Student Health Insurance

Health Insurance Requirement

Every year, Colby requires all students to maintain comprehensive health insurance coverage.  This ensures access to vital care and services, which are essential for maintaining the health necessary to focus on academic success.  

Who is Covered?

This requirement applies to all domestic students studying on campus in Maine, as well as those participating in the following off-campus programs: 

• Colby at Bigelow Laboratory
• Colby in Dijon
• Colby in Salamanca
• Dartmouth Engineering Dual-Degree Program
• Associated Kyoto in Japan

How to Meet the Requirement

To comply with this policy, students must choose one of the following options:

1. Private Coverage: Demonstrate proof of existing insurance through a U.S.-based provider.
2. Colby SHIP: Enroll in the Colby Student Health Insurance Plan (“Colby SHIP”), administered by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and brokered by Varney Benefits Advisors.  

Colby Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

The Colby SHIP (also referred to as the “Anthem” plan) is a major medical insurance plan that utilizes the national Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield network of doctors and hospitals. The plan is fully compliant with the Affordable Care Act. For a deeper dive into the specifics of the coverage, students can review the plan’s summary of benefits, provider network, and exclusions.

Integration with Campus Care

The SHIP is specifically designed to coordinate with the medical services provided through the Colby Student Health Center at Maine General College Health. This alignment ensures that students have a seamless experience when seeking care both on and off-campus.  For more details on the comprehensive care available to students, you can explore our wellness services and resources here.

Billing and Premiums

• Fall Enrollment: All students enrolled for the fall semester will be charged an annual premium of $2,628. This coverage remains in effect from August 1 through July 31.
• Spring-Only Enrollment: For students who are not enrolled in the fall but return for the spring semester, a half-year premium of $1,527 will be charged. This coverage begins on January 1 and ends on July 31.

Students who hold comparable health insurance through a U.S.-based provider may opt out of the Colby SHIP.  Upon successful completion and approval of the online waiver form, a waiver credit will be applied to your student account to offset the insurance premium charge.

Enrollment and Waiver Deadlines

Every year, all students must complete the online enrollment or waiver form in order to enroll in the Colby SHIP or officially decline coverage. 

Key Deadlines

• August 1: Deadline for full-year coverage enrollment or waivers.
• January 1: Deadline for students starting in the spring semester.

The Waiver Process

Students electing to waive the Colby SHIP must provide proof of comparable coverage by submitting their current insurance information through the online form. Please note:

• The insurance premium will remain on your bill until the waiver request is reviewed.
• Once approved, a waiver credit will be applied to your student account to offset the charge.
• Waivers must be submitted annually to ensure your external coverage remains active and compliant with Colby’s requirements.

International Student Enrollment

Because students are required to have comparable U.S.-based coverage, all international students will be automatically enrolled in the Colby SHIP. As a result, international students do not need to complete the standard waiver or enrollment process. 

Exceptions:

• Qualifying Private Insurance: If you are an international student and believe your current insurance plan meets the requirements for a waiver, please contact [email protected] for a review.
• Off-Campus Study: International students participating in direct-pay off-campus programs (not listed above under “Required SHIP Programs”) are not automatically enrolled. These students are typically covered by health insurance provided directly through their external program or host university.

Students Studying Off-Campus

Insurance requirements for off-campus study depend on which program you are enrolled in.

Required SHIP Programs

Students attending the following programs must complete the standard waiver or enrollment process:

• Colby at Bigelow Laboratory
• Colby in Dijon
• Colby in Salamanca
• Dartmouth Engineering Dual-Degree Program
• Associated Kyoto Program (Japan)

All Other Off-Campus Programs

If you are attending a program not listed above, you are not required to participate in the Colby SHIP process.

• Coverage: You should carefully review the health insurance provided by your external program or university, as well as any supplemental options.
• Spring Returns: If you return to campus for the Spring Semester, you will be given the opportunity to enroll in half-year coverage ($1,532) running from January 1 through July 31.
• Special Requests: While typically excluded, students in non-Colby-billed programs may request enrollment in the Colby SHIP on a case-by-case basis by contacting [email protected].