Student Insurance Key Information
When can I enroll or waive?
New Summer 2026 students*: May 1 - June 30, 2026.
All Fall 2026 students: July 15 - September 30, 2026.
Current registered students: Approved waivers are valid through August 14, 2026, as long as the student maintains continuous qualifying coverage. Enrollment will continue as long as the student remains registered throughout the Spring term.
How do I enroll during the Enrollment Periods?
Log in to the Patient Portal and click on the Medical Clearances/Insurance Enrollment tab found on the left side. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and follow the enrollment instructions (step-by-step instructions).
Insurance activates typically within 5-7 business days once you have registered for class* and been billed tuition. Summer coverage begins May 15, 2026, regardless of when you register for class (Coverage is retroactive if you register after this date).
*Including the Residence Unit if applicable
How do I enroll dependents during the Enrollment Periods?
After confirming your own enrollment, submit the Dependent Enrollment Form through the Patient Portal. Go to the Medical Clearances/Insurance Enrollment tab and scroll down to Additional items NOT required for clearance.
Students must submit a new Dependent Enrollment Form each plan year.
Students enrolling a spouse or partner for the first time must also submit a Marriage Certificate or Certificate of Domestic Partnership (official certified English translation required if not in English).
Where can I find my insurance card?
Once your plan is active, access your insurance card online through the Aetna Student Health website using your UNI, date of birth, and Columbia email.
Physical cards are mailed upon request. Please call Aetna Customer Service for assistance at 800-859-8471.
Do I need a referral to see a provider off-campus?
All* care begins on-campus at either Medical Services or Counseling and Psychological Services (CPS). For most covered services, you need to get a referral from these departments before seeing an in-network medical or mental health care provider located within 50 miles of campus.
Schedule an appointment through the Patient Portal or by calling Medical Services at 212-854-7426 and CPS at 212-854-2878.
For more information on referrals, view the Referral Requirements page.
*Initial Emergency Room (ER) or Urgent Care visits do not require a referral. However, a referral from campus is required prior to most in-network follow-up appointments. Any referral you receive from the ER or Urgent Care doctor is not valid.
Do my referrals expire?
Medical conditions: Typically, referrals terminate on the last day of each plan year (August 14).
Mental health care conditions: Referrals are valid as long as the student remains continuously insured by the Columbia Plan (with no gap in coverage).
If you need continued treatment with an off-campus specialist, please schedule an appointment with your Columbia Health provider to discuss the referral renewal.
How much is the insurance premium?
Visit the About the Columbia Plan and Insurance for Families pages on our website for a breakdown. Scroll down to Premiums.
Am I covered when I travel?
Students have the same coverage nationwide and abroad. Visit the Coverage While Traveling and Travel Assistance pages for guidance.
Can I enroll/waive outside of open enrollment?
- Students and/or eligible dependents with a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) may request to enroll in or terminate the student insurance through a QLE Petition. Submit documentation no later than 60 days from the date the QLE occurred.
- Students who have existing insurance coverage that meets the waiver criteria and missed the deadline may submit a Late Waiver Request.
For common QLE and Late Waiver instructions, visit the About the Columbia Student Insurance Plan page. Scroll down to the Change of Life Petitions, Late Insurance Waiver Requests, and Dependent Changes section.
Are dental and vision coverage included in the Columbia Plan?
Adult dental coverage is limited to the removal of impacted wisdom teeth and services due to accidental injury to natural teeth*.
*Specifically, sound and healthy, natural teeth: teeth that are functioning in the mouth; that are organic and formed by natural development of the body (not artificial or manufactured); and are predisposed to injury due to extensive restoration, disease, or decay.
Adult vision services are covered when related to a medical condition/diagnosis.
Pediatric dental and vision coverage is available.
Students also have access to Dental and Vision Discounts.
Options for dental and vision coverage
Voluntary Dental and Vision Plans are also available. The next Enrollment Period is during the Fall (July 15 – September 30, 2026) for the 2026-2027 plan year. Learn more on the Voluntary Dental and Vision page. Scroll down for a helpful workshop with an Aetna specialist.
Contact Aetna for support with the Voluntary Plans
- Voluntary Dental Plan: 877-238-6200 and reference Policy Number 696730.
- Voluntary Vision Plan: 877-973-3238 and reference Group ID 1022457.
How do I submit a claim for reimbursement?
Follow these instructions to submit claims to Aetna.
Webinar with an Aetna specialist providing an overview of the dental and vision plans
(recorded on Sep. 16, 2025)
Please use YouTube's native Closed Captioning feature for captions.