If you have already completed a waiver or plan to keep UC SHIP, please disregard this message.
Each year, all students are automatically enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) and charged the quarterly premium. UC SHIP provides 24/7 worldwide coverage, even when you are home. This comprehensive plan includes medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, mental health, and substance use disorder services.
Keeping UC SHIP? You don't need to take any action. You will be automatically enrolled and billed for the quarterly premium.
UC Health Insurance Grant
Financial aid applicants who qualify and meet all aid deadlines may receive the UC Health Insurance Grant, which covers a portion of the cost of UC SHIP premiums. If you waive UC SHIP, you will not be eligible for this grant. Award amounts vary based on financial need and can be accessed via your MyUCSC portal.
Using a Different Insurance Plan
Waiving out of UC SHIP is an annual process. Even if you opted out last year, you will need to do it again this year to ensure your insurance still meets the UC coverage criteria for health insurance. Complete an online waiver by December 16, 2024 if you want to use a different insurance plan.
How to Waive UC SHIP
- Gather your information. You’ll need a picture of the front and back of your insurance card and your Summary of Benefits.
- Go to https://healthcenter.ucsc.edu/billing-insurance/index.html#waive
Waiver FAQ
Q: Why do I have to choose a health insurance option?
A: The Regents of the University of California require all students to have health insurance. Read the mandate here: https://healthcenter.ucsc.edu/forms/UC_SHIP_mandate.pdf
Q: What are some benefits of UC SHIP?
A: The University of California Student Health Insurance (UC SHIP) provides high quality, affordable and convenient coverage that protects students from unexpected health care costs. The plan is built especially for students, and students are actively involved in its design. Learn more about UC SHIP.
UC SHIP Benefits include:
- Access to Student Health Centers near your permanent residence
- Telehealth visits with UCSC providers or through LiveHealth Online
- Worldwide coverage 24/7/365
- Licensed mental health case managers
- Wellness coaching sessions with health educators
- No co-pays for off-campus mental health visits
- No deductible or copay at the UCSC Student Health Center
Q: When should I waive?
A: As soon as possible before charges are due on your student account.
Q: What happens after I submit the waiver?
A: Our waiver administrator, Academic HealthPlans (AHP), will audit your waiver to make sure your insurance plan meets Federal and UC requirements. They will contact you by email if there’s a problem with your waiver.
Q: How do I add my parent's email address to receive waiver notifications?
A: In the waiver site under student information you'll see a box called Parent/Alternate Email and that's where you'll input their email address.
Q: What if I miss the waiver deadline?
A: Contact the Insurance Department at insure@ucsc.edu to submit a late waiver. You'll be charged $50.00 if your waiver is accepted. We can't accept late waivers after the following date: January 7, 2025
Q: I’ve already completed a waiver for this academic year. Do I need to complete another waiver?
A: No, not until the next academic year, UNLESS THERE IS A CHANGE TO YOUR INSURANCE PLAN.
Q: Why is my waiver in a Pending or Pending Carrier status?
A: Our waiver partner, Academic HealthPlans (AHP), needs more information from you. You have ten business days to edit your answers and resubmit your waiver. If you don’t edit and resubmit your waiver by then, you will be enrolled in UC SHIP for the quarter. You’ll have another opportunity to waive for the next quarter.
Here’s what the statuses mean:
Pending: To complete your waiver audit, AHP needs additional information from you.
Pending Carrier:
This means -
1) You gave an incorrect answer, and/or
2) Your insurance plan doesn’t meet the waiver criteria.
Q: I did not receive a 'Tentative Approval' or 'Waiver Denied' email after hitting the submit button.
A: Ensure you clicked the submit button after the CruzCare enrollment page. You should receive an email notification upon successful submission.
Q: What if I have more waiver questions
A: You can contact the UCSC Student Health Insurance Office at insure@ucsc.edu
