The required Student Health Fee for a single student for the 2008-2009 academic year is $1,426 U.S., and the required Student Blue Cross Blue Shield Plan insurance premium for a single student is $1,404. Each student must pay this premium in addition to the Health Service Fee unless he or she files a waiver form with the Student Health Insurance Office demonstrating "comparable coverage." Waivers must be filled out on-line no later than September 30 for the fall term or by February 28 for the spring term. Please go to the Harvard University Health Services waiver on-line site to find the on-line waiver form. It is the student's responsibility to make sure the waiver has been received and recorded by the deadline.
Foreign students are not eligible to waive the Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage, unless they have comparable U.S.-based coverage. Please note that students who want family coverage must sign special applications in the Insurance Office, University Health Services, 75 Mount Auburn Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA.
Health service and insurance fees for families for the 2008-2009 academic year:
Please see the UHS web site for the combined rates.Frequently Asked Questions
Q. I'm a returning student. Are there any changes to the Harvard University Student Health Plan since last year?
A. Yes, please go to the UHS web site to read about the changes.
Q: When will my coverage start and end?
A: Fall term coverage begins August 1st and extends through the end of January. For the spring term, coverage begins February 1st and ends July 31st.
Q: What if I am a November, March, or June graduate?
A: For November and March graduates, your coverage begins August 1st and extends through to the end of January. For June graduates, coverage ends on July 31st.
Q: What should I do if I want to extend my coverage after graduation?
A: Graduating students should examine the UHS web site for specifics on options post-graduation.
Q: What happens when I take a leave of absence?
A: Students taking an approved leave of absence may request Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage for each six month semester (8/1-1/31 and/or 2/1-7/31). Coverage is not automatic and must be applied for by obtaining an "Application for Medical Insurance and UH Care for Harvard students and Harvard Affiliates" from the UHS web site. Students who elect to maintain their Blue Cross/Blue Shield coverage must also maintain their UHS coverage. Payment must accompany submission of the form to the Member Services desk in University Health Services. Students who are on leave greater than two semesters contiguously cannot maintain coverage through Harvard until they matriculate again. Students who elect not to maintain their health insurance through Harvard during the first of two semesters of leave are not eligible to then do so during the second semester.
Q: Where should I go to find out more about Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Harvard University Health Services?
A: The Harvard University Health Services web site provides useful information about coverage, eligibility, enrollment, mental health benefits, costs, and waivers. You may also speak with a Member Services representative at the reception desk on the first floor of University Health Services located on the Mt. Auburn Street end of Holyoke Center.
Q. What if I miss a scheduled appointment at UHS?
A. You will have to pay a $10 fee if you miss an appointment or do not cancel one within 24 hours of the appointment time.