Health insurance is probably one of those things you wish you would’ve learned about in high school or as part of your undergraduate degree. While insurance plans can be complex, understanding your policy is an important part of managing your health (and wallet).
If you feel overwhelmed navigating healthcare or insurance systems, you’re not alone. That’s why we’re here to help. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you understand the basics and make the most of your health insurance plan.
Did you know?
All CU Boulder students can access care through Medical Services, regardless of what kind of insurance plan they have. This includes students with the Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) as well as private insurance plans.
Why is health insurance important?
Health insurance helps cover the cost of medical treatments, appointments, mental health visits, prescription medications and other health-related expenses. Like car insurance, health insurance can provide us with a sense of security in case accidents or unexpected illnesses or injuries happen.
While you may have your own private health insurance plan, many students choose to enroll in the Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) designed specifically for CU Boulder students.
Important insurance terms to know
It’s important to know that every health insurance plan is unique. The “rules'' for your insurance plan may be different from that of your friends. Here are a few important terms to know and look out for to help you understand and use your health insurance:
How to read your insurance card
Insurance cards are unique for each insurance company and plan. However, many of them provide similar information, regardless of what kind of insurance you have. Here is an example of what an Anthem Gold SHIP card looks like.
Additional resources and support
There are a number of resources on campus that can help you navigate health insurance questions.

Health & Wellness Administrative Services
The Administrative Services team oversees all aspects of medical insurance, billing, and medical records at CU Boulder. They can also help answer questions about health insurance, billing, or medical records.

Anthem Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
If you are currently enrolled in the Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan, you can learn more about coverage, benefits and more by visiting the CU Boulder health insurance website.

BuffCare Program
Insurance plans don’t always cover everything. Supplemental coverage is designed to help cover the bills and costs that your insurance plan doesn’t pay for. CU Boulder has its own supplemental coverage program known as BuffCare. BuffCare is designed to give you peace of mind in the event of an illness or injury by covering out-of-pocket expenses for care provided by Medical Services.

Medical Services
Medical Services specializes in college health and is available to all CU Boulder students, regardless of your insurance plan. Students can visit Medical Services for primary care, sexual and reproductive health, physical therapy, nutrition and more. They also have a full-service Apothecary Pharmacy on site to fill prescriptions and provide over the counter medications and supplies.

Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS)
CAPS can help you navigate mental health coverage and help you find a local provider in Boulder that works for you and your insurance plan. You can also find mental health services based on your insurance plan by visiting Thriving Campus.