Access your SHIP member ID card, make a payment, or check your account
Visa, MasterCard, Discover accepted. No convenience fee.
Find a health care provider (including Urgent Care and Emergency Room options)
The deadline for Spring/Summer enrollments has passed (see “Failure to Comply” section below).
SHIP will accept Summer enrollments (newly eligible students) beginning May 15, 2026.
All international students and visa dependents are required to have UW–Madison approved health insurance coverage. You must enroll yourself and any visa dependents in SHIP or file a qualifying waiver by the compliance deadline unless you qualify for an Automatic Waiver.
Medical treatment in the United States can be very expensive, and quality insurance coverage is essential. SHIP is a comprehensive health insurance plan that is specifically designed to safeguard the health of UW–Madison students. By administering the plan locally at University Health Services (UHS), we keep costs as low as possible—ensuring that the plan is tailored to the needs of our members.
Most services at UHS, including primary, urgent and preventive care, are fully covered for SHIP members with no out-of-pocket expense. Please note that UHS is not open evenings and weekends and does not provide hospitalization, emergency room care, pediatric care, or specialty care for complex problems.
In addition to the medical and mental health services provided by UHS, SHIP members are protected by nationwide networks of hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical services.
SHIP exists to make sure that UW-Madison students have access to comprehensive health insurance, and it is important to remember that the plan is not motivated by profit.
International Student Insurance Documents
The health care system in the United States can be overwhelming, and the ship Customer Service Team is here to assist you with any benefits or claims issues that you may encounter.
SHIP Office
333 East Campus Mall, 8th Floor
Madison, WI 53715-1381
8am–4 pm, Monday–Friday
Phone: 608-265-5232; Fax: 608-265-5668
shipmail@uhs.wisc.edu
The SHIP office must receive a completed enrollment application and full payment or a International Student Waiver Application (pdf), on or before the posted deadlines.
Compliance Deadlines for International Students
Annual and Fall Compliance Deadline: September 14
Open enrollment is July 15-September 14
Annual SHIP coverage is effective August 15 and terminates August 14
Fall SHIP coverage is effective August 15 and terminates January 14
Spring/Summer Compliance Deadline: February 14
Open enrollment is December 15 through February 14
Spring/Summer SHIP coverage is effective January 15 and terminates August 14
Summer Compliance Deadline: Within 31 days of the first day of class for newly eligible students only
Summer SHIP coverage is effective from the first day of class and terminates on August 14.
Automatic Waivers
Please do not need to file a Waiver Application if you a UW–Madison employee and receive health insurance benefits that are effective on or before September 1, 2025, for fall, or February 1, 2026, for spring. If you meet these criteria, the SHIP office will file an Automatic Waiver on your behalf.
If you are employed at UW–Madison and receive health insurance benefits, but are registered for summer classes only, you must file your own Waiver Application with the SHIP office.
Dependents of UW–Madison employees who are also international students must file their own Waiver Application with the SHIP office.
Important!
Waivers will only be approved for international students and visa dependents who meet one of the qualifying criteria listed on the International Student Waiver Application (pdf). Please read the Waiver Application carefully to ensure that you understand the requirements and do not purchase insurance which does not meet the SHIP waiver requirements. If you do not qualify for a waiver, you are required to enroll in SHIP.
Waivers
Automatic Waivers
Please do not need to file a Waiver Application if you a UW–Madison employee and receive health insurance benefits that are effective on or before September 1, 2025, for fall, or February 1, 2026, for spring. If you meet these criteria, the SHIP office will file an Automatic Waiver on your behalf.
If you are employed at UW–Madison and receive health insurance benefits, but are registered for summer classes only, you must file your own Waiver Application with the SHIP office.
Dependents of UW–Madison employees who are also international students must file their own Waiver Application with the SHIP office.
Important!
Waivers will only be approved for international students and visa dependents who meet one of the qualifying criteria listed on the International Student Waiver Application (pdf). Please read the Waiver Application carefully to ensure that you understand the requirements and do not purchase insurance which does not meet the SHIP waiver requirements. If you do not qualify for a waiver, you are required to enroll in SHIP.
Failure to Comply
Contact the SHIP Office
333 East Campus Mall, 8th Floor
Madison, WI 53715-1381
8am–4 pm, Monday–Friday
Phone: 608-265-5232; Fax: 608-265-5668
shipmail@uhs.wisc.edu