Waivers

What’s a waiver? 

Massachusetts law requires all students to have comprehensive health insurance, like the MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (MIT SHIP). To comply with the law, MIT automatically enrolls all regular MIT students in MIT SHIP. If you are a full-time student or a part-time student taking 27 or more units per academic term, you will be automatically enrolled in MIT SHIP. You will also be billed for the cost of the plan. You will see the charge in your bursar’s account.  
 
MIT students may be able to waive MIT SHIP coverage if they have other coverage. If you already have an insurance plan that provides comprehensive coverage in the Boston/Cambridge area — if you are covered by your parent’s insurance plan or a spouse’s plan, for example — you may be able to waive MIT SHIP coverage and have the charge removed from your bursar’s account. Your insurance plan must cover preventive and primary care, emergency services, surgical services, hospitalization, outpatient services, mental health services, and prescription drugs in the Boston/ Cambridge area. 

How do I request a waiver? 

MIT uses a third-party vendor, Gallagher Student Health, to evaluate waiver requests.  

To waive MIT SHIP coverage:  

• Visit the Gallagher Student Health website and log in. If it’s your first time using Gallagher, you will need to create an account.  

• Complete the waiver request form, and upload documentation of your insurance coverage. 

• Gallagher will evaluate your insurance coverage and determine whether your waiver can be approved. In most cases you will receive a response within 24 to 48 hours. Gallagher will also contact you if further documentation is required.   

Waiver requests are only accepted during the Open Enrollment/Waiver period. 

Questions? Visit our FAQ.