Important Update to the University’s Student Health Insurance Plan

Dear University of Rochester Students,

We are writing to inform you of an upcoming change to the University’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Effective August 1, 2026, SHIP will transition from a self-funded model with Aetna as a third-party administrator to Aetna Student Health’s fully funded plan. Aetna Student Health is a recognized leader in providing student health insurance, offering tailored solutions to meet the needs of university students. Students enrolled in the new plan will not experience any changes to benefits, provider networks, co-pays, or other out-of-pocket expenses.

This transition will reduce the administrative burden and financial risk associated with managing a self-funded insurance plan, enabling University Health Service (UHS) to focus on its core mission of delivering comprehensive, patient-centered primary care to University of Rochester students. Additionally, students enrolled in the plan will benefit from enhanced access to dedicated service providers specifically supporting University of Rochester students. UHS will continue to provide on-site insurance advisors to assist students with questions regarding student insurance requirements, premiums,  coverage and benefits, and access to care.

We are pleased to share that, despite national trends showing premium increases of approximately 30% this year, the premium increase for the Aetna Student Health plan will remain modest at approximately 13%. Importantly, the plan’s benefits will remain at the Platinum level, ensuring comprehensive coverage with no deductibles, minimal or no copayments, and low out-of-pocket costs. This change reflects our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality, accessible health care for our students.

Thank you for your attention to this important update. If you have any questions or need further information, please feel free to contact University Health Service at (585) 275-2637 or via email at insurance@uhs.rochester.edu. Additionally, we encourage you to visit our FAQ web page for more details about this transition and its impact on your health insurance coverage.

Sincerely,

John H. Blackshear
Vice President for University Student Life
Professor of Psychology

Cheryl Kodjo, MD
Vice Provost and Director
University Health Service