Opting Out/Qualifying Event

If you have other health insurance that meets our requirements, you can waive, or cancel, our insurance during the waiver period.

Note: if you use your 2023-2024 Student Health Insurance benefits you will NOT be able to waive at a later date during said semester.

Can I Opt-Out?

In order to opt out of our insurance, your plan must:

• Be in effect on the first day of classes
• 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

How to Opt-Out

During the waiver period, after you have enrolled for your fall classes follow these steps:

1. Log in with your Z-ID, you must enter the Z. The password is your birthdate in this format: MMDDYYYY.
2. Enter your health insurance information.
3. Make sure you get a waiver confirmation number.
4. Check your NIU email for our confirmation message.

The waiver deadline is firm, therefore students who do not waive the student health insurance by September 30^th 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.  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.