UC SHIP Waiver Information for New UCSC Students
If you are a newly admitted UCSC student and enrolled in summer courses, the UC SHIP waiver must be completed by July 2, 2025.
Note: If you submit a waiver during the summer, it will carry over for the 2025–2026 academic year. You will not need to submit another waiver until Fall 2026.
UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP)
All students are automatically enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) each year and charged the quarterly premium. UC SHIP provides 24/7 worldwide coverage, including when you're at home. This comprehensive plan includes medical, pharmacy, dental, vision, mental health, and substance use disorder services.
Keeping UC SHIP?
No action is required. You will be automatically enrolled and billed for the quarterly premium.
UC Health Insurance Grant
Students who apply for financial aid and meet all deadlines may be eligible for the UC Health Insurance Grant, which covers part 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 are accessible via your MyUCSC portal.
Using a Different Insurance Plan?
Waiving UC SHIP is an annual process. If you waived coverage last year, you must complete the process again this year to ensure your plan still meets UC coverage requirements. To waive UC SHIP, you must submit an online waiver by the summer deadline.
How to Waive UC SHIP
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Gather your documents: You’ll need a picture of the front and back of your insurance card and your Summary of Benefits.
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Visit the waiver section of the UCSC Billing and Insurance website.
Waiver FAQ
Q: Why do I need 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.
Q: What are the benefits of UC SHIP?
A: UC SHIP provides high-quality, affordable, and convenient coverage designed specifically for students. Highlights include:
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Access to Student Health Centers near your home
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Telehealth visits with UCSC providers or via LiveHealth Online
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24/7 worldwide coverage
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Licensed mental health case managers
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Wellness coaching with health educators
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No co-pays for off-campus mental health visits
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No deductible or co-pay at the UCSC Student Health Center
Q: When should I waive?
A: As soon as possible—preferably before charges are posted to your student account.
Q: What happens after I submit the waiver?
A: Academic HealthPlans (AHP), our waiver administrator, will audit your submission to confirm your insurance meets UC and federal requirements. If there’s an issue, AHP will contact you by email.
Q: How do I add a parent’s email to receive waiver notifications?
A: On the waiver site, under Student Information, enter their address in the "Parent/Alternate Email" field.
Q: What if I miss the waiver deadline?
A: Contact the Insurance Department at insure@ucsc.edu to request a late waiver. If approved, a $50.00 late fee will be charged. Late waivers are not accepted after the deadline.
Q: I already completed a waiver this academic year. Do I need to do it again?
A: No—unless your insurance plan has changed.
Q: Why is my waiver status listed as Pending or Pending Carrier?
A: These statuses mean more information is needed:
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Pending: AHP requires additional information to complete the audit.
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Pending Carrier: Either you provided incorrect answers, or your plan does not meet waiver requirements.
You have 10 business days to correct and resubmit your waiver. If not corrected in time, you will be enrolled in UC SHIP for the quarter. You may reapply for a waiver the next quarter.
Q: I didn’t receive a 'Tentative Approval' or 'Waiver Denied' email. What should I do?
A: Make sure you clicked "Submit" after the CruzCare enrollment page. You should receive an email confirmation upon successful submission.
Q: Still have questions about waivers?
A: Contact the UCSC Student Health Insurance Office at insure@ucsc.edu.
