To-Do List" in the Catalyst student portal.
Online Form: The task will direct the student to the on-line waiver form which, if approved, will be valid for the entire academic year.
Approval: If approved, the waiver is valid for the entire academic year.

Requirements for J-1 Exchange Visitors

All J-1 Exchange Visitors must submit proof of health and accident insurance coverage not only for the Exchange Visitor, but for all accompanying family members. Health insurance requirements for Exchange Visitors and their dependents is strictly detailed by the Department of State. UC will reimburse affected J-1 exchange visitors $100 per month, including providing an additional $100 for each dependent, once you supply our office with proof of purchase of a qualifying policy.

Important Considerations

Timely Action: It is essential to submit the waiver before the deadline to avoid being automatically enrolled and charged for the UC SHI.
Policy Review: Carefully review your existing health insurance policy to ensure it meets UC's requirements for a waiver.

Understanding Insurance Fees and Changes in Enrollment Status

Insurance fees will be included on your tuition bill as soon as you register. If at any time while you registered for classes, you change your F or J Visa status, register for classes from outside the United States, or transfer to another institution, you must contact the UC Student Health Insurance office immediately.

Graduate Student Health Insurance Award (GSHI Award)

The Graduate College offers the Graduate Student Health Insurance Award (GSHI Award) for fall and spring semesters. Health insurance coverage purchased for spring semester continues through the summer term automatically. Eligibility is assessed on a semesterly basis, and students may receive the award for one or both semesters.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for these award funds, you must submit your GSHI or GA/fellowship stipend offer letter to the Graduate College via the submission form, and you must maintain all eligibility requirements throughout the entire semester. For the 2025-26 academic year, the Graduate College has been able to secure funding in order to provide a GSHI award at 100% of the single student UC SHI cost.

To maintain eligibility, students must:

Be a Graduate Assistant (teaching, research, or administrative) or Fellow, in the UC payroll system as a graduate assistant or fellow, or paid via a Catalyst "departmental item type" designated as a fellowship stipend.
Enroll for at least 10 graduate credit hours in each qualifying award semester.
If a student does not meet all eligibility requirements throughout the qualifying award term, then they will forfeit the Graduate Student Health Insurance Award for that semester.

Additional Health Resources at UC

Discover the resources you have to stay healthy while you at at the University of Cincinnati.

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University Health Services (UHS)

University Health Services has two campus locations and a pharmacy. University Health Services provides primary care services, women’s health, dermatology, mental health services, and preventative health care. University Health Services is open daily during the week.

UC Blue Ash Dental Hygiene Clinic

UC Blue Ash runs a dental hygiene clinic, enabling students and faculty to serve the community through dental evaluations and preventive treatment.

Bloodborne Pathogen Insurance

Bloodborne Pathogen Insurance (also known as Needlestick Insurance) is a service offered to students who may be exposed to human bloodborne pathogens during their course of study.

Emergency Services

The emergency number is 911. If you call from a mobile phone, you will need to tell the operator where you are.

Understanding Healthcare Costs

A network of healthcare providers-physicians, hospitals, pharmacies, psychological and psychiatric services, etc.-supply medical care and bill individuals and their insurance companies. Individuals are usually responsible for a standard upfront cost (co-pay), a certain annual minimum before the insurance coverage begins (deductible) and a percentage of large expenses over the course of a lifetime.

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Affordable Care Act (ACA) Compliance

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (Affordable Care Act - ACA) requires individuals who do not maintain “minimum essential healthcare coverage” to make an additional payment to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) when they pay their taxes, unless they are exempt. Students and employees covered by the UC Student Health Insurance Plan or by employee benefits are enrolled in a compliant plan and do not need to worry about ACA. Whether or not you must carry ACA-compliant insurance or pay the tax penalty for not carrying it is determined by your residency status for tax purposes. Being subject to the individual mandate is a separate issue from whether you are eligible to participate in the Health Insurance Marketplace.

Important Note

Note: Those policies below will not qualify eligible students for a waiver of the UC Student Health Insurance policy.

What is not covered by the UC Student Health Insurance plan?

Routine dental check-ups and eye exams are not covered by the Student Health Insurance plan.

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