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Important Waiver Information

Any student that is automatically enrolled in the basic level of Columbia student medical insurance plan may request to waive coverage by the deadline by completing the waiver form online in the Student Information System, https://info.tc.columbia.edu.  For the 2009 - 2010 academic year, the deadlines to submit waiver requests are Tuesday, September 15, 2009 for continuing and new students entering in the fall and Tuesday, February 2, 2010 for new students entering in the spring. 

PLEASE NOTE:  A valid waiver request must be submitted each year during the fall semester by the specified deadline to substitute other comparable coverage for the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan.

Even if you plan to waive participation in the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan because you currently have comparable coverage, you are strongly encouraged to review the coverage your current plan offers and contrast it with the coverage provided by the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan, which has been designed specifically for students.  For Information about comparing plans and details of benefits and costs see brochure titled Health Services 2009-2010.

Waiver Request Submission Deadlines

Fall 2009           Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Spring 2010      Tuesday, February 2, 2010

How to Submit a Waiver Request

Waiver requests can only be submitted online in the Student Information System:  https://info.tc.columbia.edu.

• Click on 'Student Services and Financial Aid'
• Click on 'Registration'
  
• Click on 'Health Services and Medical Insurance'
• Click on 'Request to Waive'
• Click on 'Enter Waiver Information'
• Select Fall 2009 Semester
  
• Enter ALL requested waiver information'
• Click 'Submit Waiver Request' button
• Click 'View My Charges' to complete
  

All requests are considered but are not guaranteed approval.  All waiver requests must be processed after registration.

Criteria for Comparable Alternate Medical Insurance Coverage

Students interested in requesting a waiver of automatic enrollment in the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan must document comparable coverage in another insurance plan.  Please review your alternate coverage carefully to determine if it is appropriate.  Your alternate coverage must meet at least the following six criteria to be considered as comparable:

1. My plan provides coverage for medically necessary care while I am in New York City or traveling or studying in the United States and abroad.
2. The maximum benefit for my coverage is at least $300,000 per lifetime.
3. My coverage will remain in force as long as I am a registered student, including approved leave of absence for medical reasons and non-degree status at Columbia University.
4. As of September 1, 2009 (January 19, 2010 for new Spring enrollees) my plan will cover me for any pre-existing condition.
5. My plan covers the following types of care: treatment for injuries resulting from the practice or play of athletics, inpatient psychiatric care, and treatment for inpatient chemical dependency.
6. My coverage is provided by a company licensed to do business in the United States, with a U.S. claims payment office and a U.S. telephone number. 

Students requesting a waiver in the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan must also provide specific information identifying the insurance carrier and primary subscriber for the proposed alternate coverage. 

Unacceptable Insurance Companies

The following list of insurance companies have been declared unacceptable and will not be considered for waiving the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan because they do not meet one or more of the abovementioned criteria.  The companies along with their lacking criteria are listed below.  Please be mindful that this list does not include every non-comparable insurance company.  This is only the most popular list.  It is the student's duty to contact their insurance provider to ensure that their coverage meets the six waiver criteria listed above.

Health Service Fee

The Health Service Fee is mandatory for all living in TC residence halls and all students registered for 12 or more billable credits in the fall or spring term, regardless of the type of insurance coverage carried.  This Fee cannot be waived.