Understanding Withdrawing from the University and Yale Health Coverage

Important Note:

Withdrawing from the University directly impacts your Yale Health Hospitalization & Specialty Care Coverage. The timing of your withdrawal can impact whether you can get a refund for your health coverage or be billed for health services you used. Note: Tuition and Yale Health coverage fees are billed separately and considered separately in the withdrawal policies. Contact Member Services or your Student Heath Care Navigator for guidance or questions about your specific situation.

It’s important to understand how these apply to your situation.

Please note: The following policies apply to all students who were enrolled in courses half-time or more in the term their withdrawal was approved*. The only portion of the below policy that differs based on your school is the specific first date of classes.

*This does not apply to EMBA, EMPH, MSN Nursing Online, and PA Online students. Please reach out to Yale Health Member Services to understand your specific policies.

Terms to understand:

• Insurance Term: the coverage period for Yale Health Hospitalization & Specialty Coverage and Basic Health Services in the Fall (August to January) and/or the Spring (February to July). The specific dates are determined by your status as a new or continuing student for that term.
• Academic Term: the academic semester (Fall or Spring) of the University.
• First Day of Classes: the date that classes begin for that academic term; this is determined by your specific school.
• Waiving Coverage: opting out of Yale Health Hospitalization & Specialty Care Coverage with Prescription Coverage and having fees for this insurance coverage removed from your student account. You keep access to Yale Health Basic Student Health Services, including primary care in Student Health, Gynecology, Acute Care, Mental Health & Counseling, and Blood Draw. While you have access to services at Yale Health, you do not have insurance coverage through Yale Health.
• Not Waiving Coverage: remaining enrolled in Yale Health Hospitalization & Specialty Care Coverage with Prescription Coverage and having fees for this insurance coverage billed to your student account. Students enrolled in Yale Health Hospitalization & Specialty Care Coverage receive a comprehensive insurance plan that includes all the services in Basic Student Health Services, prescription coverage, specialist services, urgent care, and emergency care managed at the Yale Health Center.

What happens to my access to Yale Health if I withdraw?*

If you withdraw on or before the 15th day of classes:

• You’ll get a full refund for the Yale Health Hospitalization & Specialty Coverage fee if you did not waive coverage; if you waived coverage, you would not get a refund since you were not billed for coverage.
• Your Yale Health membership will end retroactively to the start of the insurance term (Fall or Spring) in which you have withdrawn, as if you were never covered by Yale Health Hospitalization & Specialty Coverage or Basic Health Services.
• You will not be eligible for any Yale Health coverage and unable to access services moving forward.
• If you’ve already used health services, those services will be billed directly to you by Yale Health.
• You cannot enroll in Student Affiliate Coverage to extend your insurance.
• Example: Maria did not waive coverage for the Fall term and withdraws 10 days after classes begin, September 7th (classes began on August 28):
  • Maria gets a refund for her Yale Health Hospitalization & Specialty Coverage fee. Maria’s Yale Health membership ends retroactively to the start of the Fall insurance term, which was August 1.
  • Any health services used during those 10 days will be billed to Maria by Yale Health.
• Example: Julian waived coverage for the Fall term and withdraws 5 days after classes begin, September 2nd (classes began on August 28th):
  • Julian does not get a refund since he was not charged for Yale Health Basic Student Health Services. Julian’s access to Yale Health Basic Student Health Services is retroactively terminated to the start of the Fall insurance term, which was August 6th.
  • Julian had a visit in Student Health on August 27th, so he will receive a bill from Yale Health for that visit.

If you withdraw more than 15 days after the first day of classes:

• You’ll still have access to Yale Health services for 30 days after your withdrawal date.
• During those 30 days, you will have access to the same services you had before you withdrew. This may include services like Student Health, Mental Health & Counseling, Acute Care, and Care Management to help with transitioning care.
• If you waived coverage, then you will remain with access to Yale Health Basic Health Services for 30 days.
• If you did not waive coverage, you will remain insured by Yale Health with Hospitalization & Specialty Care with Prescriptions benefits.
• However, fees for Yale Health Hospitalization/Specialty Coverage won’t be refunded nor prorated. You are responsible for the semester charge on your student account, even if your tuition has been refunded.
• You cannot enroll in Student Affiliate Coverage to extend your insurance.
• Example: James did not waive coverage and withdraws 30 days after classes begin, September 27th (classes began on August 28th):
  • James remains insured by Yale Health with Hospitalization/Specialty Care with Prescriptions benefits for 30 days after the withdrawal date to help coordinate ongoing care until October 27th
  • James doesn’t get a refund for the Yale Health Hospitalization/Specialty Coverage fee.
  • James cannot sign up for Student Affiliate Coverage once 30 days have passed.
• Example: Christina waived the coverage and withdraws 30 days after classes begin, September 27th (classes began on August 28th):
  • Christina will retain access to Yale Health Basic Student Health Services for 30 days, until October 27th.
  • Christina does not receive a refund since they were not charged for Basic Student Health Services.
  • Christina cannot sign up for Student Affiliate Coverage once the 30 days have passed.

*Please note: The dates provided are for example purposes only and should not be considered definitive.

What If I Need Help?

If you’re unsure about your options or how these policies apply to your situation, contact Yale Health Member Services or your Student Health Care Navigator. They’re here to help you navigate your coverage and ensure your health care needs are addressed.