If you do not want NYFASHIP, you must decline or waive coverage by submitting a waiver. You may only waive coverage during the following Waiver Periods:
| Coverage Period | Waiver Period | |
| Fall | 08/31/2026 - 01/03/2027 | 07/14/2026 - 09/19/2026 |
| Spring | 01/04/2027- 05/02/2027 | 11/12/2026 - 02/03/2027 |
| Summer | 05/03/2027 - 08/30/2027 | 03/03/2027 - 05/29/2027 |
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.
The Fall waiver deadline ended 09/19/2026. The online waiver system can no longer accept new waiver requests.