Student Health Insurance (SHIP) Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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On this page, we've collected some commonly asked questions about the DU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and related topics. Click on the header to review a response, and follow included links for additional details.

Still have questions? Call us during business hours at 303.871.2205, or email insurance@du.edu 

 

  • WHY is insurance REQUIRED in the first place?

    Most people can’t preschedule major illnesses/injuries, and don’t have funds to cover related costs, which can be large –all on top of the stress of the health situation itself. Arranging insurance in advance helps remove some pressures, allowing you to focus on staying well or getting better. Insurance can also cover preventative measures (like annual check-ups, immunizations, etc) to help reduce the likelihood and/or impact of some health concerns.

    To help protect your health, finances, and academic success, DU policy requires nearly all students to carry a certain minimum level of health (medical) insurance. 

    Most DU students are automatically billed for the DU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) each school year, unless and until you actively waive it each year by providing evidence of adequate alternate coverage by posted deadlines. (SHIP is the default option.)

  • How is SHIP different from the Health FEE?

    SHIP is insurance, covering only those students enrolled in the Plan, and only specific types of services.

     

    The Health & Counseling Fee (HCF) supports prevention education, wellness and crisis support services available to ALL DU students, such as 24/7 medical and mental health consultations, Health Promotion education events and supplies, and no-cost services as needed from CAPE (the Center for Advocacy, Prevention, & Empowerment). AND decreases the cost of medical and counseling services at the HCC. Unlike insurance, these benefits are available to all students; you're not turned away or required to fill out additional paperwork to qualify for or use them.

  • Why should I CHOOSE DU’s SHIP for my health insurance coverage?

    If you’re already covered under a good plan, that’s great! (You can request a SHIP waiver each school year by providing evidence of current, adequate coverage.)

    But if you don’t have coverage, or have coverage that doesn’t meet our minimum requirements (such as confirmed non-emergency care in Denver), SHIP is a high quality, relatively low cost way to protect yourself.

    Students in certificate, enrichment (non-credit), or other non-degree programs, and/or in entirely online programs are not eligible for SHIP (or to use HCC clinical services). Those with a mix of in-person and online courses/terms should contact the HCC.

  • What’s new/different for 2026-27?

    Anything?

  • How much does SHIP COST?

    For 2025-26, the annual premium (cost) is $3980.00.

    The annual premium is billed in two equal halves, in fall and spring. This is added to your central DU Student Billing account; and so your financial aid can be applied, and extended payment plans may be possible. Contact Student Billing with payment questions.

    Note that, as with all US Health insurance, you’ll probably still have to pay some amount out-of-pocket to providers when you receive care. Insurance decreases, but doesn’t immediately eliminate direct costs to you.

  • WHEN do I make a SHIP decision?

    TO BE FLESHED OUT, with details by cohort

    Continuing students. If you are registered for classes in the upcoming fall or spring terms, you’ll be automatically billed for SHIP. If you’ve already activated your Anthem account, no need to do anything else. (Note that from Fall 2025, your member ID was changed to your DU 87, with “DU” replacing the first two, “87”, numbers.)

     

    New students

    • Starting in fall quarter/semester
      • New school year coverage generally begins August 1st for Law/semester students, and September 1st for quarter students. 
      • All eligible students (new and continuing) are automatically billed for fall, unless and until you request and approved for a waiver by posted deadlines. 
    • Starting in winter quarter
    • Starting in spring quarter/semester
      • Law/semester students
      • Quarter students
    • Starting in summer

     

    Additionally, if you have a qualifying life event (such as marriage, divorce, legal emancipation from guardians, loss of current non-DU insurance coverage, etc), you may be able to join SHIP outside the regular enrollment periods. Contact the HCC for more information.

  • Can I OPT-OUT of SHIP mid-year?

    No. As with most US insurance of any type, you can’t change the contract mid-term. This means you cannot opt in (join) after regular enrollment periods, or opt out except under very specific circumstances (eg, you stop being a DU student, and haven't used any benefits).

  • What IF I DO NOTHING (take no action by SHIP/waiver deadline)?

    Then you’ve chosen SHIP by default. The SHIP premium (cost) will remain on your central DU student account; and you’ll be responsible for paying for it, regardless of whether you use your coverage benefits. You will also be auto-enrolled with Anthem as of the waiver request deadline, which could cause conflicts for your care providers (about whom to bill) if you have other, non-SHIP insurance.

    So, it’s best to actively choose ASAP: 

    1. accept via the MyHealth portal ahead of the deadline (so you can activate and begin using your coverage), OR

    2. submit an online waiver request by the deadline (to avoid unwanted cost/coverage if you have adequate alternative coverage).

  • HOW do I enroll?

    ADD INSTRICTIONS 

    Note that enrollment is not instantaneous; it can take several business days for the Anthem system to recognize you after you accept via the myDU or myHealth sites.

    In order to get an insurance card and use your benefits, you’ll then need to activate and set up your user account with Anthem once added to their system.

  • Can I include DEPENDENTS (spouse/partner, children, etc) on my SHIP coverage?

    No. SHIP is designed and contracted for enrolled DU students only. When we have priced out family coverage possibilities in past, the costs for everyone rose significantly. (College students tend to be lower-health risk generally, keeping down costs compared to wider population plans. Managing coverage for non-students--who have no direct relationships with DU--would also add to administrative work, and thus costs.) Moreover, the HCC does not serve non-students (by capacity and expertise), and so care could become confusing for student vs family members.

    Options. Students can explore options for personal and/or family coverage on the Colorado insurance marketplace (or “exchange”) at connectforhealthco.com/get-started   In some cases, it may be better (coverage offered and/or lower costs) for students to keep/enroll in “plus one” or family plans, and request a DU SHIP waiver. (Note waiver request deadlines each year!)

  • Are DENTAL and VISION CARE covered under SHIP?

    Generally, no. While some mouth and eye illness/injury is covered, preventative testing and cleanings, corrective equipment (glasses, contacts, braces, retainers, etc), and cosmetic services are not covered by most general health/medical plans, including SHIP. However, we do offer optional (not required) dental and vision care plans via Delta of Colorado.

  • Can I USE SHIP coverage at OFF-CAMPUS providers?

    Yes. While the HCC is most convenient for most students’ basic needs, SHIP-covered students can find in-network SHIP providers at www.anthem.com/find-care 

    While the HCC can assist with off-campus connections, you do not need to get a referral from us to use SHIP at off-campus providers.

  • How do I get a copy of my SHIP insurance CARD?

    Within a few days of accepting SHIP coverage for the new year, you can login to Anthem website/app: NEED INSTRUCTIONS

  • When I TRAVEL, am I SHIP-covered?

    Yes. You can find in-network SHIP providers by location (and other features) at www.anthem.com/find-care

    Students travelling on DU study abroad trips are also covered by the University’s central travel policy, for emergency situation. https://studentaffairs.du.edu/health-counseling-center/insurance-plans-fees/coverage-abroad

  • How do I submit a SHIP CLAIM for REIMBURSEMENT?

    ADD INSTRUCTIONS

  • How much do I pay for PRESCRIPTIONS?

    It depends. Your out-of-pocket cost will be affected by medication details (which, quantity, generic availability, etc), details of your insurance usage (have you met your deductible and/or out-of-pocket max?), and where you get your medicine.

    The HCC keeps some common medications on hand for when our providers prescribe them, and so will be most convenient and at low costs. For medicines we don’t have in house, we can send prescriptions (orders) to nearby retail or online pharmacies; talk with your HCC provider about what would work best for you.

    It’s always smart to ask your provider (on or off-campus) to help you estimate likely costs, given your specific situation and insurance.

  • Can I use HCC services with non-DU insurance?

    Generally, yes. BUT, be aware that:

    • You’ll need to pay HCC directly at the time of services, with cost depending on the specific services received. (See our Service Fee summaries for some common costs.) You can then submit the HCC receipt to your insurance company for reimbursement.
    • The HCC may not be considered “in network” for your plan (and so less cost may be covered), and DU is not involved in that reimbursement process (we can’t help with that interaction between you and your plan).

     

    Because most HCC eligible students also pay the Health & Counseling Fee, some common, simple services may be cheaper, faster and more convenient at the HCC than at an off-campus provider (days/weeks out) and using your own insurance. For example, a sore throat strep test could be done within 2 days for ~$6 at the HCC, while off-campus providers may not be able to see you until next week, and for a more expensive test.

 

Still have questions? Call us during business hours at 303.871.2205, or email insurance@du.edu