Health Insurance
Student Health Insurance
Cornell requires that all active students have health insurance that provides access to comprehensive care.
All full-time and/or degree-seeking students must either confirm enrollment in the Student Health Plan (SHP) or, if eligible, waive this coverage by providing proof of other insurance meeting University requirements. With limited exceptions, students who do not confirm or waive coverage will be enrolled in the Student Health Plan by default, and the charge for this coverage will be posted to their bursar account.
Waivers in SHP are reverified each semester, and students may be required to provide updated insurance information to maintain their waiver or be enrolled in SHP. Some students returning from leave may also be required to reapply for a waiver.
The Student Health Plan provides excellent coverage for medical services and prescriptions in Ithaca (including at Cornell Health), New York City, nationally, and internationally.
Please see our website to:
- Find the deadline to waive coverage and the cost of SHP
- Find out if you will be eligible to waive coverage
- Compare your current coverage to SHP
- Review the requirements for alternate health insurance coverage
- Find health care where you’re studying
- Learn about optional dental and vision coverage (deadlines apply)
- Explore insurance options for your dependents (deadlines apply)