New York University (NYU) Health Insurance Waiver Requirements [2025-2026 Guide]

If you’re planning to study at New York University (NYU), there’s something important you should know: all students need to have health insurance that meets NYU’s standards. While the university offers its own student health insurance plan, a lot of international students decide to waive the fee and use their own insurance instead, as long as it fits the waiver requirement.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what a health insurance waiver is, how to apply for one at NYU, what documents/information are needed, and when to submit your application. This will make the whole process simpler and less stressful.

What’s a NYU Health Insurance Waiver and Why Would You Want One?

A health insurance waiver basically lets you opt out of NYU’s student insurance if you already have another plan that fits their fee waiver criteria. By doing this, you don’t have to pay the university’s insurance fee, which can be pretty pricey.

Many students go for a fee waiver because:

• NYU’s plan can be costly compared to private options designed for international students.

• External plans might better fit your needs and budget.

• You may already have coverage through your family or a plan from back home.

Just keep in mind that your outside insurance has to meet all of NYU’s specific requirements for you to qualify.

Why Are Alternative Plans More Affordable?

Insurance providers like Student Cover offer NYU health insurance plans that are much easier on your wallet compared to most university health insurance options. While many university plans cost around $2,400 to $2,500 per semester, Student Cover’s plans typically charge up to $2,500 per year, giving you solid coverage without the high price tag.

Because of this, lots of international students choose to go with external insurance instead of the NYU student plan.

Here’s why alternative plans tend to cost less:

• Focused on International Students: These plans are designed specifically for students studying abroad. This means the coverage and prices are tailored to meet your unique needs and risk profile.

• Lean Administration: Private insurers like Student Cover operate with streamlined processes, keeping overhead costs low, and those savings get passed on to you in the form of lower premiums.

• Age-Based Premiums: Student Cover adjusts premiums based on age. Younger students usually pay less, while older students get plans that fit their particular health needs fairly.

Comparative Cost Analysis

Disclaimer: The Student Cover premium is age-dependent. The above tables display the premium for students aged 22 and below.

Who Can Waive NYU’s Student Health Insurance Fee?

To qualify for a waiver, your current health insurance plan must:

• Provide unlimited coverage per accident or illness

• Offer comprehensive medical benefits, including doctor visits, hospitalization, surgery, lab tests, and x-rays

• Cover both inpatient and outpatient care, including mental health, substance abuse, and alcohol-related illness or injury in the New York City area

• Include medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000 USD to your home country

• Include repatriation of remains coverage of at least $25,000 USD

• Have a deductible no higher than $1,500 USD per policy year

• Not exclude any pre-existing conditions

• Be headquartered and operating in the U.S., with a U.S. claims address and customer service phone number

What Documents Will You Need?

When you apply for the waiver, have this information handy:

• Your insurance card or official documents proving your coverage.

• Details about what your plan covers and the dates it’s valid.

• Your NYU student ID number.

• Any other paperwork NYU asks for is on their waiver portal.

Make sure everything is clear and in English, or include a certified translation.

Things to Keep in Mind Before Choosing an Alternative Plan

Look, saving money is great, and yes, alternative plans like Student Cover can really cut your costs. But just a heads-up: NYU won’t let you waive their insurance fee unless your current plan checks all their boxes.

Here’s what your plan needs to include:

• Good coverage for both physical and mental health
• No limitation on pre-existing conditions.
• Medical evacuation (at least $50,000) and repatriation coverage (at least $25,000)
• All the essentials, emergency care, hospital stays, prescriptions, etc.
• Preventive care and chronic condition coverage that doesn’t have a limit

So yeah, before buying anything just because it’s cheaper, take a few minutes to cross-check the details. NYU posts its full waiver criteria online — it’s worth a look. Once you’re sure your plan qualifies, jump into the waiver process.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for the NYU Health Insurance Waiver (Updated for 2025)

Step 1: Download the NYU Waiver Form

Go to the official NYU Student Health Insurance page and download the Health Insurance Waiver Request Form relevant to your program and academic year.

Make sure it’s the latest version

Forms are typically available in PDF format

Step 2: Complete Section A – Student Portion

As a student, you're required to fill out Section A of the form, which includes all yellow-highlighted areas.

Provide your full name, NYU ID number, date of birth, and contact information

Read the Statement of Acknowledgement carefully. You are responsible for:

• Maintaining valid insurance while at NYU

• Ensuring your plan meets NYU’s requirements

• Submitting a new form each time you renew or change plans

• Sign and date the form to confirm your agreement with NYU’s policies.

Step 3: Have Section B Completed by Your Insurance Company

Share the waiver form with a representative from your insurance company and ask them to complete Section B, including:

• All yellow-highlighted fields

• Signature and date

• Initials on each line of the NYU Minimum Coverage Requirements confirming compliance

Your plan must meet the following NYU requirements:

• Unlimited coverage per accident/illness

• Inpatient & outpatient care in NYC (including mental health & substance abuse)

• Repatriation coverage of at least $25,000 USD

• Medical evacuation to the home country of at least $50,000 USD

• Deductible not exceeding $1,500 USD per policy year

• No exclusion for pre-existing conditions

• The plan must be U.S.-based with a U.S. claims address and contact number

Step 4: Submit the Completed Form

Once both sections are completed:

Email the signed form and required documentation (insurance card, policy summary if requested) to:

health.insuranceattestation@nyu.edu

Important Deadlines to Remember (2025-26 Academic Year)

Fall Deadline: September 30 2025

Spring Deadline: February 10, 2026

Summer Deadline: June 5, 2026

Try to apply early; late applications may not be accepted or could incur fees.

Need help? Student Cover’s advisors can guide you through the whole waiver process and help you find affordable insurance plans that meet NYU’s requirements.

How Does Student Cover Help You Save on Health Insurance?

Student Cover is a trusted health insurance provider that helps Indian students stay protected while studying abroad, without breaking the bank. They offer specialized F1 student insurance plans starting as low as $1,384 per year.

Here’s a quick look at their popular plans:

• Plus Plan: Around $1,511 per year for individual coverage

• Elite Plan: About $1,854 per year, offering extra benefits

• World Elite Plus Plan: Up to $2,136 per year with the most comprehensive coverage

To put that into perspective, many university plans cost anywhere from $2,400 to $2,500 per semester, so Student Cover’s plans can save you a significant amount over the course of your studies.

What’s even better? Student Cover’s team helps you pick a plan tailored to your exact needs. This means you only pay for the coverage you actually need—no wasted money on extras that don’t fit your student life.

FAQs

Q1. Does NYU require health insurance for all students?

Yes. NYU mandates that all students have health insurance coverage. If you do not waive the SHIP with qualifying external coverage, you will be enrolled automatically.

Q2. What if my external insurance does not meet NYU's requirements?

If your plan falls short of the waiver criteria, your waiver will be denied, and you will have to enroll in NYU student health insurance.

Q3. Can I waive health insurance for a partial semester?

No. NYU requires coverage for the entire academic term or year to approve a waiver.

Q4. Are NYU SHIP plans expensive?

NYU’s SHIP cost varies but can be costly for many students, especially international students on a budget. This is why many choose external insurers with comparable coverage but more affordable premiums.

Q5. Can Student Cover insurance be used to waive NYU health insurance?

Yes. Student Cover offers plans tailored to meet NYU’s waiver requirements at competitive prices. Their advisors can guide you in choosing the best plan to waive your NYU health insurance successfully.

Q6. Why Consider External Insurance Instead of NYU SHIP?

• Cost Savings: External plans often cost less than the NYU SHIP.
• Customized Plans: Designed specifically for international students’ needs.
• Comprehensive Coverage: Including emergency evacuation and repatriation.
• Flexible Options: Various plans with different coverage limits and premiums.
• Great customer service: Dedicated support to assist students with claims, questions, and policy management.

Final Thoughts

Understanding and meeting the NYU health insurance waiver requirements can save you significant money while ensuring you remain well covered during your studies. Follow the steps carefully, submit your waiver form on time, and keep track of waiver communications from NYU.

If you need help choosing the right insurance plan to waive NYU health insurance fee or assistance with the waiver process, feel free to reach out to Student Cover’s expert insurance advisors. They specialize in supporting Indian students to secure affordable and compliant health insurance for their study abroad journey.