Per Massachusetts State law, you will need to provide proof of health insurance in order to receive medical care at Student Health Services, Sturdy Health Primary Care–Norton or other nearby hospitals, urgent care and walk-in clinics.
Please review the options below to ensure you have the proper coverage.
Student Health Insurance Plan
You will be automatically enrolled in our Student Health Insurance Plan as a new or returning student, unless you opt out before the start of the semester. This comprehensive plan is provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and administered by Gallagher Student Health. It offers low deductibles and provides coverage for routine office visits, diagnostic testing, lab services, prescription drugs, mental health services, inpatient and outpatient hospital services, and emergency services.
This Wheaton-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan covers you for the entire calendar year including semester breaks and summer vacation. It also provides coverage if you study abroad. The annual fee will be itemized on your tuition bill. Visit the Gallagher Student website for rates and information. Once enrolled in this plan, all information about the plan and accessing coverage verification, will be provided by Gallagher.
Personal Health Insurance
If you prefer to use your own health insurance or stay on your family’s plan, you are strongly encouraged to check with the insurance company to confirm that your plan provides in-network and out-of-network coverage for:
- Routine (not urgent or emergency) care in the Norton, MA area
- Sturdy Health Primary Care–Norton/Sturdy Memorial Associates
- Specialists in the Norton, MA area
- Diagnostic testing (at Sturdy Memorial Hospital or another local facility)
- Lab services (at Sturdy Memorial Hospital or another local facility)
- Prescription drugs
- Mental health services in the Norton, MA area
- Inpatient and outpatient hospital services in the Norton, MA area
- Emergency services/ambulance services
If you belong to an HMO, an out-of-state Medicaid, or a plan like Kaiser that does not provide coverage for the above services in the Norton area, you must participate in the Student Health Insurance Plan offered by Wheaton or another comparable insurance plan.
Insurance Waiver
If you prefer to use your own insurance with comparable coverage, you may opt out of the college-sponsored plan. Log in to your Gallagher account to complete the online waiver and verify your enrollment in a comparable plan by a U.S. health insurance provider prior to your arrival on campus. If you do not complete the waiver by Gallagher’s posted deadline, you will be assessed a full year Student Health Insurance premium on your tuition bill. It is your responsibility to log into the Gallagher portal and review emails sent by Gallagher to be aware of deadlines and insurance information.
Supplemental Insurance
Gallagher also offers optional supplemental insurance plans which provide protection for accidents and dental care that are not covered by traditional insurance.
Accident Only Plan
If you waive the Student Health Insurance Plan or are a varsity or club athlete, please review Gallagher’s Accident Only Plan. This provides additional protection for accidents or injuries your insurance may not cover.
As a student-athlete, you are required to have at least $100,000 coverage and are encouraged to buy this plan for sports-related injuries. If you’re injured during varsity sports, the plan waives some costs. However, fees are not waived for injuries during recreational or club sports. For more information, visit the Gallagher site.
Voluntary Dental Plan
Gallagher offers a Voluntary Dental Plan for an additional monthly premium paid directly to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts. Enrollment is optional, as it is not required by the college or state law. However, we highly recommend enrolling as the cost is very reasonable.
It provides you with access to preventative, diagnostic, restorative, and emergency dental care through a wide network of dentists in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. Without this coverage, you would be responsible for expensive out-of-pocket costs for routine or emergency dental care.
International Students
If you are an international student, you are required to enroll in the Wheaton College Student Health Insurance Plan to ensure adequate medical care coverage. Most foreign or temporary travel insurance plans do not meet the state of Massachusetts regulations.
Medical Billing
Whether you use the college-sponsored plan or your own comparable health insurance, you’ll have free access to Student Health Services and the Counseling Center. Sturdy Health Primary Care–Norton visits are also free, but lab work and prescriptions will be billed to your insurance. Medical appointments outside of Sturdy (e.g. specialists, urgent care and emergency room visits) may also require a copay. During the summer months, all medical services including office visits will be charged to your insurance. Contact your insurance provider to confirm costs.
If you participate in our Student Health Insurance Plan, bills from Sturdy Health Primary Care–Norton and Sturdy Hospital will be mailed to your campus mailbox. If you are covered by your family’s insurance, the statement will be mailed to your home address in care of your parent or guardian. If you pay out of pocket, neither you nor your parents will receive a bill.
Graduating Seniors
As you transition from college to career, here are some resources to help you navigate health insurance options. First, check with your employer to see if they offer health insurance. If they do not, visit Health Insurance Marketplace to compare plans based on coverage, cost, and your healthcare needs. If you live or work in Massachusetts, you can compare local health and dental plans through Health Connector. Also, check out Young Invincibles which advocates for policies that improve healthcare access and affordability for young adults.
Questions?
For general health insurance-related questions, please contact Abby Egginton, at 508-286-8210. If you have specific questions about the college-sponsored plans or the waiver process, please contact Gallagher directly:
Gallagher Student Health
500 Victory Road, Quincy, MA 02171
Phone number for student inquiries:
800-406-4979
Contact the Gallagher Help Center
