SHIP for Domestic Students

Who needs health insurance?

Everyone needs comprehensive health insurance, because unexpected accidents and illnesses do occur, and treatment can be very expensive.

What about University Health Services?

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.

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.

For other important insurance information, please visit our Frequently Asked Insurance Questions page.

Next steps

If you don’t have insurance or aren’t adequately covered, you can enroll in the UW-Madison Student Health Insurance Plan, also known as 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.

Click here to view the 2018-19 domestic student plan benefits and premium rates »

How do I enroll in SHIP?

The open enrollment deadline for Spring/Summer enrollments has now passed.

SHIP will accept Summer enrollments (newly eligible students only) beginning May 15, 2019. 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.