Student Health Insurance Plan

Whittier College requires all full-time undergraduates and all international students enrolled in 12 or more units to have access to comprehensive medical care while enrolled at the College.

All Whittier College students will automatically be enrolled in Whittier's insurance plan through Aetna's healthcare plan administered by Arthur J. Gallagher & Company. Student Health Insurance Plan fees are published under the College's Schedule of Charges.

Visit Gallagher's website or call Gallagher Student Health at 844.745.6593 for a complete description of benefits available, limitations and exclusions, and Student Health Insurance Plan FAQs.

Information for U.S. Citizens and Other Students without a F-1 or J-1 Visa

Students with personal health coverage that insures beyond emergency and urgent care while attending Whittier, may elect to waive the college's health plan.  Students MUST submit an online waiver form during the open enrollment period at the website (more information will be provided).  All students must actively enroll or waive coverage each academic year by the specified deadline dates. Exceptions will not be made after the published deadlines.

Students will need to be registered in at least 12 units to be eligible to submit an insurance waiver.

Enrollment Periods

Online Enrollment/Waiver Process

1. Go to Gallagher Student Health
2. Click on "Student Enroll/Waive"
3. Create a user account or Log in (if a returning user)
4. Select the "I want to Enroll/Waive" button. If waiving the insurance, you'll need information found on your current health insurance ID card. Upon completing your online form you will be asked to review the information provided and click "submit" to complete the process. You will receive a reference number immediately upon submitting your online form

Students who have personal health insurance coverage will need to submit an insurance waiver to opt out of the annual plan. The insurance waiver for the annual plan is due every year prior to the Fall semester start date. New or transfer students starting in the Spring semester will be required to submit an insurance waiver prior to the Spring semester start date - this applies only to new or transfer students. Students who do not submit an insurance waiver by the semester start dates, as indicated, will be billed for coverage with the Aetna Health plan. 

Please note: Not all insurance plans are considered comparable. If you are electing to waive Whittier's plan, your insurance company must be based in the United States. International policies, travel policies, short term medical policies, out of state HMOs and out-of-state Medicaid plans are examples of plans that will not be accepted. 

If you're a part-time student or if you don't meet all the eligibility requirements for the Student Health Plan, you may be eligible for coverage under the new health plan Aetna - more information will be provided. 

International Students with a F-1 or J-1 Visa

All international students with an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to enroll in the international health insurance plan offered by Whittier College.  The Aetna health care plan is designed specifically for international students and exceeds the requirements set by the federal government. You will automatically be enrolled in this plan and the cost will be added to your student account each semester.

International students are enrolled on a mandatory basis and may not waive out of the Student Health Insurance Plan. You cannot waive coverage unless you are currently enrolled in a fully compliant Affordable Care Act insurance plan through a U.S.-based insurance company and claims administrator.

How to Obtain a Healthcare ID Card

ID cards are usually available 5-7 business days after your eligibility is confirmed.

1. Go to the insurance website.
2. Create an account. 
3. Complete the registration form using your name, date of birth, and student ID number.
4. Once logged in, you will have access to ID cards, Claim Information, EOBs and other plan-related information.

For questions regarding your bill, please contact the Business Office.

Athletics Insurance

All student-athletes must have a primary accident and injury insurance in order to participate in intercollegiate athletics.  If a student-athlete does not have a primary insurance coverage, they must enroll in the Whittier College primary student insurance and the additional Athletic Rider to participate on a team.  The fee for the additional rider is $360.00 per semester or $720.00 for the year, which will be added to the student’s bill by the Business Office based on a list of qualified athletes provided by the Athletics Department.