Each prescription fill:
• $10 copay: Preferred Generic
• $30 copay: Preferred Brand
• $60 copay: Non-Preferred Generic or Brand
Summary of Coverage
The Northwestern University Student Health Insurance Plan (NU-SHIP) complies with all Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA) requirements for student health insurance plans. There are no exclusions for pre-existing conditions for this plan. The plan year runs September 1–August 31. Annual benefits apply to services received during this period of time.
| Type | Description | Preferred Care (In-Network Provider) | Non-Preferred Care (Out-of-Network Provider) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan Deductible | The amount you pay each year before the plan begins paying for most services. | $300 per year | $600 per year |
| Annual Out-of-Pocket Limit | The most you will pay in a year for covered services. After this, the plan pays 100% of covered costs. | $2,500 (individual) / $5,000 (family) | No limit. Using in-network providers helps control costs. |
| Co-insurance | The percentage of the bill you pay after meeting the deductible. | You pay 20% | You pay 40% |
|
General Medical Care |
Hospital visits, outpatient procedures, and other medical services. | Plan pays 80% after deductible | Plan pays 60% after deductible |
| Doctor (Physician) Visits | Visits with a primary care provider or specialist. | Plan pays 80% of the negotiated rate | $20 copay, then plan pays 60% of allowed charges |
| Outpatient Mental Health | Counseling, therapy, or psychiatric visits. | Plan pays 80% of the negotiated charge per visit. Maximum patient responsibility of $20 per visit. No policy year deductible applies. | $20 copayment then the plan pays 80% of the balance of the recognized charge per visit thereafter. No policy year deductible applies. (Please note if the recognized charge is less than the provider's full charge, the student may be responsible for additional costs.) |
| Emergency Room | Care for serious or life-threatening emergencies. | $100 copay (waived if admitted to the hospital), then plan pays 80% | Plan pays 80% of allowed charges |
| Routine Physical Exam | Preventive annual check-ups. | 100% covered (no cost to you) | $20 deductible per visit, then plan pays 60% |
| Prescription Drugs | Cost depends on the medication type. |
To search for medications covered by the NU-SHIP, log into your Aetna Member portal, the Aetna Health app, or call Aetna Pharmacy at 888-792-3862. (Please see the table below.)
|
50% of allowed cost after deductible |
NU-SHIP Plan Documents:
- 2025-2026 Northwestern University Member Policy Contract Documents - 06/01/25 (PDF)
- 2025-2026 Northwestern University Member Policy Contract Documents - 07/15/25 (PDF)
- 2025-2026 Northwestern University Member Policy Contract Documents - 09/01/25 (PDF)
- 2025-2026 Northwestern University Plan Design and Benefits Summary (PDF)
- 2025-2026 Northwestern University Summary of Benefits and Coverage (PDF)
Please visit the NU-SHIP Documents & Resources section of the webpage for member resources, claim forms, and additional benefits.