Dear Student,
Like many others in the Tufts community, we look forward to welcoming new and returning students to the Medford/Somerville and Fenway campuses this fall. We are writing today to provide important information about Optional Tuition Insurance.
The cost of higher education is substantial, and it can be difficult to think about having any additional costs within your budget. Precisely because tuition is a substantial investment, we strongly encourage you to consider tuition insurance. Tuition insurance protects your financial commitment if you need to leave the university unexpectedly because of a health concern. Coverage for unanticipated medical leaves of absence allows you and your parents/caregivers to focus on addressing the reasons for interrupting a term or year, instead of worrying about the possible financial repercussions of a leave. While this is true every year, we are still experiencing the physical and mental health consequences of a global health pandemic and it is more prudent than ever before to consider this protection.
Every year, students around the country navigate many physical or mental health challenges, and some students unexpectedly take time away from their studies. At Tufts, both Student Affairs and Health and Wellness work closely with students whose health issues may significantly impact their ability to complete a semester. Reasons for a medical leave vary and can stem from a concussion, a prolonged bout of mononucleosis, problems with depression or anxiety, or many other health-related conditions beyond one's control. The University provides a graded tuition refund for all medical leaves taken at the beginning of each semester. Beyond the first six weeks of each term, a student who takes a medical leave without insurance forfeits a substantial portion – or the entirety – of the payments made toward that semester's tuition. Tufts is pleased to advise you of the Tuition Refund Plan (TRP) administered by A.W.G. Dewar, Inc.
The annual premiums covering both the Fall 2022 and the Spring 2022 semesters are
- $597 covering tuition, room and board
- $472 covering tuition only
The TRP works in concert with the Tufts University refund policy as published in the University Bulletin. Subscribers are eligible for a 75% refund of insured fees throughout the term even though the University refund schedule may have expired at the time of withdrawal. For withdrawals occurring during the first six weeks of the semester, the TRP benefits are coordinated with and reduced by the University's refund policy.
Participation in the Tuition Refund Plan is entirely optional, but we strongly encourage you to consider enrolling. If you wish to enroll online, please submit the application and payment by the first day of classes, September 6, 2022. Applications cannot be accepted after that date. Questions can be directed to Dewar at 617-774-1555 or to jennifer.berrios@tufts.edu.
Thank you for your consideration and best wishes for an enjoyable rest of your summer.
With best wishes,
Camille Lizarríbar, JD, PhD
Dean of Student Affairs and Chief Student Affairs Officer for AS&E
Jennifer M. Berrios, MHA
Director of Operations and Administration, Health Service
