Opting Out/Qualifying Event

If you have other health insurance that meets our requirements, you can waive, or cancel, our insurance during the waiver period.

Note: if you use your 2023-2024 Student Health Insurance benefits you will NOT be able to waive at a later date during said semester.

Can I Opt Out?

In order to opt out of our insurance, your plan must:

  • Be in effect on the first day of classes
  • Cover pre-existing conditions
  • Cover well care and preventive care 100%
  • Cover prescription drugs
  • Have unlimited benefits

Your plan cannot be:

  • Medicaid or an HMO from another state
  • Health insurance from another country
  • A limited liability, limited benefit, short-term or indemnity plan

How to Opt Out

During the waiver period, after you have enrolled for your classes follow these steps:

  1. Log in with your Z-ID, you must enter the Z. The password is your birthdate in this format: MMDDYYYY.
  2. Enter your health insurance information.
  3. Make sure you get a waiver confirmation number.
  4. Check your NIU email for our confirmation message.
Please note: The waiver form does not work on mobile devices.

The waiver deadline is firm, therefore students who do not waive the student health insurance by the deadline will be enrolled for semester coverage under the plan. Only students who miss the waiver deadline due to extenuating circumstances will qualify for a late waiver.

Extenuating circumstances include severe illness or accident, active military service, late registration or other extraordinary circumstances that preclude the student from submitting a waiver by the deadline.

Qualifying Events

Qualifying events can take place at any time during the semester.

Qualifying events and what required documentation:

  • Marriage (copy of marriage license)
  • Birth or adoption (copy of birth certificate or legal document)
  • Death (copy of death certificate)
  • Divorce or legally separated (copy of decree or legal document)
  • Gain or loss of employment/insurance coverage (turning 26)
  • Becoming a U.S. citizen
  • Leaving incarceration

When you apply, you are required to prove eligibility to enroll based on the life event experienced.

Companies or insurers will issue a letter of credible coverage.

Contact Us

Student Health Insurance Office
Health Services Building, room 206
Phone: 815-753-0122
Fax: 815-753-9599
studentinsurance@niu.edu

Monday, Wednesday, Friday
working remote

Tuesday, Thursday
in office 8 a.m.-4 p.m.

Aetna's Informed Health® Line1-800-556-1555

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