The UW-Madison Student Health Insurance Plan for International Scholars

Safeguarding your health
SHIP, the Student Health Insurance Plan offered through University Health Services (UHS), provides international J-1 Scholars with a comprehensive and accessible health insurance plan. Medical treatment in the United States is very expensive, and quality insurance coverage is essential. The health care system in the United States can also be difficult to navigate, and we are here for you if you have any questions.

Health insurance compliance
All international J-1 Scholars and visa dependents residing in the United States are required to have UW–Madison approved health insurance coverage. You must enroll in SHIP or file a Waiver Application before the stated deadline.

When is the compliance deadline?
Newly arrived J-1 scholars must register with the SHIP office and submit a copy of their DS-2019 (including copies for any visa dependents) within 30 days of their arrival into the United States. If the DS-2019 is not effective until after the arrival date, the J-1 scholar must register with the SHIP office within 30 days of the DS-2019 start date. Transferring J-1 scholars must register with the SHIP office within 30 days of their transfer to UW-Madison. J-1 scholars who extend their stay in the United States must re-register at the SHIP office and submit a copy of their current DS-2019 (including copies for any visa dependents) within 30 days of the extension date.

Is there a late fee?
Failure to enroll in SHIP or file a Waiver Application within 30 days will result in a $50 late fee in addition to any required premiums.

How do I enroll in SHIP?
Visit the SHIP office in UHS, between 9am and 5pm, Monday through Friday, to enroll. Your coverage will not be activated until the SHIP office receives both your payment and a copy of the current DS-2019 forms for both yourself and any visa dependents.

Please note: The minimum SHIP requirement for scholars who do not file a qualifying Waiver Application is two monthly premiums.

J-1 scholars are only eligible to enroll in SHIP for the period detailed on their current DS-2019.

How do I file a Waiver Application?
Please read the Waiver Application carefully before you purchase other health insurance. Waivers will only be approved for plans that meet the criteria listed on the Waiver Application. If you do not qualify for a waiver you are required to enroll in SHIP.


SHIP Office | University Health Services
333 East Campus Mall | 7th Floor | Madison, WI 53715-1381
Phone: 608-265-5232 | Fax: 608-265-5668
shipmail@uhs.wisc.edu

Qualifying Events for International Students and J-1 Scholars

Waiver for International J-1 Scholars

Enrollment Periods/Deadlines for International J-1 Scholars

Sponsor Invoicing for International J-1 Scholars

Terminations and Refunds for International J-1 Scholars

International Student & Scholar Plan Document

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Frequently Asked Insurance Questions

2009/10 International Scholar Plan Benefit Summary & Rates

2009/10 Drug Formulary

Waiver Application (pdf)

Find "In-Network" Providers

2009/10 International Student and Scholar Plan Document

2008/09 International Student & Scholar Plan Document

SHIP Enrollment Application (pdf)