How to Enroll in Your University’s Student Health Insurance Plan

Why Enroll in a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)?

This article is a step-by-step guide on enrolling in a university student health insurance plan.

With a lack of sleep, new food, and lots of stress, it’s common to feel run down. The Washington Post’s article “Getting Sick in College: How to Teach Your Child to Cope on Their Own,” highlights several reasons students tend to get sick so quickly when returning to school. Whether it’s the change in routine, exposure to germs, or just the pressures of student life, health insurance can help protect you when illness strikes.

As a college student, you already have a lot to manage. Getting sick is something you can’t afford—whether it’s in terms of your health, your time, or your finances. It’s important to pick a plan that fits your current situation. This is true whether you’re living on campus or adjusting to life as a student, so you have the coverage you need when you need it.

You can get different kinds of health insurance plans as a college student. However, a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) funded by the college/university is the best option for many. They often cost less than other plans, sometimes even less than staying on a family plan through an employer, and they can offer better benefits.

Here are a few reasons to consider a university student health insurance plan:

Campus Healthcare Access

SHIP gives you easy access to care on or near campus. Most plans work directly with your school’s health center, so you can quickly see doctors and specialists and get mental health support.

Related Articles:

• What is a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and How Does it Work?
• Online Colleges with Student Health Insurance: Low-Cost Options
• Online Colleges with Student Health Insurance: Low-Cost Options
• The Pros and Cons of University Student Health Insurance Plans (SHIPs)
• SHIPs for Graduate and Professional Students: What to Know
• The Pros and Cons of University Student Health Insurance Plans (SHIPs)

Comprehensive Coverage

Many SHIP plans also cover mental health services like therapy, counseling, and psychiatric care—important for students dealing with stress or anxiety. Some plans even offer support for addiction or chronic conditions.

Affordability

Most importantly, SHIP premiums are often cheaper than private health insurance. On average, a public university plan costs around $2,924 per year. However, private schools tend to have higher premiums, averaging $3,874 per year for undergraduates. Many colleges and universities will subsidize the cost to make it more affordable.

Here’s a quick guide on how to enroll in SHIP.

Step 1: Check Your University’s Health Insurance Requirements

First things first: every university has its own rules regarding health insurance. Most universities have a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), but the eligibility and rules can vary. The best thing to do is to speak with your school’s health services office or visit their website to understand the specific requirements.

While the details may vary, some requirements are common. This includes:

Eligibility Criteria

Most schools require students to be enrolled in a certain number of credit hours to be eligible for SHIP, which is usually only available to full-time students. Full-time students might need to take 12 credits or more. On the other hand, part-time students and non-degree students may not qualify for the plan.

Waiver Options

A waiver is a statement from the student saying they already have health insurance and do not need to join the SHIP. For example, if you have private health insurance or if you’re covered under a parent’s plan, you might be able to opt out. However, waiving is not as easy as just submitting the form. You must provide proof that your current health insurance meets the school’s requirements. If you don’t submit the waiver correctly or on time, you’ll automatically be enrolled in the SHIP and charged for it.

International Students

University health insurance requirements for international students are different from those for U.S. residents. If you’re studying in the U.S. on an F1 visa, you only need to meet your school’s insurance requirements—not federal ones. But if you’re on a J1 visa, you’ll need to make sure your insurance meets the specific J1 visa requirements.

Program-Specific Requirements

Some schools require health insurance only for students in specific programs. For instance, if you’re in a graduate program, a health-related field, or certain other majors, you might be required to have insurance, even if other students aren’t. Other schools may only mandate insurance for certain semesters, like during the fall or spring semesters.

Step 2: Know the Enrollment Deadlines

Another thing to consider when applying for a university student health insurance plan is deadlines. Just like with admission, colleges and universities have specific enrollment periods for health insurance.

Student health insurance enrollment deadlines are usually strict. You’ll want to mark your calendar for these dates because missing them can mean you won’t be able to enroll until the next semester.

Automatic Enrollment

Some schools will automatically enroll you in SHIP. This can put you at an advantage as you won’t be left without coverage. However, it can be a problem if you already have insurance because you’ll still be charged for SHIP. To avoid this, you need to submit a waiver form before the deadline.

Open Enrollment Periods

Most schools will have a set window during which you can sign up for SHIP, usually at the beginning of each semester—fall, spring, or summer. These periods are typically short, maybe only 1–2 weeks, so you need to stay on top. If you miss the deadline, you might not be able to enroll until the next semester or academic year.

Late Enrollment

Some schools offer a late enrollment period if you miss the open enrollment window. But here’s the catch: you might need to give a reason for missing the deadline, and you might have to pay extra fees for being late.

Grace Period

Some universities offer a grace period after the main enrollment period, where you can still enroll or make changes to your health insurance status. This is usually very brief (a few days), so if you want to switch to another plan or if you need to finalize your SHIP enrollment, you’ll need to act fast.

Keep track of these deadlines. Submitting ahead of time may also qualify you for financial aid for student health insurance.

Step 3: Gather the Required Documentation

Whether you’re enrolling in university health insurance for college students or waiving it, you’ll likely need to submit a few documents. It sounds like a lot, but it’ll be smooth sailing if you get everything together ahead of time.

Here are the most common SHIP enrollment documentation:

Proof of Student Status

This is usually pretty straightforward, but be sure to check what your school specifically needs. If you’re a new student, they might also want proof of your registration in your first semester. The most common documentation are:

• Your student ID card
• Official enrollment verification

Personal Identification

Some schools may also require you to submit a government-issued ID to verify your identity. These could be:

• Driver’s license
• Passport
• Other government-issued ID

This helps the school confirm that the insurance and student records match up with the person enrolled, so don’t forget to include this if it’s requested.

International Student Insurance Requirements

International students might need to submit a bit more paperwork. You may need to provide:

• Proof of coverage: Your insurance provider might need to confirm that your plan meets specific requirements, such as covering medical emergencies, repatriation and evacuation.
• Visa-specific insurance documents: Your university might require documentation that specifically shows that your insurance meets U.S. visa requirements. This often involves a specific form or letter from your insurer.

Proof of Health Insurance (if waiving SHIP)

To waive SHIP, your health insurance must meet the university’s requirements, including:

• Emergency services coverage.
• Full-year coverage throughout the academic year.
• Local coverage in your study area.

You’ll need to provide proof, such as:

• A photo of your insurance card.
• Policy details showing coverage.
• A letter from your insurer confirming compliance.

Check your school’s guidelines carefully, as they may have strict criteria.

Step 4: Complete the Enrollment Application

This process may vary depending on the university, but here’s a general guide to help you navigate it:

#1: Locate the Application Portal

Most universities have an online portal for health insurance enrollment. This is typically part of your university’s health services or student portal. If you’re unsure where to start, contact your health services office for guidance or check their website for detailed instructions.

#2: Fill Out the Application

When filling out the application, be thorough and double-check your entries. Here’s a breakdown of the typical sections you’ll encounter:

• Personal Information
  • Full name, student ID, date of birth, and contact details.
  • Ensure your name matches your student and government-issued identification.
• Proof of Eligibility
  • Attach your proof of student status (e.g., enrollment verification or student ID).
  • For international students, include visa-related documents if required.
• Plan Selection
  • Some universities may offer multiple SHIP options. Choose the plan that best fits your needs, considering coverage and costs.
• Dependent Coverage (if applicable)
  • If the plan allows, you can add dependents such as a spouse or children. Be prepared to provide their details and supporting documents, like birth certificates or marriage licenses.
• Special Considerations
  • Indicate if you have specific needs, such as pre-existing conditions or mental health services. Some plans may offer additional resources for these.

#3: Upload Supporting Documents

Upload all required documents directly through the application portal. Double-check your files to ensure they are clear and legible. Accepted formats typically include PDFs, JPGs, or PNGs.

#4: Review and Submit

Before hitting the submit button:

• Review your application for accuracy.
• Confirm that all required sections are complete.
• Check that your uploaded documents are correctly attached.

Step 5: Avoid Common Enrollment Pitfalls

Enrolling in your university’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) doesn’t have to be tricky, but a few common missteps could throw a wrench in the process. Here are the most common SHIP enrollment mistakes:

Not Reading the Plan Brochure

Familiarize yourself with covered expenses, exclusions, deductibles, and college health insurance benefits in the brochure. Skipping this step could leave you unaware of key details, such as whether your preferred healthcare providers are in-network or if certain treatments require prior authorization. Take the time to read the plan brochure to avoid unexpected costs.

Failing to Meet Enrollment Deadlines

Universities typically have strict deadlines for SHIP enrollment. Missing these deadlines might leave you without coverage or force you to seek alternative (and often more expensive) plans. Mark important dates and set reminders to ensure timely enrollment.

Overlooking Waiver Requirements

If you already have health insurance and plan to opt out of SHIP, you may need to submit a waiver application proving that your current coverage meets the university’s requirements. Pay close attention to the waiver deadline and the documentation needed to avoid automatic enrollment in SHIP.

Neglecting to Check for Dependent Coverage

If you have dependents who also need health coverage, verify if SHIP offers dependent coverage and whether it’s cost-effective. Some plans may require a separate enrollment process for dependents.

Incomplete or Incorrect Forms

Nobody likes paperwork, but skimming through it can cost you. Double-check every field on your application and ensure your documents are complete, accurate, and legible. A missing signature or blurry upload can lead to delays.

Conclusion: Stay Covered and Informed

SHIP is considered the most affordable health insurance for students. But to enjoy its benefits, you must learn how to navigate the enrollment process. You need to stay organized and proactive.

Before you hit “submit,” take a moment to double-check your university student health insurance plan application for accuracy. Then, keep an eye on your email or student portal for confirmation that your enrollment (or waiver) is processed. If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to contact your university’s health services office—they’re there to help.