Student Health Insurance Program
Administrative Department
Health Insurance Requirement for UNC Students
To support your health and academic success, UNC requires that all degree-seeking students have health insurance if you’re:
- An undergraduate taking 9 or more credit hours, or
- A graduate student taking 6 or more credit hours
This requirement applies whether you’re studying on campus, off campus, or online. Why? Because we want you to get the care you need — and reduce the chance that a health issue disrupts your academic journey.
How It Works
To help you meet this requirement, UNC automatically enrolls eligible students each fall and spring in the UNC Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).
The charge is added directly to your tuition bill.
What the Student Health Insurance Plan Offers
Here’s what you can expect:
- $20 copays for in-network doctor visits — including specialists
- No deductible for in-office care (that’s right — the $500 deductible is waived!)*
- 80% coverage after deductible for other services, when you use providers in the Cigna nationwide network
*Note: If your provider sends lab work or other items to an outside lab, the $500 deductible will apply.
Coverage for:
- Medical office visits
- Prescriptions
- Mental health care
- Medical imaging
- Hospital stays
Want to know more about what’s covered?
Information about coverage periods and plan costs
Waiving Coverage
If you already have health insurance and wish to decline enrollment in UNC’s student health insurance plan, you must fill out an online waiver each year by the waiver deadline (always the 10th day of classes). See our waiver instructions for details.
International Students
International students are subject to special requirements for health insurance and filing waivers. If you are an international student, visit our international student health insurance page for important details.
Important Information about the Activation of Student Health Insurance Coverage
UNC student health insurance needs to be activated at the start of each semester. This automatically happens within two weeks of the waiver period closing and open enrollment ending. If you need to access your student health insurance benefits prior to your coverage being activated for the semester, contact the UNC Health Insurance Office at 970-351-1915 or email nicky.weglin@unco.edu.
Important Information about the Activation of Student Health Insurance Coverage
UNC student health insurance needs to be activated at the start of each semester. This automatically happens within two weeks of the waiver period closing and open enrollment ending. If you need to access your student health insurance benefits prior to your coverage being activated for the semester, contact the UNC Health Insurance Office at 970-351-1915 or email nicky.weglin@unco.edu.
If the cost of your personal or employer-based health insurance has gone up, it might be a great time to take another look at UNC’s Student Health Insurance Plan — you could find it offers better coverage for a better price.
Already waived UNC’s plan but want to switch back? Have a qualifying life event (e.g., loss of employment, birth of a child or addition of a family member)?
You may be eligible to re-enroll!
To explore your options or re-enroll, contact the Insurance Office:
nicky.weglin@unco.edu, or 970-351-1915
If you re-enroll:
- In most cases, the cost will be added to your student bill
We’re here to help you understand your options. Reach out anytime!
If you’re enrolled in UNC’s Student Health Insurance Plan during the spring semester, good news — you’re automatically covered for the summer at no extra cost.
Not taking spring classes but attending summer session? You’re not automatically enrolled, but you can still sign up for summer coverage!
To enroll, just reach out to the Insurance Office:
We’re happy to help you stay covered all summer long!
Before waiving the school health insurance plan, check your VA education benefits. Often, these benefits cover the cost of the student health insurance plan. Our plan can be used anywhere Cigna insurance is accepted. For questions, email: VA.SCO@unco.edu.
If you didn’t waive UNC’s Student Health Insurance Plan, you’ll be automatically enrolled and charged for the coverage.
Here’s how your insurance card works:
- Your insurance card will be available within two weeks after open enrollment ends.
- Open enrollment ends 10 days after classes start. This is also the deadline to waive the insurance.
- Insurance cards are not mailed — they’re only available electronically.
How to Get Your Insurance Card
- Visit www.myahpcare.com/unco
- Click “Insurance ID Card” on the main screen
- You’ll be redirected to the Wellfleet portal
If you haven’t created an account yet, you’ll need to do that before you can access your card.
A new insurance card is issued every fall semester, so make sure to download the updated version each year.
Need to See a Doctor Before Your Card is Ready?
If you need care before you can access your card, contact the Insurance Office:
- Email: nicky.weglin@unco.edu
- Phone: 970-351-1915
We’re here to help!
It’s easy to find healthcare providers near you that are covered by UNC’s Student Health Insurance Plan.
Here’s how:
- Go to www.myahpcare.com/unco
- Click “Find a Provider” on the main screen. You’ll be redirected to the Cigna website —don’t create a login — just continue as a guest.
- Prefer to call instead? You can also contact a healthcare provider’s office directly and ask if they’re in-network with Cigna.
Need More Info?
Check out our plan benefits and our coverage periods and cost, or contact the student health insurance office or email nicky.weglin@unco.edu.
