Office of Insurance and Immunization Records

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 myTC Portal, http://my.tc.edu.     For the 2013 - 2014 academic year, the deadlines to submit waiver requests are Tuesday, September 17, 2013 for continuing and new students entering in the fall and Tuesday, February 4, 2014 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 the 2012-2013 brochures and guides. 

 

Waiver Request Submission Deadlines

Fall 2013	Tuesday, September 17, 2013
Spring 2014 (new students only)	Tuesday, February 4, 2014

How to Submit a Waiver Request

The option to enroll in, upgrade, or request a waiver in the Columbia Plan for 2013-2014 will become available in myTC in Summer 2013. Click here for instructions to enroll, upgrade, or request a waiver.  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. 

Insurance plans offered by carriers not licensed in the U.S. DO NOT meet the University's waiver criteria #6 (below). If you feel your non-U.S. plan does satisfy all the requirements (including #6) you should be prepared to provide plan documents translated into English with currency amounts converted into U.S. dollars.

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 all medically necessary* care while I am in New York City or traveling in the United States or abroad. Alternate plans must provide routine and urgent care for both inpatient and outpatient medical and mental health services. A policy that provides only emergency or urgent care does not meet this requirement. * Please refer to the detailed Health Insurance Plan Brochure for a definition of medically necessary.
2. The lifetime maximum benefit for my coverage is at least $300,000 per condition with no per incident maximums.
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. My coverage is effective on September 1, 2013 (January 22, 2013 for new spring enrollees) through August 31, 2014 and will cover me for any pre-existing conditions.
5. My plan covers all of the following types of care: treatment for injuries resulting from the practice or play of athletics, inpatient and outpatient psychiatric care and treatment for chemical dependency.
6. My plan is licensed to do business in the United States and has a U.S. based claims office and a U.S. telephone number so local hospitals and providers can contact my carrier to discuss my care and bill directly. Foreign state government plans do NOT meet this requirement.
   

Columbia Health Program Fee

The Columbia Health Program 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. Enrollment for the Columbia Health Program is on an annual basis and the fees will be applied during the fall and spring semester.