Opt-Out/Waiver

If you do not want the Student Health Insurance Plan, you must decline or opt-out of coverage by submitting a waiver. You may only opt-out of coverage during the following Waiver Periods:

BFA/MFA Students

BFA and MFA Students Waiver Eligibility

All Otis College students are required to have health insurance and are automatically enrolled on the student health insurance plan (SHIP). Students with health insurance coverage that meets the College's requirements may waive out of the plan by completing an online waiver. All waivers must be completed online by the waiver deadline. Please have an electronic copy of your health insurance ID card and your Otis College student ID number ready.

Alternate Health Insurance Requirements:

For the 2026-2027 policy year, students must carry health insurance that qualifies as Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) to waive the school-sponsored plan. The guidance below clarifies which types of insurance meet MEC requirements and which do not.

1.  If your plan is through an employer, Covered California/Marketplace, Medicare, Medi-Cal or Medicaid, it meets the MEC requirement.
2.  If you have short-term/temporary insurance, travel insurance, or dental-only insurance, your plan does NOT meet the requirement.
3. If you aren't sure, check your Summary of Benefits (SBC) or call your insurance provider and ask whether your plan covers the 10 Essential Health Benefits required under this Affordable Care Act (ACA).

*If requirements are not met, you will be automatically enrolled in SHIP.