Orientation Quick Guide

DOMESTIC students at all campuses are required to have health insurance when enrolled at least half-time and in a degree program of study. Half time is defined as:

• Undergraduate - 6 credit hours
• Graduate and Professional - 4 credit hours
• Post-candidacy - 3 credit hours
  
  

INTERNATIONAL students enrolled in any credit hour courses are subject to the requirement.

Students can meet this requirement by COMPLETING the SELECT / WAIVE PROCESS before their first semester each academic year. For most students that is autumn semester.

Now, more than ever, it is important to be confident you have health insurance that works while you are at Ohio State. Take a moment to review the Student Health Insurance Orientation Flyer and our interactive Comparison Chart - designed to help you review your current coverage, understand if there are gaps in coverage while at Ohio State and compare options to make an informed decision.

Use Tax ID Number 31-6025986 to verify the network status of your current plan with the on-campus OSU Student Health Services facility.

1.  SELECT* the university offered Student Health Benefits Plan – a medical, mental health, pharmacy, dental and vision plan designed specifically for students that provides coverage no matter where they are.  Low deductible, copays and coinsurance, with most out of pocket expenses, waived when treatment is provided at the Wilce Student Health Center.

   * All students are initially enrolled in university Student Health Benefits Plan if they meet the credit hour eligibility requirement. 

2.  WAIVE* the university coverage if you are enrolled in other active annual health insurance. Take a few moments to review how your current health insurance will work now that you’re in college.   Our interactive Comparison Chart is a quick and easy way to compare your current coverage with the benefits available under the Student Health Benefits Plan.

Use Tax ID Number 31-6025986 to verify the network status of your current plan with the on-campus OSU Student Health Services facility.
 
   * If you waive the university coverage, you will be asked to provide documentation confirming your active health insurance coverage. This information is audited, and if your health insurance is inactive, you will be re-enrolled in the Student Health Benefits Plan and the fee will be placed on your account.

Complete the SELECT / WAIVE Process before your first term of the academic year - for most students this is autumn term. Your decision remains in place the entire academic year – AU, SP and SU semesters – so there's no need to repeat the Select or Waive process each semester!

• Once you SELECT the SHI Benefits Plan you are enrolled for the entire academic year.  The fee will be placed on your account – Autumn and Spring semesters as long as you meet eligibility.  Spring coverage includes Summer semester.
  
  
• If you WAIVE the university coverage this will be in place the remainder of the academic year, unless you change your mind or have a qualifying event.
  
  

You can complete the SELECT / WAIVE Process through the Buckeye Link portal.  The autumn 2025 deadline is August 19, 2025.  Here are instructions for completing the Select / Waive Process.   

If you miss the deadline, you will remain enrolled in the Student Health Benefits Plan. 

You can petition to waive the coverage by completing the Petition to Waive form and providing information that shows active health insurance. The Student Health Benefits Plan fee will remain on your university account until your petition to waive is approved.  Please allow 10 business days for our office to process your request. 

Good news.  You may be allowed to add or remove coverage for you or your eligible dependents during the policy year if there is a Qualifying Event.