Student Insurance Key Information
When can I enroll or waive?
All eligible Fall 2026 students: July 15 - September 30, 2026
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 menu. Scroll down to the bottom of the page and follow the enrollment instructions (step-by-step instructions).
If you have issues accessing the form, please try using a different browser or device (e.g., phone, laptop).
Insurance activates once you have registered* and been billed tuition. Coverage for the 2026-2027 plan year begins August 15, 2026, regardless of when you register for class (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.
If you have issues accessing the form, please try using a different browser or device (e.g., phone, laptop).
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. An official certified English translation is required if not in English.
How much is the insurance premium?
Visit the About the Columbia Plan and Insurance for Families for a breakdown. Scroll down to Premiums.
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 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.
Do my referrals expire?
Medical conditions: 2025-2026 referrals expire August 14, 2026.
Mental health care conditions: Referrals do not expire if you have remained continuously insured by the Columbia Plan (with no gap in coverage).
If you need continued treatment with an off-campus provider, log in to the Patient Portal and send a secure message to your PCP to request a new referral for each condition*.
Referrals written after July 15, 2026 are valid for the 2026-2027 plan year.
*Your provider may request an in-person or telehealth visit for a current evaluation.
Where can I view my benefits?
Visit About the Columbia Plan for a comprehensive overview.
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. Enroll by the September 30, 2026 deadline. 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.
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.