Health Insurance
Health Insurance for Students at Messiah University
Health insurance is mandatory for all Messiah University students. You have three options to choose from, and all three of them require action on your end.
You may be insured via:
- Private insurance, likely through your parent's plan
- Pennsylvania medical assistance
- Messiah University's Student insurance plan
Learn more about your three health insurance options below:
Ask your insurer:
- Will your plan cover medical care and tests done "out-of-network" in Central PA?
- Will you need to travel to your hometown for any medical care?
- If you need to see a health care professional on or near campus, is a referral required from your primary care provider at home?
- The student health insurance plan sponsored by Messiah University is a PPO plan underwritten by Highmark.
- It is an ACA compliant plan that offers accident and sickness coverage worldwide for a full year, 8/1/2024 - 7/31/2025.
- There have been some incidences with high-deductible plans, out-of-state Medicaid plans, and HMOs that have hindered students trying to access healthcare from local community resources. We strongly recommend that you check with your insurance provider to assure continued health insurance coverage while at Messiah University, specifically for diagnostic testing (lab work and x-rays) and referrals to specialists. Some HMOs offer guest membership plans which provide healthcare benefits to continue at the same level when away from home. Please contact your HMO insurance provider to find out if this option is available.
Students with preexisting medical conditions who are not eligible for health insurance coverage through a parent or guardian should consider applying for the Pennsylvania Medical Assistance program. Note: out of state Medicaid is unlikely to be accepted in Pennsylvania, anywhere other than the emergency room.
If you are covered by your own plan, your family's health insurance plan, or medical assistance you still need to take action to inform us of the coverage. Please review your current plan to be sure that your benefits extend to the Pennsylvania area.
Action Required Annually
Every year you are enrolled at Messiah, you are required to either:
- Waive your coverage of the Messiah University sponsored Student Health Insurance plan if you choose to maintain your own health insurance plan
- Enroll online in the Messiah University sponsored Student Health Insurance plan
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The Fall Waiver deadline is September 11, 2025. The Spring/Summer Waiver deadline is February 12, 2025
The waiver form will be available after July 1st.
Enroll or Waive the Messiah University Health Insurance Plan
Students who do not waive the student health insurance EVERY YEAR and provide proof of private health care insurance will be automatically enrolled in the school's student health insurance plan.
For questions about the plan, please contact Tim Cummons at Messiah RCM&D at 1-800 346 4075, Ext. 1607 or by emailing messiah@rcmd.com