Cornell University

Cost if you take SHIP

The 2026-27 premium for the Cornell Student Health Plan (SHP) is $3,751–$4,092 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.

The full 12 months cost $4,092 (returning students, Jul 1, 2026 – Jun 30, 2027, 2 × $2,046). New fall 2026 students are billed $1,705 + $2,046 = $3,751 for Aug 1, 2026 – Jun 30, 2027 (11 months). The separate Student Health Fee is not included.

Waiver deadline

New fall 2026 students: Jul 31, 2026; new spring 2027 students: Jan 21, 2027; late-registered students: within 30 days of SHP enrollment (international exception requests: contact the office by Jul 31)

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

Cornell University does not allow waivers for most international students. Review the exceptions below and budget for the full SHIP premium.

• International: only US-employer or embassy plans considered, as exceptions
• US employer, government or exchange plan, US-underwritten, with a US claims office
• Active for the entire academic year or until the end of your program
• Coinsurance of 40% or less at campus zip code; out-of-network coverage; not county-limited
• Unlimited annual and lifetime benefits for the 10 ACA essential health benefits
• International: covers repatriation of remains; not a reimbursement plan

Visit the Cornell 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 Cornell University SHIP premium ($3,751–$4,092 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.