Cost if you take SHIP
The 2026-27 premium for the Dartmouth Student Group Health Plan (DSGHP) is $5,216 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.
Student-only premium; coverage runs 8/1/2026-8/31/2027 for new students and 9/1/2026-8/31/2027 for returning students.
Waiver deadline
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 Dartmouth College, your alternative plan must meet these criteria (summarised — the official list is binding):
- ACA-compliant with all 10 essential health benefits in the Hanover, NH area
- Covers pre-existing conditions with no waiting period
- U.S.-based claims administrator and U.S.-issued policy
- International or non-U.S.-underwritten plans do not qualify
- In effect Aug 1, 2026 (new students) through Aug 31, 2027
- J-1 visa holders are not permitted to waive
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
What a waiver can save
Your saving is the Dartmouth College SHIP premium ($5,216 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.
- Premium: students.dartmouth.edu
- Waiver deadline: students.dartmouth.edu
- Waiver criteria: students.dartmouth.edu