Opting Out and Appeals

Opting Out

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 2021-2022 Student Health Insurance benefits you will not be able to waive at a later date.

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.

Appeals

If you do not cancel our insurance during the waiver period, you may still be able to waive it by filing an appeal. Your appeal must include:

• An appeal form (DOCX)
• Proof of health insurance coverage
• A letter explaining why you didn't cancel within the waiver period

An appeals board will review your information and decide if you will be allowed to cancel the insurance. The board's decision is final.