Dependent Coverage
Dependent Open Enrollment Deadlines
Dependent open enrollment is aligned with student open enrollment. Open enrollment for Northwestern students is based on the first quarter in which they are actively enrolled at the University each academic year (for most students, this is Fall Quarter).
Students may enroll their dependents into the NU-SHIP, after first confirming their own enrollment via the online Coverage Selection Form in CAESAR. Open enrollment periods for dependents are the same as student open enrollment periods.
Who Can I Cover?
- lawful spouse
- civil union partner
- domestic partner
- your dependent children, up to age 26
How Do I Enroll My Dependents?
- First, confirm your NU-SHIP enrollment through the online Coverage Selection Form in CAESAR. Click here to confirm your NU-SHIP enrollment.
- Allow 4-5 business days for Aetna Student Health to process your enrollment data in their system.
- Then, contact Aetna Student Health customer support at 877.626.2314, or go directly to their online dependent enrollment page – and add your dependents to your coverage.
Remember: You must add dependents to your NU-SHIP coverage during your appropriate open enrollment period (see above) at the start of each new policy year.
What Does it Cost to Cover My Dependents?
Please visit the 2024–2025 NU-SHIP Premiums section of the webpage. Aetna offers the option to pay for dependent coverage in quarterly installments. For additional information, please go to Aetna's Dependent Enrollment page, enter your Student ID and date of birth, and then click on "View Plan Details" (and scroll down) to review the quarterly payment schedule.