UC SHIP Off-Campus Care & Reciprocity

UC SHIP has you covered anytime the Student Health Center is closed or you're away from campus and need care. You have options other than the Emergency Room. Make sure you have the Sydney Health App downloaded on your phone. 

Here’s what to do when you need care fast

Call the Student Health Services Nurse Advice Line at 831-459-2591 or Anthem Blue Cross’s 24/7 Nurse Advice Line at 1-877-351-3457. They can help you decide where to get care.

In the event of an emergency, please dial 911. If it’s not an emergency, choose one of these options to save you time and money:

• Urgent care center — for conditions that need care right away such as stitches, lab tests or X-rays. Visit Anthem Find Care to find urgent care in your area.
• LiveHealth Online — have a video visit in minutes with a board-certified doctor 24/7 on your smartphone, tablet or computer with a webcam. No appointment is needed. Go to livehealthonline.com or download the free app to register and get started. These options are more convenient than the ER; They’re open at night and on weekends, so you don’t have to wait to get treated and it’s currently free with a coupon code. 

Health care at other UC Student Health Centers
If you're traveling in California, you can get primary care at any UC student health services clinic. Every UC campus has one. 

• No referral needed 
• You may need to pay up front and be reimbursed for any services you receive. If you go to another campus, they will treat you as if you had their own UC SHIP (excluding UC Berkeley). Please check with each UC’s health insurance office if you have questions. 
• Get started: View the list of UC Student Health Centers. Contact them to make an appointment.

International Health Care 
You have a single point of contact 24/7, to assist when you are traveling internationally called BlueCard Worldwide. It’s a part of UC SHIP and you’ll need to sign up for it before you travel.

• No referral needed for emergency or urgent care. For ongoing care, see the cost section below.

Ongoing International Health Care

• While traveling abroad, you will need to contact us for a referral before you receive non-emergency care. Chances are, you will have to use a non-network provider and pay out of pocket for care, then file a claim with UC SHIP for reimbursement. 
  • UC SHIP covers most out-of-network care at 60% of maximum allowable charges. Emergency care is covered at 100% of maximum allowable charges. Any amount above the allowed charges is your responsibility.
• Get started: If you're planning a trip abroad visit bcbsglobalcore.com or call 1-800-810-2583 to make sure you're prepared. If you're calling from outside the U.S., call collect at 804-673-1177 for assistance with finding network providers abroad when you need care.

After Hours Care Resources »

If you have questions regarding using your UC SHIP while away from campus, contact the Student Insurance Office at insure@ucsc.edu.