University Standards for Adequate Insurance

If a student’s health insurance plan meets or exceeds the following University standards, they are eligible to opt out of T-SHIP and use their current plan.

  1. The plan is ACA-compliant, is underwritten in the United States and has a U.S. based claims payment office and telephone number.
  2. The plan will be active for the duration of the academic year or until the student’s academic program ends.
  3. The plan provides coverage for health care where the student is attending classes (whether on a Tulane campus or elsewhere).
  4. Benefits must include:
  • unlimited annual and lifetime benefits (i.e. there is no policy maximum).
  • preventive and routine care in the New Orleans area.
  • urgent, emergency and follow-up care in the New Orleans area.
  • coverage for club sports. (This requirement does not apply to NCAA competitive sports).
  • coverage for the entire academic year while attending Tulane.
  • pharmacy benefits.
  • mental health benefits.
  • coverage of pre-existing conditions without a waiting period (for example, heart disease, renal failure, cancer, etc.).

Degree-seeking international students are required to buy the Tulane-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan (T-SHIP). Non-degree J-1 students sponsored by Tulane University must be enrolled in a university-sponsored health insurance plan.