Health Insurance

 

• Health Insurance for Current Students
  • Managed Care Plans
  • On-line Students
  • International Students
• Other Questions
• Health Insurance After Graduation 

 

Health Insurance for Currently Enrolled Students

Health insurance is mandatory and is available through the University for those who are unable to prove they have equal or better coverage. The insurance plan offered through the University is recommended because it covers the students on or off campus, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and is in effect for a full year, beginning on August 1. This program is offered by Harvard Pilgrim Health Care. It is required for International Students and is not available to on-line only students.  Learn more about the University Health Insurance Plan on the Gallagher Koster website.

If you belong to a managed care plan, check to see if they will cover lab tests and prescriptions ordered by Health Services. Most will not, and students, often unable to leave school to go to their primary care provider for care, must pay themselves.  In addition, if you will be living outside your insurance coverage area while attending UMass Lowell, Massachusetts law requires that you MUST either choose a primary care provider (PCP) in the Lowell area or enroll in the University's Student Insurance Plan. More information about this state law is found on our additional health insurance information page.

Before deciding to waive the University insurance plan, check with your insurance company to determine the age at which coverage is terminated. Many companies drop coverage when a student reaches nineteen.  Also be sure that the student is eligible for coverage in the Lowell area.

On-line Students: Students who are enrolled exclusively in on-line classes are not eligible for this plan.

International Students:  As authorized under the insurance laws for higher education students in Massachusetts (section 275 of Chapter 151 of the Acts of 1996), the University of Massachusetts Lowell requires that all international students must enroll in the University’s Student Health Insurance Plan.

If you have school insurance, you should be seen at Health Services initially for any medical problem and at the Counseling Center for any mental health problem.  Please note that there is a $50 deductible for an Emergency Room visit, if you are not admitted to the hospital.

Questions about the health insurance charge or health insurance waivers should be directed to the Business Office at 978-934-3570. Questions regarding the University Health Insurance Plan should be directed to the Insurance Coordinator, Jeanne Michaud at 978-934-4992.


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  Graduating seniors’ school insurance plan coverage terminates on July 31.  The new Health Care Law provides options for finding the best health plan for graduating seniors.  Refer to the Young Invincibles website regarding health insurance changes with the Health Care Reform Act.
  
Some benefits now available:

• Dependent Coverage under a parent’s insurance plan up to age 26.
• New Health Care Rights and Protections
• Coverage for Uninsured young adults with Pre-existing Conditions.

 

Options for obtaining health insurance coverage after graduating are:

• Stay on parent’s insurance plan until you turn 26.
• Employer Health Plan
• Buy Health Plan on your own. The HealthCare.gov website will tell you about health care options available in the state where you live.
•  On-line Insurance. Check websites like eHealthInsurance. When buying on-line insurance - be sure to read fine print. Some plans may have restrictions and high deductibles, or may not cover your condition.
• Temporary Health Insurance as offered through companies like Gallagher Koster.

 

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