Request a Waiver

If you choose not to participate in Cardinal Care, you'll need to request a waiver from Cardinal Care coverage each academic year by the applicable deadline. If you do not submit your waiver by the applicable deadline, and there is not enough time to process your request, your request for a waiver may be denied. It is important you meet the applicable deadlines listed below. 

Once you've submitted the request to waive Cardinal Care coverage, your request will be reviewed. If it is determined that your alternative insurance policy meets the minimum standards for coverage, your request for a waiver will be approved, and you will be removed from Cardinal Care coverage. 

If it is determined that your insurance policy does not meet the required minimum standards, your request for a waiver will be declined, and you will remain enrolled in Cardinal Care for the remainder of the academic year. 

In either scenario, you will receive an email immediately letting you know that your request for a waiver has been submitted. This is NOT an approval of your request for a waiver. Once a waiver determination is made, you will receive an email notification within 10 business days of your submission with the status of your request.

For the 2026–2027 policy year, students must carry health insurance that qualifies as Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC) to waive the school-sponsored plan. The guidance below clarifies which types of insurance meet MEC requirements and which do not.

1. If your plan is through an employer, Covered California/Marketplace, Medicare, Medi-Cal or Medicaid, it meets the MEC requirement.
2. If you have short-term/temporary insurance, travel insurance, or dental-only insurance, your plan does NOT meet the requirement.
3. If you aren’t sure, check your Summary of Benefits (SBC) or call your insurance provider and ask whether your plan covers the 10 Essential Health Benefits required under this Affordable Care Act (ACA).
4. Imposes a deductible that does not exceed $1,700 individual; $3,400 family
5. Has an annual out of pocket maximum of $10,600 USD or less individual; $21,200 USD or less family
6. Must cover inpatient and outpatient medical care in the San Francisco Bay Area (Contra Costa, Marin, Napa, San Francisco, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Solano, Sonoma, Monterey, and Santa Cruz)
7.  

You may submit a request to waive Cardinal Care coverage during the following waiver periods: