University of Colorado Boulder Health Insurance Waiver Guide 2025

University of Colorado Boulder Health Insurance Waiver Guide 2025

August 19, 2025

Pragya Sharma

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Introduction

    The University of Colorado Boulder (CU Boulder) requires its enrolled students to have health insurance coverage to ensure that they are well in both the physical and psychological sense of the word as they continue their studies at the university. To fulfill this requirement, CU Boulder utilizes the Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and automatically enrolls students during the first semester of their academic year.

      Yet, students with prior health insurance coverage, through a personal health insurance plan, will be able to forfeit university insurance by processing a formal insurance waiver. This guide gives you a step-by-step overview of the wavering process, and also introduces Student Cover, which can help you request a waiver.

        What is an Insurance Waiver?

          A waiver is a formal petition of a student to be released from the health insurance policy of his or her university. The waiver is telling the university that you already possess a health insurance plan that is substantially equivalent in nature and quality to the default plan maintained by the university.

            CU Boulder works with all waivers it received to make sure that the standards of the university are met in terms of private insurance policies made privately. The Anthem Gold SHIP charge will automatically come out of your tuition and fee invoice if your waiver is accepted.

              Still in Doubt: If You Qualify for a Waiver?

                Before you begin the waiver process, it’s important to verify that your existing insurance plan meets CU Boulder’s waiver requirements. Here are the core criteria your plan must meet:

                  • 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

                  International plans or travel insurance policies that don’t meet these standards will be denied.

                    Why Are Alternative Health Insurance Plans More Affordable?

                      University-sponsored plans typically offer comprehensive coverage, but they come at a premium cost.

                        In contrast, alternative insurance providers like Student Cover offer plans that:

                          • They are tailored specifically for international students
                          • Eliminate unnecessary benefits that drive up costs
                          • Partner with large provider networks like UnitedHealthcare.
                          • Maintain all waiver-required coverage while cutting costs by 50–70%

                          Comparative Cost Analysis

                            These figures help compare the annual costs and cost-sharing features of the University plan versus Student Cover plans.

                              Plan TypeInsurance CostDeductibleCoinsuranceOut-of‑Pocket Max
                              University Plan$4,884/year* ($2,442/sem)$500*80%$8,700
                              SC Prima 500₹43,976/year*$100100%$100
                              Royal$967/year*$500*80%$8000*
                              Royal Plus$1,843/year*$0*100%$6000*
                              World Elite$1,500/year*$450*80%$5,000*

                                Note: It is advised to check the policy wording or the plan brochures for all the above figures, as they may change according to the student’s age, semester, and the plans offered. For more accurate information, visit the university website mentioned below in the FAQs.

                                  https://www.studentcover.in/cub/

                                  How to Purchase Student Cover Health Insurance

                                    Buying a Student Cover plan is simple and completely online:

                                      • Visit: www.studentcover.in
                                      • Under the insurance tab, click on student health insurance 
                                      • Enter your university
                                      • Start the enrollment process
                                      • Create your account using your WhatsApp number to receive the OTP
                                      • Fill in the required information
                                      • Upload your documents 
                                      • Submit and wait for the payment link
                                      • Make a payment, and a policy will be provided to your email

                                      How to Apply for CU Boulder Health Insurance Waiver (SHIP)

                                        You can apply for the waiver online through the university’s student portal.

                                           Here's a step-by-step process:

                                            Step 1: Log In to MyCUInfo

                                              Step 2: Navigate to Billing Information

                                                • Find the Billing Information tab on your dashboard
                                                • Look for the insurance section

                                                Step 3: Click on the Waiver Link

                                                  • Click: “I have my insurance (click here to waive)”
                                                  • You will be redirected to a form managed by Specialty Insurance Solutions

                                                  Step 4: Fill Out the Waiver Form

                                                    • Your personal information will be auto-filled
                                                    • Enter your insurance provider’s name, group ID, and policy number
                                                    • Specify your relationship to the policyholder (self, parent, spouse, etc.)
                                                    • Attach a scan/photo of your insurance ID card if required.

                                                    Step 5: Submit and Track Progress

                                                      • Submit the waiver form
                                                      • You’ll receive emails:
                                                      • “Received”: confirming submission
                                                      • “Approved” or “Denied”: usually within 5–10 business days

                                                      What Happens After Submission?

                                                        Once you submit your waiver form:

                                                          • You’ll receive a confirmation email from the waiver portal
                                                          • CU Boulder’s system will audit your insurance plan
                                                          • Within 5–10 business days, you’ll receive an update:
                                                          • Approved: SHIP charges are removed from your tuition bill
                                                          • Denied: You’ll have a chance to correct and resubmit

                                                          If approved, your student account will reflect a credit for the insurance charge.

                                                            University of Colorado Boulder Waiver Deadlines

                                                              The waiver process must be completed every academic year (or every semester for new/spring students). Missing the deadline will result in automatic enrollment in SHIP, and the corresponding fee will be non-refundable.

                                                                TermWaiver Portal Opens
                                                                FallAug. 22, 2025
                                                                SpringJan. 16, 2026

                                                                  Note: For more accurate information, visit the university website mentioned below in the FAQs

                                                                    Need help choosing a plan or submitting your waiver?

                                                                      Reach out to Student Cover for personalized assistance.

                                                                        FAQs 

                                                                          Is it mandatory to purchase CU Boulder’s SHIP insurance plan?

                                                                            Yes, unless you submit and get approval for a qualifying waiver.

                                                                              Can international students apply for a waiver?

                                                                                Yes, if they have a U.S.-based, ACA-compliant insurance plan with local coverage.

                                                                                  What happens if I miss the waiver deadline?

                                                                                    You’ll be auto-enrolled in Anthem Gold SHIP, and the fee is non-refundable.

                                                                                      Do I need to submit the waiver every semester?

                                                                                        No, once approved in the fall, the waiver covers the full academic year.

                                                                                          What documents are required for submitting a waiver?

                                                                                            You need your insurance ID card, policy details, and sometimes a summary of benefits.

                                                                                              How will I know if my waiver is approved?

                                                                                                You’ll receive an approval or denial email within 5–10 business days.

                                                                                                  Can I edit my waiver form if it’s denied?

                                                                                                    Yes, you can correct and resubmit it before the deadline.

                                                                                                      What if my insurance plan is valid only for part of the year?

                                                                                                        It will be denied; CU requires full-year coverage starting from the first class day.

                                                                                                          How can Student Cover help me?

                                                                                                            They offer affordable, waiver-compliant plans and full support for the waiver process.

                                                                                                              Where can I find the official University of Colorado Boulder health insurance waiver information online?

                                                                                                                The most accurate and up-to-date waiver requirements, deadlines, and instructions are available on the official University of Colorado Boulder Student Health Services website. Students should always verify details there before applying.

                                                                                                                  Disclaimer: We are not comparing or recommending one insurance plan over another. We are merely providing informational options so you can make an informed decision. Plan costs, coverage, and eligibility rules vary by student age, semester, provider, and plan year. To ensure accuracy, always verify the latest information via the official CU Boulder Student Health Services website and your insurance provider’s policy materials before making any decisions.

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