Your Harvard University Student Health Program (HUSHP) coverage is impacted when taking a leave of absence (LOA) or withdrawing (WD) from Harvard.
The official last date of attendance as recorded by the Registrar’s office will determine the HUSHP coverage end date.
Students expecting to take a leave of absence or to withdraw from the University should contact Member Services as early as possible with any questions or concerns regarding their health insurance coverage.
Extension School students must contact Accessibility@extension.harvard.edu to purchase coverage while on leave.
You can purchase six months of HUSHP coverage. You must take action –coverage is not automatic.
You have the option to purchase HUSHP coverage so that you have time to secure other insurance coverage outside of Harvard, and to transition your care.
| End dates of your current coverage |
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| Insurance options |
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Deadlines to purchase HUSHP leave of absence/withdrawal coverage |
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Purchase leave of absence/withdrawal coverage |
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Checklist
Review this checklist to confirm that you have covered all the necessary steps when preparing for insurance coverage on a leave/withdrawal. Remember that deadlines apply, and you should begin to prepare for your leave as soon as possible.
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Contact your school to confirm your last date of attendance
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Review HUSHP Leave of Absence/Withdrawal Policy to understand how your HUSHP coverage will change
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Submit a paper enrollment application along with payment to purchase six months of additional coverage
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Start researching alternate insurance coverage for when your six-month coverage ends
Securing Coverage After Your six Months Ends
Prepare now! The six months of HUSHP coverage gives you time to transition to another insurance plan. Do not wait until your HUSHP insurance coverage ends before securing other coverage.
Many insurance companies have enrollment deadlines. It is your responsibility to begin preparing early enough in the process to ensure you do not have a break in coverage.
Additional options after your six month coverage ends
| Your Parents/Guardians |
If your parents have health insurance coverage, you may qualify to enroll under their policy. |
|---|---|
| Massachusetts Residents |
Massachusetts Health Connector Mass Health |
| Residents outside of Massachusetts |
Healthcare.gov |
Cancellation option after three months
Students will be given the option to cancel their coverage after three months. Cancellation application must be received by the last day of the third month of leave of absence coverage.
Am I covered out of state?
The Student Health Fee covers telemedicine services offered by Harvard University Health Services (HUHS). The Student Health Insurance Plan (BCBS and prescription drug coverage) covers you throughout the United States and abroad. For information regarding plan benefits and limitations, please visit hushp.harvard.edu.
Why is COBRA not available through HUSHP?
The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA) is a federal mandate requiring employers to offer an extension of health care benefits to their employees after termination of employment. The Harvard University Student Health Program is not an employer plan and therefore, COBRA is not available.