You cannot start MIT Student Health Insurance Plan (MIT SHIP) coverage before September 1, but if you are arriving on campus in August, you can purchase temporary health insurance, called “gap coverage.” MIT is working with GeoBlue, an insurance provider, to offer this temporary insurance to students arriving early. Gap coverage is not the same as MIT SHIP, but it will provide you with health insurance coverage from the day you arrive until September 1, when your MIT SHIP coverage begins. View details about rates and coverage.
To buy gap coverage, visit the enrollment page for MIT students. Click on “I Agree” to confirm that you will be an MIT student in the fall. On the next page, leave “New” selected, and click on “Continue.”
Now you should see the form you need to fill out. For “Mailing Address,” use your home address. At the bottom of the form, you will see two fields: “Valid From” and “Valid Through.” The “Valid From” date should be the date you are arriving. Make sure you specify August 31 for the “Valid Through” date. You must pay GeoBlue for each month of insurance, so you do not want GeoBlue coverage to continue in September. Your MIT SHIP coverage begins on September 1.
Once you are enrolled in the GeoBlue gap coverage, you will get a member guide. The guide has information about how to use your insurance.
Can I enroll dependents in GeoBlue gap coverage?
No. Gap coverage is only available for students.
Can I use the GeoBlue insurance instead of MIT SHIP?
No. The insurance coverage from GeoBlue is meant to be temporary and does not meet MIT’s waiver requirements. You will need MIT SHIP or other qualifying health insurance coverage during the academic year.