Insurance Options
All students enrolled in one or more hours of graded, on-campus coursework at the University of Denver are required to carry personal health (medical) insurance coverage, both to encourage wellness and preventative care, and to help protect students' health, academic and financial success from the negative impacts of unexpected injuries and illnesses. Students have two options:
The University offers a convenient plan designed specifically for students— the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).
OR
- Students can request to waive the DU SHIP by providing proof of adequate alternate health insurance coverage by posted deadlines each school year.
While SHIP participation is optional, to ensure students have coverage, all eligible students will be billed the SHIP premium unless/until they request and are approved for waiver each school year.
The HCC does not bill insurance companies or Medicaid, and we cannot guarantee our services will be covered by, or considered "in-network" for, any alternate insurance coverage. Students are required to pay for all HCC services at the time of their visit, and those who choose alternate health insurance coverage are responsible for obtaining reimbursements from their providers. Students covered by Medicaid must seek an outside Medicaid provider to ensure coverage for services.
Coverage Dates and Action Deadlines
QUARTER | Coverage period | Waiver Request Deadline |
Spring + summer 2025 | thru 8/31/2025 | passed |
Fall + winter 2025 | 9/1/2025-3/31/2025 | 9/26/2025 |
Spring + summer 2026 | 4/1/2026-8/31/2026 | 4/17/2026 |
SEMESTER/LAW | Coverage period | Waiver Request Deadline |
Spring + summer 2025 | thru 7/31/2025 | passed |
Fall + winter 2025 | 8/1/2025-12/31/2025 | 9/5/2025 |
Spring + summer 2026 | 1/1/2026-7/31/2026 | 1/23/2026 |
Undergraduate Coverage Options
All undergraduate students enrolled at DU (other than those in completely online programs*) are required to carry personal health insurance coverage and pay the Health & Counseling Fee (HCF). While it is not a charge for individual services or coverage, the HCF, especially in combination with DU Student Health Insurance Plan, decreases the cost of a wide range of services provided by the Health & Counseling Center, including no- and low-cost visits. Any co-pays or additional charges remain the student's responsibility. See below for details on the full range of undergraduate student coverage options.
*DU students in completely online or certificate programs are not eligible to enroll in SHIP or receive services at the HCC.
Health & Counseling Fee (HCF) + DU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
- Most HCC services with HCF + SHIP have no out-of-pocket cost.
- Low-cost co-pays apply for specialist visits, for example psychiatry visits.
Health & Counseling Fee (HCF) + Alternate (non-DU) Health Insurance
- Most HCC services are discounted after a $20 co-pay.
- Itemized invoices with proof of payment may be submitted to your private insurance company for reimbursement, if applicable.
- The HCC is not a Medicaid provider. Students covered by Medicaid must seek an outside Medicaid provider to ensure coverage.