Harvard University

Cost if you take SHIP

The 2026-27 premium for the Harvard University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), part of the Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP), administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield is $4,954 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.

Single student rate for two terms (Aug 1, 2026 – Jul 31, 2027; $2,477 per term). The mandatory Student Health Fee ($1,944/yr) is separate and not included; total HUSHP cost is $6,898/yr.

Waiver deadline

Fall 2026: Jul 31, 2026; Spring 2027: Jan 31, 2027 (late waivers with fee: Aug 1 – Sep 30 / Feb 1 – Mar 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

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

• Comparable coverage under Massachusetts law, active for the entire term(s) waived
• Covers preventive, primary, emergency, hospital, surgical, mental health and prescription care
• Reasonably accessible where you are located during the term
• Non-US insurers not accepted unless approved to study outside the US
• Closed-network plans not accessible in your state (except emergencies) not accepted
• MassHealth Limited, Health Safety Net and Children's Medical Security Program not accepted

Visit the Harvard 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 Harvard University SHIP premium ($4,954 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.