Qualifications to Waive

If you have other health insurance that meets the minimum Affordable Care Act standards, you can waive our insurance during the waiver period.

To waive out of our insurance, your plan must:

  • Be in effect on the first day of the current semester
    • Fall - Aug. 1
    • Spring - Jan. 1
  • Cover pre-existing conditions
  • Cover well care and preventive care 100%
  • Cover prescription drugs
  • Have unlimited benefits

Your plan cannot be:

  • Medicaid or an HMO from another state
  • Health insurance from another country
  • A limited liability, limited benefit, short-term or indemnity plan

Waive Period

The waiver deadline is firm. Therefore, students who do not waive the student health insurance by the deadline will be enrolled for semester coverage under the plan. Only students who miss the waiver deadline due to extenuating circumstances will qualify for a late waiver.

Note: if you use your 2025-2026 Student Health Insurance benefits, you will not be able to waive later during said semester.

Extenuating circumstances include severe illness or accident, active military service, late registration or other extraordinary circumstances that preclude the student from submitting a waiver by the deadline.

Qualifying Events

Qualifying events can take place at any time during the semester.

Qualifying events and what required documentation:

  • Marriage (copy of marriage license)
  • Birth or adoption (copy of birth certificate or legal document)
  • Death (copy of death certificate)
  • Divorce or legally separated (copy of decree or legal document)
  • Gain or loss of employment/insurance coverage (turning 26)
  • Becoming a U.S. citizen
  • Leaving incarceration

When you apply, you are required to prove eligibility to enroll based on the life event experienced.

Companies or insurers will issue a letter of credible coverage.

UHCSR How to videos

Contact Us

Student Health Insurance Office
Health Services Building, room 206
Phone: 815-753-0122
Fax: 815-753-9599
studentinsurance@niu.edu

Hours
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.