Health Insurance

Health Insurance Requirement

All Cornell students are required to have adequate health insurance. You will be automatically enrolled in Cornell's Student Health Plan (SHP), unless you waive your enrollment for an alternate insurance plan.

Domestic Students:

• If you have other insurance that meets Cornell’s requirements and do not want to stay enrolled in SHP, you may file an online waiver application.
• Some students may be eligible for Cornell's Student Health Plan Plus (SHP+), and are exempt from enrolling in SHP.

International Students:

• Cornell requires international students to be covered by SHP (with some exceptions).

Tips & Topics

• Optional dental and vision plans

  All students are eligible to enroll in Cornell's dental and vision plans, regardless of what other health insurance they have. Learn more about the benefits of these optional plans and how to enroll.

• Financial aid and health-related costs

  If you apply for and receive financial aid from Cornell, your award will be based upon the estimated cost of attendance, which includes a yearly amount toward "health-related costs" that go toward the SHP premium. SHP members may request a loan for the difference between the health-related financial aid and the SHP premium. Please consult the Financial Aid Information for Newly Admitted Students for more information.