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 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 application is not approved by September 15, you will be automatically enrolled in the Gold SHIP and billed through your tuition account.
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. 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.
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 2021
Open enrollment period: June 15–September 15, 2021
Enrollment deadline: September 15
Spring 2022
Open enrollment period: December 14–February 11, 2022
Enrollment deadline: February 11, 2022
Summer 2022
Open enrollment period: TBD
Enrollment deadline: TBD
Please note: Students must submit an insurance waiver and be approved in order to opt out of CU Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). If you do not complete this process by the enrollment deadline, you will be automatically enrolled in CU 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-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 member services or 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 only provides coverage for services provided by Medical Services. It does not provide coverage for services from Counseling and Psychiatric Services.
Using private insurance at CU Boulder
Private 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, you can enroll in the BuffCare Program for supplemental coverage.
