Student Comprehensive Health Insurance Plan

Chapter 23 of the Massachusetts Act of 1988 requires that all students registered for nine or more credit hours must participate in a comprehensive health insurance plan unless they certify that they are participating in a health insurance plan with comparable coverage. If a student has comparable coverage and wishes to waive participation in the Massachusetts Community Colleges insurance plan, the student must submit waiver information via the Internet at the time of registration. It is your responsibility to review the SHIP material to be sure your health insurance plan meets your school’s waiver requirements. Students may access the waiver by visiting Gallagher Student Health. 
The fee is charged in the fall and spring semesters only.

Massachusetts Community College students will be insured for the policy year 2026-2027 by Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO) Insurance Plan. The premium charge for the Massachusetts Community College Health Insurance Plan will appear on your bill. Students enrolled solely in web courses are not eligible for school insurance. The insurance policy runs from September 1 through August 31. The annual premium for the 2026-2027 academic year is $4,806.00. The Spring/Summer 2027 premium is $3,204.00.

To enroll in the Blue Cross Blue Shield (PPO) plan through BHCC, students must first pay their balance in full. Once paid, your information will be sent to Gallagher Student, and coverage will be retroactive to the start of the semester.

You can submit any medical bills incurred during the waiting period to Blue Cross Blue Shield for reimbursement—just be sure to keep your receipts and documentation.

If you need care but don’t yet have your insurance card, contact studentcentral@bhcc.edu or call 617-228-2370 for assistance.

All questions regarding the Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) should be directed to Massachusetts Health Connector or by calling 1-877-623-6765.

Waiver Process and Deadlines

We encourage you to submit your waiver as soon as possible. If you register for mid-semester and mini-semester classes, the health insurance charge may be added to your account if the total is 9 or more credits. The deadline to waive for Fall 2026 is November 23, 2026, no waivers or new enrollments will be accepted by Blue Cross Blue Shield after November 23, 2026. The deadline to waive for Spring 2027 is March 28, 2027, no waivers or new enrollments will be accepted by Blue Cross Blue Shield after March 28, 2027.

All questions regarding Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) should be directed to Massachusetts Health Connector or call 1-877-623-6765.

To waive the SHIP your health insurance plan must meet the below requirements:

1. Be a US health insurance plan that is filed and approved in the US.

   Please note that the following are NOT considered comparable coverage and are NOT eligible for a waiver of the BHCC Student Health Insurance Plan:

• • Students with coverage from insurance carriers outside the United States or coverage by foreign National Health Insurance programs.
  • Health insurance plans marketed solely to international students are often not filed and approved in the U.S. and have limited benefits, provider networks, and/or coverage periods that do not comply with the insurance requirements. GBG Insurance, HDL Global Specialty, ISO, PGH (United), PSI, Student Medicover, StudentSecure, and Tata AIG are examples of companies that do not meet the waiver requirements.
  • Students with a health insurance plan, such as out-of-state Medicaid, HMO, and EPO plans, that provides coverage through a closed network of providers not reasonably assessable in the area where the student attends school, for all but emergency services
  • Students with a Health Safety Net, MassHealth Limited, or Children’s Medical Security Plan.
  • Travel insurance and short-term limited-duration plans are not accepted.

2. Provide coverage for the entire policy year with no break in coverage.
3. Comply with the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and provide minimum essential coverage as defined by the ACA including:
   1. Provide an unlimited policy maximum
   2. Include coverage for pre-existing conditions
   3. Provide emergency and non-emergency care in the area of the College.

4. Provide access to comprehensive coverage (including the below) and providers reasonably accessible in the BHCC area:
   • Lab tests and X-rays
   • Prescription drugs
   • Outpatient hospital services
   • Mental health care
   • Emergency room care
   • Hospitalization (including room and board, physician’s fees, and surgical expenses)

Make sure you have a copy of your current health insurance card, as this card contains the information you will need to complete the waiver. 

Completion of the online waiver form is required annually if you are registered for Fall and Spring. Waivers will not be accepted after the specified deadline. Please allow 3-5 business days from the date of your waiver submission for the credit to be reflected on your student bill.

How do I log in to my Gallagher Student Health account to submit a waiver?

1. Go to Gallagher Student Health
2. Follow the login instructions.
   • New students - you will be sent an email to Verify Your Gallagher Student Health Account portal by Gallagher Student Health (notifications@gallagherstudent.com). This email will be sent to your BHCC email. You will need to follow the instructions in the email to verify your email address and activate your account.
   • Returning students - you may already have an account with Gallagher Student Health portal if you had an account 2+ years ago. If you do not remember your password, click on "Forgot your password?" and follow the instructions in your BHCC email. 

1. Go to Gallagher Student Health
2. Follow the login instructions listed above. 
3. Click on the “Waive” button under “Plan Summary.”
4. You will need your health insurance information.
5. Follow the instructions to complete the form.
6. A reference number will be emailed upon submission; however, final determination may take 24–48 hours

Health Insurance Refund Policy

Except for medical withdrawal (medical withdraws are only recognized for health insurance refunds; not for refunds of tuition and or fees) due to covered injury or sickness, students withdrawing from the College during the first 31 days of the period for which coverage is purchased shall not be covered under the policy and a full refund of the premium will be made. Students withdrawing after 31 days will remain covered under the policy for which the premium was paid and no refund will be allowed. Students who do not withdraw completely, but who drop below nine credit hours within the first 31 days, may apply to Student Central for a refund of health insurance premiums. Registering for mini-semester, web courses, distance education courses and Center for Self-Directed Learning courses later in the fall or spring semester may restore the student’s obligation to carry health insurance.

Once you are enrolled in SHIP, you will remain enrolled for that coverage period. However, if you are enrolled in annual coverage, you may only request coverage termination — and a pro-rated premium refund/credit — in the following situations:

• You are entering the armed forces.
• You will not be enrolled at school for the spring semester for any reason. Your status will be confirmed with your school.
• You became eligible and enrolled in a subsidized health insurance plan through the Massachusetts Health Connector or in MassHealth (excluding MassHealth Limited, Health Safety Net or the Children’s Medical Security Plan). Your coverage must begin on or before the start of the spring health insurance coverage period (not academic spring semester). Spring coverage begins January 1st. You must submit a Termination of Coverage Form at Gallagher Student Health to cancel your coverage. Your request to terminate coverage needs to be submitted to Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk no later than the last day of fall coverage (December 31st).