About the Office of Student Health Benefits

Welcome

The University works hard to provide eligible students access to high-quality health plans at minimal cost to the student. The Office of Student Health Benefits offers simple, affordable healthcare plans designed to meet the unique needs of students and their dependents.

On this website you’ll find more information about the broad range of benefits available to you through the Student Health Benefit Plans. In order to make the most of your coverage, and to be sure that you are aware of deadlines, policies, and procedures that affect you, please review the information carefully.

Please feel free to contact us with any questions. Our office looks forward to serving you!

Our Mission

The Office of Student Health Benefits is dedicated to meeting the unique healthcare needs of the entire student, graduate assistant and resident population on all University of Minnesota campuses. By working in conjunction with campus health services and resources, affordable and convenient health plans are offered that support the University requirement for students to maintain health insurance coverage. The Office of Student Health Benefits provides education, resources, and one-on-one customer service to help ensure that University students are prepared to make the best health care decisions for themselves, an element essential to the success of the University community.

SHBP Consultative Committee

The Student Health Benefit Plan (SHBP) Consultative Committee is a group of students and University staff who work together to develop and maintain a comprehensive, affordable, and effectively administered health plan that, in coordination with the Student Services Fee, provides access to appropriate and high-quality health care.

University Requirement

All students who are 1) admitted to a degree program, and 2) registered for six or more credits per semester (or three or more credits during summer term) that count towards the automatic assessment of the Student Services Fee, are required by the University of Minnesota to have health insurance. Students who meet both of these criteria are automatically enrolled in the University-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan. By requiring students to have health insurance, the University ensures all students have access to medical care and can maintain good health, which is essential for academic success. Students may choose to waive the University-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan by providing proof of enrollment in an alternative eligible health insurance.

The Affordable Care Act

The Affordable Care Act was enacted in March 2010 and brought about comprehensive health insurance reforms to the United States. The enactment of the ACA created new insurance options for individuals and families to choose from. For more information on the options you have for coverage, please visit HealthCare.gov.

The plans offered through the Office of Student Health Benefits meet the minimum essential coverage requirements as outlined by the ACA. To learn more about minimum essential coverage, please visit this website

Office Hours

8:00 a.m.—4:30 p.m. Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday
8:30 a.m.—4:30 p.m. Thursday
Closed on University-observed holidays.