Loss of Health Insurance

Students and their eligible dependents who involuntarily lose their health insurance may petition to enroll in The Columbia Plan. They may submit a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) Petition through the Patient Portal located under downloadable forms. Examples of a QLE: 

• Loss of insurance coverage under a partner’s or employer’s benefit plan
• Aging out of your plan as a dependent under a parent's plan 

Joining the Columbia Plan 

Students have 60 days from the QLE to file a Petition to Enroll with the Student Insurance Office. Students must upload the following through the Patient Portal in the Downloadable Forms section: 

• the QLE Petition form, and
• a Proof of Termination letter from their current insurance carrier. The Proof of Termination letter must contain the student's name and the date their coverage terminated. 

Students at Jewish Theological Seminary, Union Theological Seminary, and Columbia University Irving Medical Center must follow their schools' procedures. 

Other Coverage Options 

Graduating or departing students can pursue health insurance options through employers, state-based health care exchanges, and individual plans directly offered by insurance companies. Individuals are encouraged to carefully review all details of any insurance plan before making a selection. 

Employer Plans 

Most people in the US get their health insurance through an employer-sponsored plan. Most employers cover part or most of the cost of health insurance premiums. When looking for a job, review the employer’s insurance plan offerings.   

Exchange Plans 

New York offers a robust health care exchange offering medical, dental, and vision plans through the New York State of Health Marketplace. This option is often used by people who don’t receive insurance through their job or who are unemployed. Using the marketplace, you may select and purchase a plan that best fits your needs. For many, marketplace plans are the lowest cost option to obtain health insurance.  

If you are not in New York, you can find exchange plan options by visiting Healthcare.gov.  

Parent/Guardian Plans 

If you are under the age of 26, you may be eligible for coverage under a parent or guardian plan. While this option might work for you and your family, be sure to consider how long you may be able to stay on their health insurance plan.  

If you turn 26 before the end of the current academic year, this may not be the best option, as you might have to change plans more than once in the next few months.