Health Insurance

University Student Health Services > Health Insurance
Are You Covered?

Your student health fee covers visits to the Student Health clinics but does not cover the cost of referrals to specialists, medications, x-rays, hospital or ER visits.  We encourage all students to get health insurance coverage to prevent an illness or accident from causing a financial burden. 

Options for students without coverage include the VCU Student Health Insurance Program, the Health Insurance Marketplace, and Virginia Medicaid.

VCU Student Health Insurance Program

VCU offers a student health insurance program to all full-time PhD students, first professional students (DDS, MD, PharmD) and international students (those on F- and J-visas).  Eligibility may be expanded to include additional student populations in the near future.  Click on the link for additional information.

Health Insurance Marketplace

Open enrollment for Virginia's Insurance Marketplace is from November 1, 2025 to January 30, 2026, for coverage starting in 2026.

  • You must enroll, re-enroll, or change health plans by December 15, 2025 to start coverage on January 1, 2026.  Click on the link for a complete list of Health Insurance Marketplace dates and deadlines.
  • After January 30, 2026, you cannot enroll in or change Virginia Marketplace plans unless you qualify under certain life events. 
  • Enrollment can be completed online, by phone (1-888-687-1501), or by using a certified enrollment assister near you. 
  • Use the enrollment checklist to gather required information ahead of time (especially if you are requesting financial assistance) to make the application process easier and faster.  You will need the following materials for each adult who will be covered:
    • Photo ID.
    • Social Security number.
    • Most recent tax return.
    • Pay stubs from the last four weeks.
    • Immigration documents, if applicable. 
Virginia Medicaid

Many low-income students may be eligible for Medicaid health coverage.  These options offer comprehensive healthcare services at low or no cost.

  • Go to coverva.dmas.virginia.gov to see if you qualify based on income and other criteria (click on "Learn" then "Coverage for Adults").
  • Enrollment for Medicaid coverage is available year-round.

Still need help? Feel free to reach out to us here at Student Health Services and we will be more than happy to try to assist!