Learn about your school insurance plan’s specific benefits and requirements to make an informed choice. Review the coverage details, costs, and network providers to understand how the plan meets your healthcare needs.
All registered Undergraduates and Graduate students (Domestic On Campus, Law and Online) carrying 6 or more credits at Fordham University will be automatically enrolled in and charged premium for the Fordham University Student Health Insurance Plan (“the Plan”) unless they are currently insured under a comparable health insurance plan, may waive coverage under the Plan with proof of such existing coverage.
All registered International students with F-1 or J-1 status at Fordham University will be automatically enrolled in and charged premium for the Fordham University Student Health Insurance Plan (“the Plan”) unless they are currently insured under a compliant health insurance plan. International students who are currently insured under a compliant health insurance plan may waive coverage under the Plan with proof of such existing coverage.
Covered students may also enroll their lawful spouse, including same-sex marriage, domestic partner, and dependent children up to the age of 30.
Dependents who enroll in the Fordham University Student Medical Plan must be eligible for coverage. In order to verify your dependents eligibility, you must provide the required documents. Please visit aetnastudenthealth.com to access the list of eligibility rules and document required to verify your dependent(s).
All students taking six or more credits are automatically charged and enrolled in the school’s plan. If you have your own insurance coverage and would like to opt out of SHIP, you must complete a waiver online by the deadline, September 10, 2025. Students taking five credits or less do not have to complete a waiver.
Please use the following waiver instructions: Aetna Student Health Insurance Waiver Instructions. In order to access the waiver, you must be charged for the ‘SHIP Health Insurance Fall’ on your Student Accounts and registered for classes. Students who completed the waiver for the Fall semester will not require another waiver completion for the Spring/Summer semesters.
Please note that waivers do not roll over to the next academic year. It is crucial for students to successfully submit a waiver every fall semester, regardless if it was completed the academic year before. It is the student’s responsibility to make sure their waiver was submitted properly; please make sure you have received a confirmation email to your Fordham email from Aetna. Waivers not submitted properly will not be granted after the deadline, September 10, 2025. Additionally, students who do not complete a waiver before this deadline will be automatically enrolled and will be responsible for the insurance fee. Fordham University and Aetna will not grant a full waiver after 120 days after the policy begins on August 23, 2025, after the deadline. You can ask for termination of the policy and will receive a refund for the unused days remaining.
| Coverage Type | Annual 8/23/25 – 8/22/26 |
Fall 8/23/25 – 12/31/25 |
Spring/Summer 1/1/26 – 8/22/26 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student | $4,430 | $1,590 | $2,840 |
| Spouse | $4,430 | $1,590 | $2,840 |
| Child | $4,430 | $1,590 | $2,840 |
| Child(ren) | $8,860 | $3,180 | $5,680 |
If you have lost your health insurance coverage, you may be eligible to join the student health insurance plan under a Qualifying Life Event. Please contact Aetna Student Health customer service 866-381-1529 for more information.
| Plan Features | Aetna Open Choice Group #686134 |
|
|---|---|---|
| In-Network | Out-of-Network | |
| Contract-Year Deductible Individual/Family | $400 / $800 | $800 / $1,600 |
| Out-of-Pocket Limit Individual/Family | $7,350 / $10,000 | $10,000 / $20,000 |
| Medical Coverage | You pay: | |
| Preventive Care | Covered in full | 30% after deductible |
| Telemedicine | $20 copay, then 20% after deductible | $40 copay, then 40% after deductible |
| Primary Care | $20 copay, then 20% after deductible | $40 copay, then 40% after deductible |
| Specialist | $20 copay, then 20% after deductible | $40 copay, then 40% after deductible |
| Mental Health Office Visit | $10 copay, then 20% after deductible | $20 copay, then 40% after deductible |
| Chiropractic | 20% after deductible | 50% after deductible |
| Urgent Care | $20 copay, then 20% after deductible | $40 copay, then 40% after deductible |
| Emergency Room | $200 copay, then 20% after deductible | |
| Prescription Drugs (30-day supply) | ||
| Prescription (Rx) Deductible Individual/Family | $100 / $100 | $100 / $100 |
| Generic | $15 copay, after Rx deductible | 30% after Rx deductible |
| Preferred Brand | $40 copay, after Rx deductible | 30% after Rx deductible |
| Non-Preferred Brand | $60 copay, after Rx deductible | 30% after Rx deductible |
Annual checkups help you stay healthy. Take care of yourself by using your FREE in-network preventive care benefits each year! Preventive care visits allow you to take action early and keep treatable health issues from becoming chronic conditions.
Call your doctor to schedule your FREE annual checkup today! Need to find a doctor? Click here.
Students age 18 and under and eligible dependents have access to dental and vision benefits up to the last day of the month in which you turn 19.
You have access to the following pediatric dental coverage each benefit year in which you are eligible:
You have access to the following vision coverage each benefit year in which you are eligible:
Included in the medical coverage is a $10,000 AD&D benefit in the event of death or dismemberment.
Locate a healthcare provider or facility in your plan’s network. Click here to find a provider.
Click here to access your insurance ID Card.
Students who enroll and maintain medical coverage with this insurance plan have 24-hour access to Teladoc, our Telemedicine program. U.S. board certified doctors are available 24/7/365 over the phone or video to resolve a wide range of common and routine illnesses, such as coughs, flu, infections, and more. Call 800-835-2362.
Maintaining your mental health is very important and your coverage is committed to supporting your holistic well-being. Resources are available for physical health, emotional health, depression, anxiety, disorders, substance abuse, LGBTQ resources, and more. To learn more, click here.
If you have any specific questions about the plan, please contact Aetna Member Services at
866-381-1529. For any other questions or concerns, please contact our Fordham University Health Insurance Compliance Administrator, Maritza Rivera-Garcia, at studentinsurance@fordham.edu or at 718-817-4164.
Is the student health insurance comprehensive i.e., includes hospitalization if needed?
Yes, the plan offered is ACA compliant and covers all Essential Health Benefits. It is rated as a Platinum level plan for those familiar with metal levels for ACA plans.
Does the student health insurance include dental coverage?
The Fordham University Student Health Insurance Plan has both pediatric dental benefits. Please refer to the Aetna Certificate for additional information on this coverage.
What is the coverage period?
The plan runs for 12 months (the full academic year, 8/23/2025 – 8/22/2026) if you meet the eligibility requirements.
Does the student health insurance cover student medical expenses off campus or when traveling (e.g., to home state)?
Yes, the Fordham University Student Health Insurance Plan uses a PPO network which is recognized nationally. As always, please confirm with the provider that they are in-network before services are rendered.
What happens if I lose my own or my parent’s coverage mid-semester? Can I join the Fordham University Student Health Insurance Plan?
You may be eligible to join the plan mid-semester if you experience a Qualifying Life Event (QLE,) such as loss of coverage. Please contact our Fordham University Health Insurance Compliance Administrator, Maritza Rivera-Garcia, at studentinsurance@fordham.edu or at 718-817-4164 for more information should you experience a QLE.
These videos walk you through each step of finding your school’s plan, understanding your coverage options, and completing enrollment or waiver forms. Watch to get a clear visual guide that makes navigating student health insurance simple and straightforward.
