Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP)

Update 3/3/23: The Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) waiver period has ended. To request an appeal to waive the SHBP for Spring 2023, students can call (413) 577-5192, or come to UHS to see a Patient Services representative Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

insurance plan icon

Massachusetts requires college students to have comprehensive health insurance. Students taking five or more credits are automatically enrolled in the individual Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) each semester and charged on the semester's tuition bill. If you plan to use private health insurance instead of the SHBP, you must waive the SHBP by the add/drop deadline. If you don't waive by the deadline, you'll remain enrolled in the SHBP, and charges will be assessed on the semester's tuition bills.

Learn More

About the SHBP

  • The SHBP offers coverage for the academic year through Wellfleet Student.

  • Enrollment is on a semester basis. If you are covered both semesters, that equals a full year of coverage.

  • The SHBP meets or exceeds state requirements for health insurance. UMass Amherst has elected to voluntarily configure plan benefits to comply with regulations issued by the federal Department of Health and Human Services as required by the Affordable Care Act for fully-insured student health insurance plans.

  • For complete plan details and information, visit Wellfleet Student.

ID Cards

It is imperative that all students have a copy of their insurance card(s). Many plans have separate prescription drug, eye care, flexible spending account (FSA) and/or health savings account (HSA) cards. You must have copies of all cards related to your plan. The backs of insurance cards are as important as the fronts – be sure you have copies of both sides!

Students who remain enrolled in the SHBP must print a new insurance card each academic year. You can access a copy of your cards by visiting wellfleetstudent.com, and selecting 'ID Cards' from the menu at the top. Enter your student ID number, (Example: 123456789) and your date of birth to obtain a printable version of your card. Please note that you must print a copy of your new card prior to medical appointments and using pharmacy. Your health plan information changes each academic year, therefore your old cards will not be sufficient.

Important:

If you receive prescription medications from a healthcare provider during times when the UHS Pharmacy is closed, bring your insurance card to the pharmacy on the next business day. The medications you received will be billed to your insurance plan. If you do not take this step, you'll be billed for medications received.