Parents and Visitors

Overview of Illinois Tech's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) Requirements

All Illinois Tech students are required to have health insurance. The university will automatically enroll and bill your student once they have registered for one or more academic credits. This process happens annually during the fall term.

If you have insurance of your own that you would prefer your student to use, and after you have reviewed the benefits provided through SHIP, you or your student should complete the Waiver Form before the deadlines shown below.

*Students are still eligible to receive mental and medical health services at no cost should they choose to enroll in an alternate plan.

Fall—September 1

Spring—January 26

You can compare your benefits using our 

Not ALL forms of health insurance are accepted to waive the student plan.

If you do not waive participation in the Student Health Insurance Plan before the deadline, you will be enrolled automatically and billed according to the term of entry (see enrollment and premium information).

Students are not permitted to waive the Illinois Tech Student Health Insurance Plan if they have coverage through:

  • A travel insurance company
  • A company outside of the United States
  • A company that only provides monthly coverage
  • A life insurance company

You must also be able to answer YES to the following questions:

My plan is currently active or will be active by the first day of class, and I agree to maintain health insurance coverage throughout the 2023-24 academic year.

My plan provides routine, non-emergency care in addition to emergency care in the Chicago area and must have local access to in-network providers. This includes mental health care. Coverage for emergency-only care does not satisfy this requirement.

My plan’s deductible is less than $6,001 for an individual and $12,000 for a family.

My plan is provided by a carrier that is approved to do business in the United States and is ACA-compliant. This means you will receive 100% coverage for preventative care and contraceptive coverage, immunizations, and screening tests such as blood test screenings for tuberculosis and sexually transmitted infections and diseases, as any other illness or injury, with unlimited benefits.

My plan includes coverage for all pre-existing conditions with no waiting period.

My plan offers an unlimited policy-year maximum.

My plan has coverage for injuries or illnesses that occur as a result of alcohol, drugs, or attempted suicide, as any other illness or injury.

SHIP coverage begins August 10, 2023 (fall) or January 6, 2024 (spring) and continues through August 9, 2024. Health Insurance cards and documents will not be mailed out. You can log on to the Aetna Student Health website and use the Print Your Insurance Card tab or contact Aetna at 800.841.3140 to request one be mailed.

Health insurance cards and documents are mailed upon request only. You may contact Aetna Student Health directly at 800.841.3140. You may also create your profile to access these documents through your smart device.