Enroll, Upgrade, or Request a Waiver from the Columbia Plan

How do I Enroll in, Upgrade, or Request a Waiver?

Open enrollment for 2013-14 plan year begins June 25, 2013.

Each September, all registered full-time students must enter their choice online to confirm automatic enrollment in the Basic level of the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan (Columbia Plan), upgrade to the Comprehensive level, or request a waiver from automatic enrollment in the Columbia Plan. 

Part-time students may request enrollment in the Columbia Plan online.

Students at Columbia’s affiliates (Jewish Theological Seminary, Teachers College, and Union Theological Seminary) must follow their school’s procedures.

For more detailed instructions, visit the Student Enrollment Information section.

 

When Does My Coverage Go Into Effect?

The Columbia Plan covers an academic year from September 1 – August 31 (contingent on registration). 

Coverage Period	Deadline to Enroll	How to Enroll
Sept. 1, 2013 - Aug. 31, 2014	Sept. 30, 2013	Online, beginning June 25, 2013
Jan. 21 - Aug. 31, 2014	Feb. 1, 2014 (New Spring Term students only)	n/a
May 19 - Aug. 31, 2014	June 14, 2014 (New Summer Trimester students only)	n/a

*Note that insurance coverage can only be established when you register for the academic term associated with the period of coverage.

• If you enroll during the Fall Term and continue as a registered student in the Spring Term, coverage becomes effective at 12:00 a.m. on September 1 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on August 31, each year.
• If you complete your academic program in December in anticipation of a February graduation, you will have coverage through 11:59 p.m. on January 20, 2014.
• For all students enrolling in their first term of classes for the Spring Term, coverage becomes effective at 12:00 a.m. on January 21, 2014 and ends at 11:59 p.m. on August 31, 2014.

For students who entered school in the Fall Term, but have not actively enrolled in the Columbia Plan, the coverage period begins September 1 through August 31. However, all expenses for covered prescriptions filled before September 30 will need to be submitted to Aetna Pharmacy Management for reimbursement. For more information, please see the prescription claim form.

Can I Enroll Later in the Term?

Enrollment for dates other than those above is considered only if a student loses other health insurance coverage. Students must contact the Columbia Health Insurance Office within 30 days of losing their insurance, and provide documentation of coverage termination.