Students who already have insurance coverage through an individual, family or employer plan can use their own insurance while attending CU Boulder. In order to use a private or personal insurance plan, you must submit proof of insurance through an online waiver application and be approved.
Please note: If you do not take action or if your waiver application is denied, the insurance charge will be placed on your account starting Aug. 1. To remove this insurance charge, you will need to submit an approved waiver showing valid insurance information, before Sept. 15. Refunds will not be given after the Sept. 15 deadline.
Submitting an insurance waiver
In order to submit an insurance waiver, you will need to use the information located on your insurance ID card.
After you submit an insurance waiver, your insurance coverage will be reviewed by Academic HealthPlans. If your waiver is approved, you will receive a confirmation email. You may also be contacted if additional information is needed to complete your insurance verification. Please monitor your colorado.edu email account for confirmation that your waiver has been approved.
Dates and deadlines
Students who choose to use their own insurance must submit a waiver their first semester at CU Boulder and update this information once a year for the fall semester.
Fall 2023
Open enrollment period:
June 13 - Sept. 15, 2023
Enrollment deadline:
Sept. 15, 2023
Spring 2024
Open enrollment period:
Dec. 12, 2023 - Feb. 13, 2024
Enrollment deadline:
Feb. 13, 2024
Summer 2024
Open enrollment period:
April 13 - May 31, 2024
Enrollment deadline:
May 31, 2024
*Please note: The insurance portal is not available over the summer. Students wanting to waive summer insurance coverage will need to call 303-492-5107 or email studentinsurance@colorado.edu.
Please note: Students must submit an insurance waiver and be approved in order to opt out of Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). If you do not complete this process by the enrollment deadline, you will be automatically enrolled in Anthem Gold SHIP and billed through your student tuition account. After the enrollment deadline you cannot make changes to your health insurance selection until the next open enrollment period. In addition, no refunds will be granted following the waiver deadline.
In-network plans
CU Boulder Health and Wellness Services accepts most major insurance plans for care provided on campus and through telehealth services, including:
You can also check in-network benefits by contacting the member services phone number located on the back of your insurance card or by searching your insurance company’s website. All CU Boulder providers have National Provider Identifier (NPI) numbers that can help you determine in-network eligibility.
Please note: If Medical Service is out-of-network, the BuffCare Program can help cover out-of-pocket costs for services received from Medical Services. BuffCare covers most medical services, including illness prevention and treatment, injury care and more. It does not cover Counseling and Psychiatric Services.
Using private or personal insurance at CU Boulder
Private or personal insurance can be used to cover a variety of health care services provided at CU Boulder, including:
For a full list of eligible services or to learn more about the billing process, please visit the Private Insurance Billing webpage.
Please note: Out-of-pocket costs are dependent on individual health insurance plan benefits. If you are concerned about out-of-pocket costs, we recommend purchasing BuffCare for supplemental coverage.
