Waive the SHBP

If you want to use private insurance or MassHealth instead of the Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP), submit the SHBP waiver.

• Waivers may take up to 20 business days to process, depending on volume.
• Waivers must be submitted every fall semester by the graduate add/drop deadline.

Waiver Instructions For.

UPDATE 6/3/24: The waiver for 2024-2025 is now available. Submit it by 9/16.

1. Before the graduate add/drop deadline, go to the Wellfleet website and click "Waive"
2. Choose Undergraduate or Graduate. (If you are a new student you will need to create an account.)
3. Fill in all fields (anything with * next to it is required).

Please Note:

• Policy holder is who holds the insurance.
• Make sure to fill in YOUR (student) insurance ID #, not your parent's, when asked.
• Uploading your health insurance cards is REQUIRED.
• Be sure to read the 2 questions carefully.
• If you are under 5 university credits, UWW, or Accelerated Nursing Program, you should not be charged for SHBP and will not be able to waive for this reason.
• If you have signed a FERPA privacy statement with the university, you are unable to waive online and will need to submit an Alternative Insurance Waiver (see below) to Patient Services with a copy of the front and back of your health insurance card.

International students are not automatically eligible to waive the SHBP. However, international students enrolled in a U.S., employer, or embassy-based health insurance plan from the United States may be eligible for a waiver.

Eligibility is based on federal and state guidelines for the minimum essential coverage needed in accordance with the Affordable Care Act.

U.S.-based international students seeking a waiver must complete an individual insurance plan review before the add/drop deadline. To request a review, mail or bring health plan documentation to:

Patient Services
University Health Services, UMass Amherst
150 Infirmary Way, Amherst, MA 01003

Fax to 413-577-5023.

UHS' Student Health Benefits Coordinator will review the health plan documentation and notify applicants of their status via email. If approved, UHS will process a paper waiver allowing removal of SHBP charges from the tuition bill.