Carnegie Mellon University
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Open Enrollment Periods

Summer Open Enrollment for all new summer semester students is May 1 - May 31, 2025.  All new summer semester students must either enroll in the CMU medical SHIP or apply to waive it during this time.  The SHIP coverage period is May 1 - July 31, 2025.

Fall Open Enrollment for all new and returning CMU students is July 1 - August 22, 2025.

Enroll in the SHIP

All full-time and part-time degree-seeking Carnegie Mellon students, and their eligible dependents, are eligible to enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) during their Open Enrollment period.  Students can also enroll in the SHIP, or add eligible dependents to their existing SHIP enrollments, outside of Open Enrollment due to a Qualifying Life Event (QLE).

  • The SHIP coverage year is August 1 - July 31
  • Optional dental and vision plans are available during Open Enrollment or due to a QLE
  • To enroll during Open Enrollment:
    • Log into SIO > Campus Life > Health Insurance
    • Click the Enroll/Waive link
    • Complete your enrollment and click 'Confirm' to submit 

Quick Links

You are eligible to enroll in the SHIP if you are:

  • A degree-seeking full-time or part-time student. 
  • An eligible dependent of an enrolled student:
    • Spouse or Domestic Partner 
    • Child 
    • Any person for which the student is their Legal Guardian
  • Graduating in August:
    • Eligible to enroll in the medical SHIP for the month of August only. August graduates should email shinsure@andrew.cmu.edu for assistance. 
  • A doctoral student In Absentia: 
    • Eligbile to enroll only with documentation from their academic department verifying an active relationship with the department, and an estimated graduation date within one year.
  • A degree-seeking student enrolled in a remote program.

Ineligible for the CMU SHIP

Individuals with access to staff benefits, adjunct professors, visiting scholars/researchers and university consultants may not enroll in the student insurance plans. 

CMU employees enrolled in a degree-seeking program will see a health insurance charge on their student account, but are not eligible to enroll in CMU SHIP, nor are they subject to the student insurance mandate. Employees should email us to assist with reversing the student insurance charge.

Separation from the University

To maintain a SHIP enrollment for the full coverage year, students must remain enrolled at CMU for the first 31 calendar days from the start of classes of their first active semester. Students who separate from the university within the first 31 days of that semester will have their SHIP enrollment(s) terminated the first of the following month.

Qualifying Life Event (QLE) Enrollments 

Outside of your Open Enrollment period students can enroll in the SHIP, or add eligible dependents to their existing SHIP enrollments, due to a Qualifying Life Event. Students have 90 days from the event to submit the required documentation and enrollment(s). This applies to the student medical, dental and vision plans.

  • Premium rates are pro-rated, you only pay for the months you, or your dependent, are enrolled.

Qualifying Events & Required Documentation

Loss of coverage on another medical plan (including turning 26):

  • Letter from an employer or insurance plan verifying loss of coverage date 
  • Or: Screenshot from your insurance portal verifying loss of coverage date or that coverage is no longer active
Birth or adoption of child:
  • Birth Certificate
  • Birth Record 
  • Or: Adoption Certificate
Marriage/Domestic Partner Registration or arrival of spouse and/or dependent to U.S.:

If you are in need of a QLE enrollment, please contact the Student Health Insurance Team  for assistance.