Can Medical Students Waive Their School's Health Insurance Plan?

Most medical schools require students to have health coverage. Many also offer a school plan and bill you for it automatically unless you waive it. Whether you can waive it, and with what kind of plan, depends on your school.

What a waiver is

A waiver is a form you submit to show you already have coverage that meets your school's standards. It usually has a deadline, and many schools ask you to renew it every year.

What schools often look at

• Type of plan. Some schools require ACA-compliant coverage. Others are more flexible. This is the biggest difference between schools.
• Where you can get care. Clinical rotations may take you away from campus, so some schools want coverage that works in the places you'll train.
• Cost limits. Some schools set a maximum deductible or out-of-pocket amount.
• Dates. Your coverage may need to cover the full academic year.

Questions to ask before you buy anything

• Can I get the waiver requirements in writing?
• Is a non-ACA private plan accepted, or only ACA-compliant coverage?
• What is the waiver deadline, and do I have to renew each year?
• What happens if my waiver is denied after I buy a plan?

Ask student health services or the financial aid office. Don't rely on what another student told you, because rules change.

How Kyle helps

Kyle compares your options and checks them against the rules your school gave you. Your school makes the final decision on what it accepts, and no one can promise a plan will be approved ahead of time.