Massachusetts law requires that students enrolled in an institution of higher learning in Massachusetts participate in a student health insurance program or in a health benefit plan with comparable coverage. All residential Harvard students are automatically enrolled in the Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) and the cost of the program is applied to their student bill.
*Online Ed.M. students do not provide proof of health insurance nor are they subject to health fees given that they are engaged in a remote program.
The Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) is comprised of two parts:
Student Health Fee
This fee is required of all students who are more than half-time and studying in Massachusetts and covers most provider visits at any of the HUHS campus clinics, x-rays, and physical therapy. Primary care providers are available at each of the Harvard campus clinics.
Student Health Insurance Plan
This plan is administered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, and is designed to complement the health care provided through the Student Health Fee at HUHS. It covers hospital, specialty care, labs/radiology and has a prescription drug benefit. This plan provides coverage throughout the United States and abroad.
Health Insurance Coverage for Online part-time Ed.M. Students
The Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) is a comprehensive health program comprised of two parts: the Student Health Fee and the Student Health Insurance Plan. Online part-time Ed.M. students will not be automatically enrolled into the comprehensive health program. Online Ed.M. students are NOT eligible to enroll in Harvard University’s Health Programs.
Important: Online part-time Ed.M. students must have health insurance that covers urgent and emergency care when visiting Harvard University for in-person activity, e.g., 5-day pre-program residency. Online Ed.M. students are NOT eligible to enroll in Harvard University’s Health Programs.
Health Insurance Coverage for Graduating Students
Ed.M. students who graduate in November 2022 are not eligible for fall HUSHP coverage. Doctoral students who successfully submit either a dissertation or capstone on or before September 14, 2022 are not eligible for fall HUSHP coverage. Ed.D. students who submit after September 14 will be charged for fall HUSHP and will be covered for the period starting August 1, 2022 and ending January 31, 2023, unless a waiver has been filed and approved.
March degree candidates are required to be registered for the fall semester and, if enrolled in HUSHP, will have student health insurance coverage through January 31, 2023. March degree candidates are not eligible for spring HUSHP coverage.
May degree candidates are required to be registered for the spring semester and, if enrolled in HUSHP, will have student health insurance coverage through July 31, 2023.
Waiving the Student Health Insurance Plan
Students enrolled in a comparable health insurance plan may be eligible to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan. Waivers must be completed by the appropriate deadline or the charges will remain on the term bill. Please see the UHS website for appropriate waiver deadline information.
- Before waiving, students should carefully evaluate whether their existing health plan will provide adequate, comprehensive coverage in your area of residence. View the waiver checklist for guidance. Students will be fully responsible for all medical claims and prescription drug costs if they waive the insurance plan.
- International students studying on campus at Harvard are not eligible to waive the insurance plan with foreign insurance, including those with a U.S.-based administrator. This is a requirement pursuant to the Massachusetts student health program regulations.
For detailed information on the Harvard University Student Health Program policies, benefits, limitations, and exclusions, visit the Harvard University Student Health Program website.
Student Dependent Coverage
Students may enroll their spouse/same sex domestic partner and/or unmarried dependent children (under age 19) in HUSHP. Enrollment and renewal for dependents is not automatic. Rates, enrollment forms, and deadlines are available at the HUSHP site.