Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

Group of diverse students smiling with arms around each other, each a representative from a different student organization

Enrollment in the University-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is mandatory for all full-time undergraduate (12 credit hours or more) and graduate (nine credit hours or more) students. Exceptions include full-time graduate students in the MBA, Data Analytics and Organizational Leadership program (accelerated option). Executive MBA, DO/MBA, MBA/PHY, AA/AS, RN to BSN, MSN, M.Ed., Ed.D, and post-baccalaureate students may all voluntarily enroll in this program. ABSN and graduate certificates are also exempt from the hard waiver.

Students must actively attend classes and remain enrolled with Rockhurst for the first 31 days of each term to be eligible for coverage. Those who wish to waive the SHIP must do so by September 8, 2025. This alternate coverage must be active by August 1, 2025, for the waiver to be approved. Students carrying four or more credit hours per semester may elect to have the SHIP if they are not in the mandatory student group.

Benefits Included with Aetna Insurance

Academic Student Assistance Program

Students who are enrolled in the SHIP will now have access to enhanced plan benefits, including access to In-the-Moment Counseling. This platform is open to all students enrolled in the SHIP plan, offering 24/7 access to master's-level counselors, unlimited counseling services, and crisis intervention support. Financial Consultation with certified financial representatives for Debt consolidation, credit report reviews, budgeting, student loan options, and financial planning. Legal consultation with free initial consultation for some services, as well as support in other areas. All services received on the ALC platform are 100% free for students.

Academic Emergency Services

Additionally, students who are enrolled in the SHIP will now have access to Academic Emergency Services (AES). Students have access to assistance if they experience a travel-related crisis. Services include finding an adequate doctor in an unfamiliar location, emergency transportation, and services to help students and their families with emergency expenses.

Mandatory

All full-time undergraduate and graduate students will automatically be enrolled in the health insurance plan upon registration for classes (with exceptions noted above) unless proof of comparable coverage is provided via the online waiver form (distributed via email; further information is below).

If you do not waive the student health insurance by September 8, 2025, for the Fall semester, your student account will automatically be billed. If you waive the insurance for the fall semester, you have waived it for the entire academic year.

Instructions to Waive

You cannot access the waiver portal unless you activate your account via the direct email received directly from Academic HealthPlans at noreply@ahpcare.com (see sample below). Activate the account via the embedded link within the email.
Once logged in, you will choose the Waive/Opt-Out tile.
Enter your insurance information exactly as it is written on your insurance ID card.
Upload a front and back copy of your ID card OR a policy declaration page from your insurance. This is an either/or situation, and neither is required.
Once submitted, you will receive a confirmation email that your waiver has been submitted.
Once approved, you will receive an approval email. If additional information is required or the coverage cannot be verified, you will receive an email advising that additional information is required. Please follow the instructions in the email.

Waiver Requirements

Coverage must be in effect from at least 08/01/25 – 07/31/26.
Plan must have an unlimited benefit maximum
Plan is fully compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA)
Plan must be underwritten by a US underwriting company
No health cost-sharing plans will be approved

Instructions to opt in (you are a part of the mandatory pool, and you want to activate your SHIP immediately and have access to confirmation of health insurance coverage) are as follows:

You cannot access the enrollment portal unless you activate your account via the direct email received directly from Academic HealthPlans at noreply@ahpcare.com (see sample below). Activate the account via the embedded link within the email.
Once logged in you will choose the Enrollment tile.
Walk through the process as though you will purchase the coverage. Add the coverage to your cart and checkout.
Once at checkout, there will be payment options. Choose the option that bills directly to the school and hit submit.
No payment is due at that time, but this will have you enrolled immediately in the coverage.

Sample Personalized Activation Email from AHP

Sample email

Voluntary

Voluntary enrollment is open to students in the MBA, Data Analytics, and Organizational Leadership program, accelerated option, Executive MBA, DO/MBA, MBA/PHY, AA/AS, RN to BSN, MSN, M.Ed., Ed.D and post-baccalaureate students. ABSN, and DEI graduate certificates, all of whom may voluntarily enroll in the plan if enrolled in a minimum of four credit hours (each semester).

Dental and Vision

Dental and Vision insurance is available at an additional cost through voluntary enrollment. Dental insurance is offered through Guardian Insurance, while Vision is offered through VSP. Additional information is available through rockhurst.mycare26.com.