Insurance FAQ

I have my own insurance, when can I waive?

After you have registered full-time you will be allowed to waive during the open enrollment period each year, 8/1-9/30, pending proof of comparable coverage.

My program begins in the spring, when can I waive?

After you have registered full-time you will be allowed to waive during the open enrollment period, 1/1-2/15, pending proof of comparable coverage.

Please note: You will be required to repeat your waiver online in the fall.

My program begins in June, when can I waive?

After you have registered full-time you will be allowed to waive during the open enrollment period, 6/1-6/30, pending proof of comparable coverage.

Please note: You will be required to repeat your waiver online in the fall.

If I have a spouse, domestic partner, and/or dependent child, how can I enroll them?

You may enroll any spouse, domestic partner, and/or dependent child during the open enrollment period, 8/1-9/30, by completing the Dependent Enrollment Form. Please note dependents are not renewed automatically; you must re-enroll each fall.

My child dependent is under the age of 18. Do they have to come to the Student Health on Haven clinic?

No, Student Health on Haven does not see any children under the age of 18. Children are allowed to go directly to their pediatrician. To maximize benefits, please ensure the pediatrician is in-network. You may verify if a doctor or hospital is in-network by using the Aetna Directory for Health Care Professionals.

I'm a half-time/part-time student but would like to purchase insurance coverage.

If you are interested in enrolling you may do so during the open enrollment period, 8/1-9/30, by completing the Enrollment Application. You may enroll in the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan, or upgrade the HRSF access by choosing to pay the full HRSF.  Please note, upon enrolling in the insurance plan you will be required to pay the full Health and Related Services Fee.

I'm a half-time or part-time nursing student, why am I being charged the full HRSF Fee?

The School of Nursing mandates that all students be enrolled on the full Health and Related Services fee regardless of whether they are full-time or half/part-time.  The full HRSF grants access to all services and resources provided by Student Health on Haven.  Students will have full access to Medical Services, Counseling Services, Well-Being & Health Promotion, AIMS, Sexual Violence Response, and Disability Services.  

I graduate in October, when does my coverage end?

If you are no longer registered as a student, you are no longer eligible for insurance coverage. Your insurance coverage with Columbia University will end on August 14th at the end of the Spring/Summer semester.   If you are a student at the School of Nursing or Occupational Therapy completing the additional fieldwork required for graduation, a 2-week extension through 8/31 or a 6-week extension through 9/30 is available.  We do not offer COBRA as we are not an employer-based plan.

I graduate in February, when does my coverage end?

Once you have completed your course of study and are no longer registered as a student, you are no longer eligible for insurance coverage. Your insurance coverage with Columbia University will end as of December 31st at the end of the Fall semester. We do not offer COBRA as we are not an employer-based plan.

I graduate in May, when does my coverage end?

Your insurance coverage will end on the last day of the term paid.  For the Spring term, the last day is the end of the policy year, August 14th. We do not offer COBRA as we are not an employer-based plan.

Does the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan cover me outside of New York?

Yes, the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan covers you nationally and internationally. Please refer to Aetna's referral requirements for access to care while outside of New York.

Why is the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan fee more expensive in the spring semester?

The Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan fee is more for the spring semester because we bill 7.5 months of the premium which runs through the summer. In the fall we bill 4.5 months of the premium.

I work for Columbia University or NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital. Do I have to pay the HRSF fee?

No, if you are an employee of the university or hospital and have employee benefits then you may complete the HSRF Employee Waiver form to waive the fee.

How do I contact you if I have a complaint, comment, or would like to share a pleasant experience at the Student Health on Haven?

How do I download an insurance card?

Please visit the Aetna Student Health website and use the Get Your ID Card Tool to enter your Student ID and Date of Birth.  The Student ID is not your UNI.  It is your Columbia PID number which can be found in your SSOL account and starts with a "C".

If I receive a claim or bill from a doctor's office, what do I do?

  • Do NOT ignore the bill.
  • Determine whether it is a bill, a statement of charges sent to your insurance company (explanation of benefits), or a claim.
  • Does the billing provider have your insurance information? Usually, there is a space on the back of the claim to provide this information or a number you can call for clarification.
  • If you have the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan, and you have questions about a claim or a denial, call the Customer Service number, 800-859-8471. Be sure to get the name of the representative who assists you.
  • If your claim was denied, did you have the required referral? Please note that referrals cannot be backdated and must be renewed each policy year.

For billing/reimbursement problems that persist after you have followed these steps, please contact the Student Health Insurance and Adminstration at 212-305-3400 or shsinsurance@cumc.columbia.edu.

How do I get reimbursed?

There are two types of reimbursement – a reimbursement from the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan, and a reimbursement for the HRSF.

  1. Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan reimbursements are given to students who have met the deductible for out-of-network services and paid for additional services out of pocket, or for students who received services overseas. Review Aetna's Medical Claims and Prescription Drug Claims. 
  2. SHS reimbursements are given to students who receive a required immunization for a documented, school-sponsored trip that was not available at the SHS. Please complete the Student Reimbursement Form and submit to Student Health on Haven Insurance and Administration.

Please note reimbursement payments are sent via check and may take 2-4 weeks to process.

Can I enroll in the Columbia University Student Health Insurance Plan without enrolling in services with Student Health on Haven?

No, Student Health on Haven and the Columbia University Insurance Plan work together to provide care to our students. 

Do I need referrals to see specialists?

Yes, referrals are required for all* specialty care from the Student Health on Haven clinic prior to visiting specialists.  *Routine OB-GYN care does not require a referral.  Any follow-up care will require a referral from Student Health on Haven.  Referrals expire at the end of the policy year on 8/14.