Leave of Absence/Withdrawal – Harvard University Student Health Program

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Your Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) coverage will end when you take a leave of absence or withdraw from the University.

Your end date is determined by the last date of attendance as recorded by the Registrar’s Office.

View the Leave of Absence Policy & Application

End Dates of Your Current Coverage

If the Registrar records your last date of attendance as:

August, September, October, November, February, March, or April:

Your HUSHP coverage will end on the last day of the month of your leave date

Example: Your last date of attendance is September 12. Your HUSHP coverage will end on September 30.

December or January:

Your HUSHP coverage will end on January 31 (last day of the fall health plan term)

May, June, or July:

Your HUSHP coverage will end on July 31 (last day of the spring health plan term)

Extending Coverage When on Leave

You can purchase six months of HUSHP coverage based on what you were enrolled in at the time of the leave/withdrawal.

You must take action – coverage is not automatic.

Students must purchase HUSHP leave of absence/withdrawal coverage either:

Within 30 days of the last date of HUSHP coverage OR
If you are leaving/withdrawing before a new term starts, the following deadlines apply: September 15: fall term deadline
March 15: spring term deadline

Please note:

You can only purchase the same coverage that you had prior to the time of your leave
The coverage effective date will be the first day of the month following your last day of recorded registered coverage
Payment is by student bill (needs to be authorized by the School) or credit card only
If you plan to purchase HUSHP while on leave and plan to take a leave longer than six months, please use your six-month coverage period to secure other insurance coverage outside of Harvard and to transition your care. There is no option to extend your coverage beyond six months.

Cancellation Option After Three Months

You can cancel your HUSHP coverage after three months. The cancellation application must be received by the last day of the third month of leave of absence coverage.

Checklist:

Contact your school to confirm your last date of attendance
Review HUSHP Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Policy
Submit a paper enrollment application along with payment, if purchasing the HUSHP LOA extension is the right choice for you
Start researching alternative insurance coverage if you plan to take a leave longer than six months

Securing Coverage After HUSHP Ends

If you do not wish to extend your HUSHP coverage and/or you plan to take a leave for longer than six months, you may have other health insurance options.

Many insurance companies have enrollment deadlines. It is your responsibility to ensure you do not have a break in coverage. Plan ahead to secure other coverage:

Ask your parents/guardians about their health insurance policies

If your parents have health insurance coverage, you may qualify to enroll under their policy.

Massachusetts Residents

The Massachusetts Health Connector is an independent state agency that helps you find the right health insurance plan.

Mahealthconnector.org
877-623-6765

MassHealth

You may be eligible for subsidized coverage through MassHealth if you meet income and other eligibility requirements.

Mass.gov/masshealth-resources
800-841-2900

Residents Outside of Massachusetts

Healthcare.gov

This website is managed by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.

This online tool provides information on health insurance options throughout the United States.