COVID-19 Updates:
SHIP Office Closed to Visitors
We regret to inform you that due to recent developments in the situation concerning the novel coronavirus COVID-19, the SHIP Office will be closed to visitors until further notice. SHIP staff will continue to respond to emails (shipmail@uhs.wisc.edu) and phone calls (608-265-5232) during this period. If you were planning on visiting our office, please call or email for guidance regarding alternative means of enrollment and payment, or for assistance with any other inquiry you have. If you are unable to reach a member of SHIP staff when you call, please leave a message and you will receive a call back as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience.
SHIP Benefits
In addition to primary care services at UHS, SHIP will cover all member costs for COVID-19 testing (when prescribed) and antibody testing (when prescribed) at all facilities, including emergency room, urgent care, office visits, and telemedicine. SHIP will cover treatment based on the specific plan benefits. SHIP will cover treatment based on the specific plan benefits. Call Wellfleet (the SHIP claims administrator) at 1-833-343-5338 if you have additional coverage questions about Coronavirus. This dedicated hotline is open Monday through Thursday, from 7:30 AM to 6 PM, and Friday, from 7:30 AM to 4 PM.
SHIP is also waiving early refill limits on 30-day prescriptions for maintenance medications for at any in-network pharmacy.
For questions about prescriptions please call 1-866-818-6911. Please also note that many pharmacies – including CVS and Walgreens, offer various home delivery options.
SHIP members (primary members and spouse/partners) who cannot access UHS for primary and preventive care during the suspension of face-to-face instruction, should refer to our Find In-Network Providers page to locate an alternative SHIP provider that is in-network. In addition to allowing members to seek primary care at an in-network provider, the preventive care benefit has been temporarily enhanced so that eligible preventive services can be received at an in-network provider. Please note that in-network member cost sharing still applies where applicable (as detailed in the plan benefits).
If you have difficulty locating an in-network provider, or have any other questions about SHIP, please contact the SHIP office at 608-265-5232 or email shipmail@uhs.wisc.edu
For the latest information related to COVID-19, please visit the UHS COVID-19 FAQ page.
Everyone needs comprehensive health insurance, because unexpected accidents and illnesses do occur, and treatment can be very expensive.
The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) provides comprehensive health coverage for UW–Madison students and scholars.
Domestic students are eligible to be covered if they are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents, registered at UW–Madison for at least 5 credits as a special or undergraduate student OR 2 credits as a graduate student.
Already have health insurance?
Even if you have health insurance (for example, through a parent’s plan), we urge you to review it carefully to ensure that your plan provides you with sufficient coverage while you are in Madison. Many plans limit coverage to emergency room care only while you are out of the plan area, and you may have to take time off school to return to your hometown for treatment, or even drop out of school completely.
Many insurance plans require enrollees to pay a large portion of their medical costs. High deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance can make members more reluctant to seek medical attention when they need it. In contrast, the plan deductible for SHIP domestic students is just $600 for in-network services. Combined with a low in-network member coinsurance of 20%, SHIP domestic students can access the care they need without worrying about excessive bills.
About UHS
UHS provides medical and mental health services to all enrolled students, but is not a substitute for health insurance. UHS is not open evenings and weekends and does not provide emergency care, hospitalization, diagnostic tests or specialty care for complex problems.
Why SHIP?
SHIP exists to make sure that all UW–Madison students have access to a comprehensive insurance plan. By administering the plan locally at UHS and utilizing the expert care of UHS providers, we keep costs as low as possible—ensuring the plan is tailored to the needs of our members.
In addition to the medical and mental health services provided by UHS, SHIP members are protected by a nationwide network of hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical services.
In other words, SHIP provides coverage not only in Madison—but in your hometown and beyond—even overseas.
SHIP members also have access to a range of no cost preventive services, including travel and meningococcal vaccines, the HPV vaccine, a contraceptive benefit and an annual eye exam.
It is also important to note that SHIP is not motivated by profit. This allows us to utilize any plan savings to enhance benefits for our members.
Enrolling in SHIP
SHIP is currently accepting Summer enrollments for newly eligible students only.
Summer SHIP coverage is effective from your first day of class.
The SHIP Office must receive enrollment together with full payment within 31 days of your first day of class.
Please note that Domestic Summer enrollments cannot be processed online. The SHIP office is currently closed to visitors, however enrollments can be accepted by phone 608-265-5232.
Contact the SHIP office for more details and to verify your Summer SHIP premium in advance.
Annual and Fall open enrollment for registered students begins July 15, 2020.
Questions?
Contact the SHIP Office
333 East Campus Mall, 7th floor,
Madison, WI 53715-1381
9 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday
Phone: 608-265-5232; Fax: 608-265-5668
shipmail@uhs.wisc.edu