U of MN Health Insurance
There are two different health insurance plans offered through the U of MN:
1) Student Health Benefit Plan
2) Graduate Assistant Health Plan
1) Student Health Benefit Plan
The Student Health Benefit Plan is offered to all students who do not hold a graduate assistantship (RA or TA).
International Student Enrollment:
The University of Minnesota requires all international students and their dependents to purchase the University-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) unless they are eligible for a waiver.
At the time you arrive at the University of Minnesota, your documents are validated by International Student & Scholar Services and you are automatically enrolled in the SHBP.
Dependent Enrollment: To enroll dependents in the SHBP, the primary member must submit an enrollment form .
Eligible dependents include a spouse and a child or children. Enrollment is contingent upon the Office of Student Health Benefits verification of primary member enrollment. Dependents on University visa are required to enroll in the SHBP.
Dependents can only be enrolled:
Within 31 days of arrival
At the time the student initially becomes eligible and is enrolled in the plan
Within 31 days of involuntary loss of other coverage
Within 31 days of marriage, birth or adoption
During the fall open enrollment period
Domestic Student Enrollment
Online Enrollment: During open enrollment, you will be prompted to declare your health insurance in the MyU Student Center. If you would like to enroll in the University-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP), select the option “Enroll Me.” If eligible, you will be enrolled in the University-sponsored plan and a charge will be added to your account.
Please note that if you currently have an active waiver from the SHBP, you will need to contact the Office of Student Health Benefits to facilitate enrollment.
Involuntary Loss of Coverage: If you experience an involuntary loss of coverage (for example, a student who is covered by a parent’s plan loses coverage at age 26 or if the parent's employment terminates), you may enroll in the Student Health Benefit Plan up to 31 days after loss of coverage.
To enroll, submit an enrollment form , along with a termination letter from your previous insurance provider within 31 days of your termination of coverage.
Dependent Enrollment: To enroll dependents in the plan, the primary member must submit an enrollment form before the applicable deadline.
Eligible dependents include a spouse and a child or children. Enrollment is contingent upon the Office of Student Health Benefits verification of primary member enrollment.
Dependents can only be enrolled:
At the time the student initially becomes eligible and is enrolled in the plan
Within 31 days of involuntary loss of other coverage
Within 31 days of marriage, birth or adoption
During the fall open enrollment period
Summer Coverage: Students enrolled in the Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) during spring semester will be automatically covered through the summer semester at no additional charge. Coverage remains active even if a student graduates at the end of spring or does not enroll in summer courses.
Degree-seeking students registered for three or more qualifying credits during the summer term are required to have health insurance. New students and students with an expired Student Health Benefit Plan waiver will automatically be enrolled in the SHBP unless they request a waiver by providing proof of health insurance. View the waive or cancel page for more information.
2. Graduate Assistant Health Plan (GAHP)
To be eligible for the GAHP, students must hold at least a 25% graduate assistantship and must be properly registered for the number of credits outlined in offer of employment.
Coverage Dates: The 2020-2021 plan year goes from September 1, 2020 to August 31, 2021.
Fall semester coverage begins September 1, 2020
Spring semester coverage begins February 1, 2021
Open Enrollment Dates: The first 31 days of coverage every fall semester or within 14 days of your appointment start date. If you miss the enrollment deadline, your coverage will begin on the date the Office of Student Health Benefits receives your completed enrollment request forms.
Enrollment Forms: Submit your completed enrollment forms to the Office of Student Health Benefits (umshbo@umn.edu):
The chart below outlines enrollment actions that students need to follow.
