Summer Programs

Assess your needs

We hope you will have a healthy, happy, productive summer at Cornell. But just in case, please be sure you have the health insurance you need to protect your health and your investment in this Cornell experience.

Health insurance plans vary in the coverage they offer. Some provide excellent protection at home, but do not cover students while they are at Cornell. Carefully review any plan you have to make sure it will provide adequate coverage for you and your health care needs, those you can anticipate as well as those you can't.

Please consult with your summer program to make sure you understand any specific expectations related to health insurance coverage.

Consider the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

If you do not have health insurance that will provide adequate coverage for you during your summer program, you may be eligible to enroll in the Cornell University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

This plan has been developed especially for Cornell students to provide access to convenient and efficient care that complements the quality health services provided on campus. The SHIP is an accident and sickness policy that: 

• Provides extensive coverage at a reasonable cost for most on- or off-campus health care.
  
• Provides coverage 24 hours a day throughout the coverage period. When plan members are in Ithaca, provides coordination of services by Cornell health services staff who know Cornell students and a preferred provider network that includes the local hospital.
  
• Covers pre-existing medical conditions.
  
• Helps defray catastrophic expenses.
  
• Covers inpatient and outpatient mental health care in the Ithaca area.
  
• Meets or exceeds all F-1 and J-1 visa requirements.
  
• Provides convenient assistance with enrollment and claims submission through the Cornell Office of Student Health Insurance.

For specific coverage information, please visit the Using SHIP section of this web site.

Programs and Premiums

Summer enrollment in the SHIP is limited to participants in the programs listed here. You must purchase the SHIP before the program begins.

Enrollment assistance

To enroll in the SHIP or ask questions, please contact us by phone, e-mail, or letter. See "Contact Information" above. We are eager to help.

NOTE: you will not be permitted to enroll in SHIP once your program has begun.