Frequently Asked Questions
General Questions
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When is the SHIP open enrollment period?
The SHIP open enrollment period for the 2023-2024 academic year begins May 22, 2023, and ends September 15, 2023. Eligible students must take action during open enrollment to enroll or waive the SHIP.
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I enrolled in the SHIP last year, so do I need to enroll again this year?
Yes. Students are required to complete the enrollment process each academic year. Proactively enrolling in the plan assures you will have no gap in coverage.
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Do I have to waive coverage every year?
Yes. Waivers are valid for one academic year. If you submit a waiver for Fall 2023, you will not need to submit another waiver until Fall 2024. If you submit a waiver in the Spring of 2024, you will need to submit another waiver for Fall 2024. All waivers expire at the end of the policy period.
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What happens if I do not elect to enroll or waive coverage by the SHIP enrollment deadline?
You have until September 15, 2023 to either enroll in or waive the SHIP. If you do not take action by the deadline, you will be automatically enrolled in the SHIP and the semester health insurance fee of $1,502 will remain on your student account.
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I see that if I do not take any action, I will be automatically enrolled in the SHIP. Why should I proactively enroll in the plan?
If you do not take any action, you will be automatically enrolled in the plan, but this will not happen until late September. However, if you proactively enroll in the plan, you will receive your insurance information by email within 24 hours and can begin using your benefits as soon as the plan begins on August 1, 2023.
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How do I pay for my insurance?
The cost of your insurance will be added to your student account each semester.
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Will I be able to enroll my spouse and/or dependents?
Yes, but you will need to enroll yourself in the plan first. Once you have completed your enrollment, you can enroll your spouse and/or dependents. There is an additional charge for adding a spouse and/or dependents (see Rates here).
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If I enroll my spouse and/or dependents, can I pay for their insurance through my student account?
No. You will need to submit payment online or by mail to the plan administrator with the enrollment.
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I am graduating in December, when will my health insurance end?
Students maintain coverage through the end date of the policy period in which they are enrolled. A student graduating in December 2023 will have coverage through December 31, 2023.
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I am graduating in May, when will my health insurance end?
Students maintain coverage through the end date of the policy period in which they are enrolled. A student graduating in May 2024 will have coverage through July 31, 2024.
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Who should I contact with questions about the SHIP or if I have a special circumstance?
The University’s insurance broker, Tim Cummons at RCM&D, can assist with questions about enrollment and plan benefits.
Tim Cummons
RCM&D
1-800-346-4075, ext. 1452
U.Richmond@rcmd.com
International Students
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I am an international student and I have questions.
See Health Insurance FAQ on the International Education website.
Bursar & Financial Aid
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When and how will I be billed for the SHIP?
The insurance premium for one semester of coverage will be billed to your student account along with Fall/Spring invoices, and will be due on the published due date. Your invoice will include a special message regarding the billing for the insurance if you are enrolled in coverage.
- When is the premium due?
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I waived out of the SHIP. Why am I still seeing it on my student account?
You are allowed to waive the SHIP as long as you have another plan with comparable or better coverage. If you are seeing the SHIP charge on your account, it is possible that your alternate health plan did not satisfy the minimum standards, there could have been a fault in processing your waiver due to lack of information, or there is a delay in removing the charges. Please check your email account for a confirmation email of waiver acceptance from the insurance provider. If you cannot confirm your insurance has been waived, please contact Tim Cummons at U.Richmond@rcmd.com for further assistance. Once waived, the charges will be removed within 30 days. You are not responsible to pay the premium if you have successfully waived coverage.
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Can I use my 529 Plan to pay for student health insurance?
The terms of 529 Plans can vary. You will need to contact your plan provider to get detailed information about your approved expenses.
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Why is there a hold on my student account?
A hold is placed on your student account for a multitude of reasons including a past due balance or missing mandatory information. Insurance premiums not paid by the due date will generate a hold as they become a past due balance.
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Can I get additional aid to pay for my insurance?
Domestic full-time undergraduate students who are receiving need-based financial aid from the University of Richmond may qualify for additional funding for health insurance. These students should have maximized their use of Federal Direct Student Loans and have no other options for health insurance coverage. Domestic students meeting these requirements may submit a petition to the Office of Financial Aid to be considered for additional University financial assistance to pay for health insurance. Other students, to include: those who have not maximized their Federal Direct Student Loans, law, graduate, and part-time students, may qualify for additional student loans to pay for health insurance.
Please contact the Office of Financial Aid to submit an appeal or discuss your loan options at finaid@richmond.edu or (804) 289-8438. Appeals should include an explanation of why you need additional funding and the reason you are not covered by another plan.