Student Health Insurance

The insurance carrier for the 2026 - 2027 school year is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas!

SMU is committed to supporting the health and well-being of our students. The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) provides comprehensive health coverage to help students access the care they need while attending SMU.

Eligible students are automatically enrolled in SHIP, with the cost of coverage charged to their SMU Bursar account. Students who have eligible alternate health insurance coverage may request to waive the plan by the applicable deadline.

Explore the information below to learn more about coverage, costs, waiver requirements and deadlines, dental and vision options, and plan resources.

Dependent Coverage Payment Plan

Beginning with the Fall 2026 semester, SMU students enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) will have a new payment option when enrolling eligible dependents, including a legal spouse and children under age 26.

The 2026–2027 Student Health Insurance Plan premium for the student is $2,115 per semester. Dependent coverage is an additional cost based on the dependents enrolled.

Previously, dependent coverage premiums were required to be paid in full at the beginning of each semester. Students will now have the option to spread the cost of dependent coverage over multiple payments throughout the semester.

How the Installment Option Works

  • Enroll eligible dependents online each semester.
  • Make an initial payment at the time of enrollment.
  • Pay the remaining balance through scheduled monthly installments.
  • Payments may be made through automatic bank draft (ACH) or credit card authorization.

Fall 2026 Semester

  • Initial payment due at enrollment
  • Three additional monthly installment payments

Spring/Summer 2027 Semester

  • Initial payment due at enrollment
  • Four additional monthly installment payments

The total of all installment payments will equal the published dependent coverage premium for the applicable semester.

The payment plan provides greater flexibility in managing the cost of dependent health insurance coverage while maintaining coverage throughout the semester.

Additional enrollment instructions, payment schedules, and due dates will be provided during the dependent enrollment process.

Health Insurance Deadlines

Students who have eligible alternate health insurance coverage and wish to decline the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) must submit a waiver by the applicable deadline below.

Fall 2026

Waiver Deadline: August 28, 2026

The waiver deadline coincides with the final add/drop deadline for Fall 2026 classes.

Spring 2027 — New Students Only

Waiver Deadline: January 25, 2027

The waiver deadline for new students coincides with the final add/drop deadline for Spring 2027 classes.

Already have health insurance?
Students with eligible alternate insurance coverage may submit a waiver to decline SHIP coverage.

Waiving the Student Health Insurance Plan

Students who have eligible alternate health insurance coverage may request to waive the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

A waiver must be submitted each semester by the applicable waiver deadline. Late waiver submissions will not be accepted. Students who do not submit a waiver, or whose waiver request is not approved, will remain enrolled in SHIP and the cost of coverage will remain on their SMU Bursar account.

How to Submit a Waiver

  1. Log in to my.SMU and select Student Health Insurance from the left menu.
  2. Select Mandatory Health Insurance.
  3. Enter your date of birth and Social Security number, if applicable.
  4. Select Waive under “I Already Have Health Insurance.”
  5. Complete the waiver form and upload an electronic copy of the front and back of your medical insurance card.
  6. Select Submit Waiver.

After You Submit Your Waiver

After successfully submitting your waiver request, you will receive an on-screen confirmation and an automated email confirming that your request was received.

Keep the confirmation email for your records. It contains your waiver request ID number and may be needed if there are questions regarding your submission.

The confirmation email only verifies that your waiver request was received; it does not mean your waiver has been approved.

Academic HealthPlans (AHP) will review your request and send a separate email notifying you whether your waiver has been approved or denied within seven business days.

For questions or assistance with your waiver request, contact Academic HealthPlans at 855-357-0242.

Domestic students enrolled in 9 or more credit hours are required to maintain health insurance as a condition of enrollment.

Students who have current, comparable U.S. health insurance coverage may request to waive the SMU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

To request a waiver, students must:

  • Be enrolled in classes for the applicable semester.
  • Have current, comparable U.S. health insurance coverage.
  • Complete the online waiver request by the applicable waiver deadline.
  • Provide an electronic copy of the front and back of their current medical insurance card.

Submitting a waiver request does not guarantee approval. Students who do not submit a waiver by the deadline, or whose waiver is not approved, will remain enrolled in SHIP and the applicable premium will remain on their SMU Bursar account.

Domestic students enrolled in fewer than 9 credit hours are not required to carry SHIP and are not required to submit a waiver.

International Student Waiver Requirements

International students enrolled in 1 or more credit hours are required to maintain coverage under the SMU Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) unless they qualify for and receive an approved waiver from the Student Health Insurance Office.

There are only two allowable exceptions:

  • You are sponsored by your government while attending SMU, and your government provides both your educational funding and U.S. health insurance coverage.
  • You have U.S. health insurance coverage through a parent's or spouse's U.S. employer.

In addition, the insurance coverage must meet the following requirements:

  • The deductible must not exceed $5,000.
  • Coverage must include at least $25,000 for repatriation expenses.
  • Coverage must include at least $50,000 for medical evacuation to the insured student's home country.
  • If the health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation coverage, a rider must be purchased that provides coverage at limits equal to the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

International policies, policies purchased from a broker, and policies from your home country are not acceptable for a waiver.

If your insurance does not meet these requirements, you are not eligible for a waiver and will remain enrolled in SHIP.

Plan Information and Cost

SMU's Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) provides students with comprehensive health insurance coverage while enrolled at the University. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas is the insurance carrier for the 2026–2027 academic year.

2026–2027 Premium

$2,115 per semester

The SHIP premium is charged to the student's SMU account each semester in which the student is enrolled in the plan.

Who Is Required to Have Coverage?

Domestic Students
Domestic students enrolled in 9 or more credit hours are required to maintain health insurance as a condition of enrollment. Students with comparable U.S. health insurance coverage may submit a waiver.

International Students
International students enrolled in 1 or more credit hours are required to enroll in SHIP unless they qualify for and receive an approved waiver from the Student Health Insurance Office.

Students who do not complete the required election or waiver by the deadline will be automatically enrolled in SHIP and the applicable premium will be charged to their student account.

Dental Coverage

Dental insurance is available as an optional add-on to the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

Students may elect dental coverage for themselves and/or eligible dependents. Dental coverage is provided through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and is accepted at Campus Smiles, conveniently located on the SMU campus.

Dental coverage is not automatically included with SHIP and must be elected separately.

2026-2027 Dental Rates
Coverage Annual Coverage Spring/Summer Coverage
Student $430.68 $250.14
Spouse $430.68 $250.14
Each Child $430.68 $250.14

Annual Coverage: August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027
Spring/Summer Coverage: January 1, 2027 – July 31, 2027

[View Dental Plan Information]

Enroll in Dental Coverage

Vision Coverage

Optional vision coverage is available through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), with vision benefits administered by EyeMed Vision Care.

The vision plan provides access to a nationwide network of independent eye care providers as well as major national and regional retail locations.

2026–2027 Vision Rates

Coverage Annual Coverage Spring/Summer Coverage
Student $64.20 $37.29
Spouse $64.20 $37.29
Each Child $64.20 $37.29

Annual Coverage: August 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027
Spring/Summer Coverage: January 1, 2027 – July 31, 2027

Vision Plan Highlights

Benefits for covered members include:

  • Eye exams, frames, and lenses or contact lenses — coverage available once every 12 months
  • Eye exam with dilation, as necessary — $10 copay
  • Frames — $0 copay with a $130 allowance and 20% off the balance over $130
  • Standard single vision, bifocal, trifocal or lenticular lenses — $20 copay
  • Standard progressive lenses — $0 copay
  • Conventional or disposable contact lenses — $0 copay with a $130 allowance
  • Medically necessary contact lenses — $0 copay and paid in full

Additional discounts may be available for lens options, additional eyewear, and LASIK or PRK procedures.

Find a Vision Provider

Use the EyeMed provider directory to locate participating vision providers near you.

Find an In-Network Vision Provider

Learn More

Review the complete vision plan information for additional benefits, copays, allowances, discounts, limitations, and coverage details.

[View the 2026–2027 Vision Plan]

Enroll in Vision Coverage

Benefit Package Resources

2026 - 2027

Plan Flyers

Letters to Students