SHBP Eligibility

Students who are: 1) admitted to a degree program; and 2) registered for six or more credits per semester 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 eligible for enrollment in the University-sponsored Student Health Benefit Plan. Please be aware requesting the Student Service Fee will not make you eligible for the Student Health Benefit Plan. The Student Service Fee must be automatically assessed based on your registration. 

The following are examples of credits that do not count toward the eligibility for the Student Health Benefit Plan (not an inclusive list, see Student Services Fee for eligible credit information):

• Certificate
• Non-degree
• Independent study
• Online and Distance Learning
• Executive MBA (CEMBA)
• Part-time MBA (PTMBA)

If you are using the Regents Scholarship Program or the Senior Citizen Education Program (SCEP), you are not eligible for the Student Health Benefit Plan.

Please contact the Office of Student Health Benefits with questions about eligibility for the Student Health Benefit Plan. 

The University of Minnesota requires all international students and their dependents to purchase the University-sponsored SHBP unless they are eligible for a waiver.

Scholars visiting the University for longer than 31 days are required to enroll in the University-sponsored SHBP. Scholars must contact the Office of Student Health Benefits to complete enrollment materials within 31 days of their arrival.

Scholars visiting 31 days or less may choose not to enroll in the SHBP, but are required to carry their own health plan coverage for the duration of their visit to the University. This coverage must meet J-1 visa U.S. federal regulation requirements.

J Interns are required to enroll in the University-sponsored SHBP regardless of the duration of their stay.