Health Center

The state of Massachusetts and Brandeis University require that full- and three-quarter-time students have health insurance that meets the state regulations (search student health insurance). The intention of the law is to ensure that students have access to routine and emergent medical services. The state further requires that reporting of insurance coverage be provided to the University each year that you are enrolled as a student. 

Undergraduate students are automatically enrolled and billed for the Student Health Services Fee which provides access to on campus medical services at Brandeis Health Center and Psychological Counseling Center. Graduate students must select this fee for access to Brandeis Health Center and Psychological Counseling Center services. This fee is in addition to the student health insurance requirements. 

Qualifying Student Health Insurance Plans (QSHIP)

If you want to enroll in the Brandeis Qualifying Student Health insurance Plan (QSHIP), complete your enrollment as soon as possible. Failure to do so will result in a delay in the receipt of your insurance information.  The Brandeis QSHIP is a preferred provider organization (PPO) plan. It provides you with a higher level of coverage when you receive medical care by physicians who are part of the plan’s network of preferred providers. The plan is designed to be used with the Health Service Fee, which allows covered students to use the Brandeis Health Center as their primary care facility. 

Alternate Comparable Insurance Provider

You may waive coverage with the QSHIP if you are reporting alternate comparable insurance. If you are using an insurance plan from another carrier, please call your insurance agent to make sure you have adequate and comparable coverage while in Massachusetts. It is your responsibility to carefully evaluate your insurance plan for adequacy before reporting your coverage is comparable to QSHIP. 

Comparable coverage means:

1. The policy must be purchased through a U.S. based carrier company or U.S. based subsidiary.  Foreign insurance plans (including Embassy-sponsored plans) are NOT accepted. Plans that do not meet this requirement cannot be waived by the University per MA regulation.
2. Plans which provide coverage through a closed network of providers, not reasonably accessible in the area where the student attends school are not eligible. Plans must include coverage for local out-patient diagnostic and medical services as well as hospital based emergency services. Plans not meeting this requirement cannot be waived by the University per MA regulation.
3. Out of state Medicare or Medicaid programs and MA Health Safety Net or Commonwealth Care (>19 yoa) plans cannot be waived by the University per MA regulations.
4. The policy must have a minimum of $100,000 coverage per injury or sickness.
5. Mental health and substance abuse must be covered as any other illness or injury.  This means that both in-patient and out-patient treatment must be covered.
6. Injuries or illnesses that occur as a result of alcohol, illegal drugs or as the result of an attempt to commit suicide must be covered as any other illness or injury.
7. Diagnosis and treatment for at risk evaluation of sexually transmitted disease and Pregnancy must be subsidized.
8. There must be coverage for pre-existing conditions.
9. The maximum yearly deductible cannot exceed $250.00 (does not apply when in a family plan).
10. Prescription drug coverage must be subsidized.
11. Emergency medical transportation if you become ill or injured while away from home or campus should be subsidized.

The State requires that any student who does not report comparable coverage  *must* participate in the insurance program provided by their institution (QSHIP).