Private Insurance
How to submit a waiver
You can submit a waiver through the insurance portal using the information on your current insurance card.
All waivers are reviewed to ensure insurance plans meet minimum requirements.
- If your waiver is approved, you will receive confirmation through your CU email.
- If additional information is needed, you will receive a request through your CU email.
- If your waiver is denied, you will be automatically enrolled in the Anthem Gold SHIP.
Please note: International exchange students may need to provide specific insurance documentation. Please contact the International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) office for more information.
Submission deadlines
Spring
- Waiver opens: Dec. 11, 2025
- Approval deadline: Jan. 16, 2026
All waivers must be submitted and approved before the deadline.
Please note: The insurance portal for spring will open Dec. 1, 2025.
Please note: If you do not submit proof or if your waiver is denied by the deadline, you will be automatically enrolled in the Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and billed for the semester. No refunds are issued after the deadline. To submit a new waiver, you must wait until the next submission period.
In-network benefits
Private insurance can be used at Medical Services and Counseling and Psychiatric Services (CAPS).
CU Boulder accepts most major health insurance plans on campus, including:
- Anthem
- Cigna
- United Healthcare
- Tricare
To check your in-network benefits, please call your insurance company or search their website. All Medical Services providers have a national provider identifier (NPI) number that can help you determine in-network coverage.
If Medical Services is out of network, you can enroll in the BuffCare supplemental coverage program to help cover out-of-network costs.
Supplemental coverage
Students with private health insurance can enroll in our BuffCare supplemental coverage program.
This program helps provide peace of mind by reducing out-of-pocket costs for medical services provided on campus after your primary insurance has been billed.
BuffCare covers expenses like:
- Co-pays
- Coinsurance
- Deductibles
- Out-of-network costs
Coverage requirements
It is recommended that all private health insurance plans:
- Provide minimum essential coverage
- Provide coverage in Colorado
- Be active the first day of classes and remain active throughout the academic year
- Be issued by an insurance company that is owned and operated within the United States
- Have no limits or caps on the amount of money paid in total benefits per year
- Not have limitations for pre-existing conditions
Please note: If your insurance plan does not meet these minimum standards, your waiver application may be denied, and you will be required to enroll in the CU Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).
Contact us
If you have questions, please contact the Student Health Insurance office.
Office hours
Summer
Monday–Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Fall and spring
Monday–Friday
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Campus location
Wardenburg Health Center, 2nd floor