New, incoming students must complete several health-related requirements before arriving on campus.
New Student Health Requirements Checklist
Health Insurance Requirement for all CU Boulder Students
All students attending CU Boulder must have comprehensive health insurance every semester.
Students can choose health insurance coverage through
- an individual plan or
- the plan of a family member, employer, or government sponsor or
- CU’s Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
Information about selecting or waiving university health insurance coverage is on the Health and Wellness Services website.
J-1 EXCHANGE STUDENTS: You do not need to submit proof of insurance to Health Services or waive insurance. You must upload your insurance plan documentation to the Insurance Compliance e-form as part of the Immigration Check-In process.
- Insurance for exchange students in J-1 status must meet U.S. government minimum requirements.
SPONSORED STUDENTS: If your sponsor provides your medical insurance, you must waive the CU Boulder Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) insurance to avoid having to pay for the insurance yourself.
CU Health Insurance Resources
- Student Health Insurance Requirement Overview (video)
- Student Health Insurance Options (webpage)
- BuffCare Supplemental Coverage Program (webpage)
- CU Boulder Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) portal (enroll/waive insurance)
U.S. Health Care & Insurance Resources
- Insurance Plan & Coverage Overiew (PowerPoint)
- U.S. Healthcare System Overview (video)
- Insurance FAQs (webpage)
- Insurance Terms (webpage)
Immunization Requirement for All CU Boulder Students
All students must complete the two immunization requirements and a questionnaire before the deadline to avoid a late fee and registration hold.
View Immunization Requirements
More information for Students on J-1 visas: Regulatory Health Insurance Requirement
U.S. immigration law requires exchange visitors including exchange and degree-seeking students on J-1 visas to maintain comprehensive medical insurance. The insurance must begin on the program start date indicated on the Form DS-2019 and continue to the end date on the form. The coverage must meet U.S. government minimum requirements, including coverage for evacuation and repatriation of remains.
The Exchange Visitor (J-1 Visa) Insurance Resource List includes options that meet the US government requirements.
Note on failure to obtain insurance: ISSS is required by law to terminate the J-1 SEVIS record of exchange visitors who willfully choose not to carry the required insurance for themselves and their dependents in J-2 status. Individuals with terminated SEVIS records must depart the U.S. immediately.
Insurance Compliance E-Form
All exchange visitors on J-1 visas must provide ISSS with a valid Insurance Compliance e-form (available in the MyISSS portal).