All J-1 scholars 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 posted deadlines.
Safeguarding your health
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 and scholars. 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 a nationwide network of hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical services.
SHIP exists to make sure that UW-Madison students and scholars have access to comprehensive health insurance, and it is important to remember that the plan is not motivated by profit.
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, 7th floor,
Madison, WI 53715-1381
Office Hours: 9 am–5 pm, Monday–Friday
Phone: 608-265-5232; Fax: 608-265-5668
shipmail@uhs.wisc.edu
Compliance Deadlines for International J-1 Scholars
The Student Health Insurance Plan office is responsible for ensuring that J-1 scholars have UW–Madison approved health insurance coverage. All J-1 scholars and their visa dependents must show compliance with the health insurance requirements of UW–Madison at the SHIP office. J-1 scholars must register in person by visiting the SHIP office at 333 East Campus Mall, 7th floor.
Please bring a copy of your current DS-2019 forms and passports for both you and your visa dependents.
The SHIP office must receive a completed enrollment application and full payment, or an International Scholar Waiver Application (pdf), on or before the posted deadlines.
Newly Arrived J-1 Scholars
Within 31 days of the later of the DS-2019 start date, arrival date, or visa transfer date
SHIP coverage is effective from the later of the DS-2019 start date, arrival date, or visa transfer date.
J-1 Scholars with a DS-2019 Extension
Within 31 days of the waiver/SHIP coverage end date
SHIP coverage is effective from the beginning of the 31 day compliance period.
Renewing J-1 Scholars
Within 31 days of the waiver/SHIP coverage end date
SHIP coverage is effective from the beginning of the 31 day compliance period.
Enrolling in SHIP
To enroll, visit the SHIP office at 333 East Campus Mall, 7th floor, between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday through Friday. Payment is accepted by VISA, MasterCard, Discover, check, or exact cash. Full payment is required upon your enrollment. You can also contact the SHIP office by phone or email if you want to determine the exact SHIP premium in advance.
Important: SHIP coverage is comprised of 12 billing cycles that run from the 15th of a month through the 14th of the next month.
- At the beginning of your SHIP enrollment you will be required to pay for the monthly billing cycle in which the later of your DS-2019 start date, arrival date, or visa transfer date falls.
- At the end of your SHIP enrollment your coverage will terminate on the 14th of the month following your DS-2019 end date or verifiable departure date.
SHIP Premiums are payable on an annual (12 months) or half-yearly (6 months) basis
- Annual SHIP coverage is effective August 15 and terminates August 14
- First Half Yearly SHIP coverage is effective August 15 and terminates February 14
- Second Half Yearly SHIP coverage is effective February 15 and terminates August 14
- Note: If you arrive during the First Half Yearly period you have the option to pay a partial premium through the end of that period – February 14, or through August 14.
- Premiums are pro-rated for J-1 scholars who are in the United States for a shorter period (subject to a one month minimum requirement).
Please refer to the table below for specific examples of how the start and end date of your compliance period can affect your SHIP premium.
Waivers
All completed Waiver Applications must be submitted along with a copy of the front and back of the health insurance ID card and/or written verification of coverage in person at the SHIP office at 333 East Campus Mall, 7th Floor, or by email to: shipmail@uhs.wisc.edu.
Waivers will only be approved for J-1 scholars and visa dependents who meet one of the qualifying criteria listed on the International Scholar Waiver Application (pdf). All other applications will be denied.
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
J-1 scholars who fail to purchase SHIP or file a qualifying waiver by the compliance deadline may be automatically enrolled in SHIP.
J-1 scholars who make payment after the compliance deadline will be charged a $100 late fee and required to pay SHIP premiums from the beginning of the initial compliance period.
J-1 scholars who file a qualifying waiver after the compliance deadline will be charged a $100 late fee in addition to any required premiums.
J-1 scholars who fail to meet the compliance deadline will be considered non-compliant with the health insurance requirements of UW–Madison. Failure to maintain compliance with the UW–Madison insurance requirement can jeopardize your J-1 program status. Visa requests (such as visa extensions or travel visas) may also be denied by the International Faculty Staff Services office until health insurance compliance is achieved.
Outstanding balances must be paid by VISA, MasterCard, Discover or exact cash. If the outstanding balance remains unpaid, the account will be referred to a collections agency.