Any registered student can get health care at Student Health Services. With UCSHIP you are covered when accessing care on campus at SHS. Without UCSHIP there will be an out-of-pocket expense.
UCSHIP covers the costs at SHS for:
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
UC SHIP: Tailored Healthcare Coverage for UC Students
UC SHIP is a specially designed and cost-effective healthcare coverage plan for UC students. It includes a wide range of services such as medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, mental health, and substance use disorder support for both undergraduate and graduate students, as well as their eligible dependents.
We believe in student involvement and actively engage students in shaping UC SHIP's future through the Executive Oversight Board. Students play a vital role in evaluating new benefit requests and devising strategies to maintain the plan's affordability.
As medical insurance is mandatory for all UC students, you will be automatically enrolled in UC SHIP upon registration. However, there are specific waiver criteria that, if met, allow you to opt-out of the coverage.
How to Use the Plan
Under the UC SHIP plan guidelines, the first place you should seek non-emergency care is the campus Student Health Services (SHS). Many services, including preventive care, are offered there at no cost or for a low copay. If you need care SHS can’t provide, you’ll receive a referral for care outside SHS.
Depending on the services you receive outside SHS, you may need to pay an annual deductible before UC SHIP begins to share costs with you. Once you meet that deductible, you’ll pay coinsurance for services, and UC SHIP will cover the remainder of the cost, up to the maximum allowable amount for that service.
You’re protected financially with an annual limit on your out-of-pocket costs. Once you reach this limit, the plan picks up 100% of the costs for that year.
Where to Learn More
Want to know more about services covered by UC SHIP? Visit myucship.org. If you’re interested in becoming part of the UC SHIP Executive Oversight Board, here’s how to get involved.
The Student Health Insurance Office is in the Student Health Services building located in parking lot #21.
The Sydney Health app has replaced the Student Health app for easy access to everything you need to know about your medical, pharmacy, dental and vision coverage. Use it to access your ID card; find Student Health Center location, hours and services; view medical, pharmacy, dental and vision coverage and claims information; and get notifications for benefit changes and action items.
Undergraduate Students
Graduate Students
Student health care plans are required to report to the IRS the name, address, and Social Security Number (SSN) of plan members, including covered students and dependents, to verify coverage during the calendar year. The University of California provides more information.
Medical and Pharmacy Summary of Benefits
The Summary of Benefit Coverage provides a snapshot of benefit information such as out-of-pocket, copayments, and deductible amounts. In addition, the SBC provides information regarding what the Plan Covers as well as additional costs associated with the plan.
UC SHIP and the Waiver Option
Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) Recipients: Action Required
The recent conclusion of the COVID-19 federal public health emergency (PHE) may impact students with Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California) coverage. Please take note of the following:
1. Reapplication: You may need to reapply for Medi-Cal coverage, as annual eligibility reviews have resumed post-PHE. Failure to do so could lead to loss of coverage.
2. Mandatory Coverage: All registered UC students must have medical insurance. If you lose Medi-Cal coverage, contact your student health center promptly.
3. Communication: Medi-Cal will contact you by mail for eligibility verification. Ensure your contact information is up to date to avoid missed communications.
Take action to maintain your coverage and stay informed:
Why You Should Choose UCSHIP: 1. Nationwide Coverage: UCSHIP has you covered no matter where you are in the country. Unlike some other plans, which might limit your coverage to specific regions, UCSHIP provides nationwide protection. 2. Ultimate Convenience: We prioritize your convenience. With UCSHIP, you can easily see a doctor or nurse right on campus without spending a dime out of your pocket. You can also get lab work done and pick up prescriptions on-site. Other insurance plans may require you to pay upfront or travel off-campus for covered services. 3. Included Vision and Dental: Here's a bonus – UCSHIP includes vision and dental coverage at no extra cost. Many other health plans charge additional fees for these services. 4. Affordable Care Act Compliance: Rest easy knowing that UCSHIP complies with all the requirements of the Affordable Care Act, ensuring comprehensive coverage that meets the highest standards. 5. Independent Coverage: Even if your family is enrolled in Covered CA or a home state exchange plan, you can still enjoy the benefits of UCSHIP. We're here to provide you with top-notch healthcare options, no matter your family's insurance choices.
If you waived out of SHIP but now realize it is the best plan for your needs, you can rejoin! Simply call the Student Health Services (SHS) Insurance office at (951) 827-3031 option #4 to sign up again.
SHS outlines the complete waiver criteria in this document.
If your plan meets the criteria and you would like to waive SHIP, submit an online waiver form by the appropriate deadline. You only need to submit one per academic year. There is a $50 fee for late forms. Forms will NOT be accepted after the first day of instruction. Please note ALL approved waiver submissions will be audited. Therefore, you will be required to upload a copy of your medical ID card (front and back) and insurance policy (international students) in order to submit your waiver. University of California, Riverside – Student Login Link: The student waiver application is available on the AHP website. Waiver Dates for EACH Academic Year: Fall Quarter: June 1 – September 12
Winter Quarter: November 1 – December 12
Spring Quarter: February 1 – March 12
SHS wants all UCR students to feel comfortable accessing all their medical needs through our facility, which is why we developed Highlander Care. While many students waive UCSHIP, these students are likely to still use SHS because of our center's convenience and central location. All registered students can use SHS. Highlander Care is a program that gives students who have waived UCSHIP prepaid access to certain services at SHS by purchasing Highlander Care during the waiver process, you eliminate the $12 visit fee, and more. Visit the Highlander Care webpage to learn more about this program and how to enroll.
