Student Insurance Key Information
Where can I find my insurance card?
Access your digital insurance card using your UNI, date of birth, and Columbia email.
Physical ID cards are mailed upon request; call Aetna at 800-859-8471. Please review your Vergil or Teachers College account to ensure your local address is correct.
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 a referral from these departments before seeing an in-network medical or mental health care provider located within 50 miles of campus.
Referrals must be obtained prior to an appointment off-campus and cannot be backdated. 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, 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.
When can I enroll or waive?
All eligible Fall 2026 students: Open Enrollment ended on September 30, 2026.
Approved waivers will continue through August 14, 2027, if the student maintains qualifying coverage. Enrollment will continue if the student remains registered throughout the Fall and Spring terms.
New Spring 2027 students*: December 15, 2026 – February 15, 2027.
*Including domestic students who were part-time or half-time in the Fall and become full-time in the Spring.
Can I enroll or waive outside of open enrollment?
a) Students and/or eligible dependents with a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) may request enrollment in or the termination of student insurance through a QLE Petition.
b) Students with existing insurance coverage that meet the waiver criteria and missed the deadline, may submit a Late Waiver Request.
For common QLE and Late Waiver instructions, visit About the Columbia Student Insurance Plan. Scroll down to "Change of Life Petitions, Late Insurance Waiver Requests, and Dependent Changes."
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
Supplemental Dental and Vision Plans are also available. Visit Voluntary Dental and Vision for details. The next opportunity to enroll is during the Spring 2027 enrollment period. Scroll down for a helpful workshop with an Aetna specialist.
Contact Aetna for support with the Voluntary Plans
- Dental Plan: 877-238-6200 and reference Policy Number 696730.
- Vision Plan: 877-973-3238 and reference Group ID 1022457.
Where can I view my benefits?
Visit About the Columbia Plan for a comprehensive overview.
Are there workshops where I can learn more about the plan?
Visit Student Health Insurance Workshops for upcoming sessions.
Am I covered when I travel?
Students have the same coverage nationwide and abroad. Visit Coverage While Traveling for guidance.
How do I submit a claim to request reimbursement?
Follow these instructions to submit claims to Aetna.
How much is the insurance premium?
Visit the About the Columbia Plan and Insurance for Families for a breakdown. Scroll down to "Premiums".