Columbia University

Cost if you take SHIP

The 2026-27 premium for the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan – The Columbia Plan (Aetna) is $5,823–$7,248 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.

Academic year Aug 15, 2026 – Aug 14, 2027 (Fall + Spring/Summer): Morningside $5,823; Teachers College $7,248. The mandatory Health and Related Services Fee is separate. CUIMC (medical campus) students have separate enrollment and fees that are not included.

Waiver deadline

Fall 2026: Jul 15 – Sep 30, 2026; Spring 2027 (new students): Dec 15, 2026 – Feb 15, 2027; Summer 2027 (new students): May 1 – Jun 30, 2027

Submit your waiver request before the deadline above. Universities rarely accept late waivers — if you miss it, you are auto-enrolled in SHIP and billed the full premium.

Waiver requirements

According to Columbia University, your alternative plan must meet these criteria (summarised — the official list is binding):

• ACA-compliant, covering all Essential Health Benefits in New York State
• Insurer based in and licensed to do business in the United States
• In force for the whole term; no yearly or lifetime maximums on essential benefits
• Visa holders: routine coverage throughout the United States
• Visa holders: medical evacuation of at least $50,000
• Visa holders: repatriation of at least $25,000 (may be a secondary plan)

Visit the Columbia University health services portal →

Private plans you could submit

These private US student health plans are in our comparison. None is automatically accepted — check the policy maximum, deductible, claims address and the other points above against the plan's terms before you buy:

• ISO Student Health Insurance — from $33/month
• WorldTrips StudentSecure — from $40/month
• Compass Student Insurance — from $43/month
• IMG Patriot Exchange Program

Compare US student health insurance plans →

What a waiver can save

Your saving is the Columbia University SHIP premium ($5,823–$7,248 a year) minus the price of a private plan the university accepts. Private plans in our comparison start at $33/month ($396/year) for the youngest age band; plans that meet strict waiver criteria usually cost more. Compare the real price of the plan you would submit before you decide.