The UW-Madison Student Health Insurance Plan for International Students

Health insurance compliance

All international students and visa dependents are required to have UW–Madison approved health insurance coverage. You must enroll in SHIP or file a qualifying waiver before the compliance deadline unless you qualify for an automatic waiver (see “Automatic Waivers” section below).

Safeguarding your health

Medical treatment in the United States can be very expensive, and quality insurance coverage is essential. SHIP, the Student Health Insurance Plan offered through University Health Services (UHS), provides our members with an accessible and comprehensive insurance plan.

There has been no increase in SHIP premiums for 2011-12.

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. Our Frequently Asked Questions page also contains important information about SHIP and health insurance in general.

Compliance Deadlines for International Students

The SHIP office must receive a completed enrollment application and full payment or a Waiver Application [pdf], on or before the posted deadlines.

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-February 14
• Spring/Summer SHIP coverage is effective January 15 and terminates August 14

Summer Compliance Deadline (Newly Eligible Students Only): Within 31 days of the first day of class

• Summer SHIP coverage is effective from the first day of class and terminates on August 14.

Enrolling in SHIP

 SHIP is now accepting Summer enrollments (newly eligible students only). SHIP coverage is effective from your first day of class.

• Enroll at the SHIP Office – 9am to 5pm, Monday - Friday (MasterCard/VISA/Check)
• Enroll by telephone (608) 265-5232 – 9am to 5pm, Monday – Friday (MasterCard/VISA)

Parents can enroll their registered student in the SHIP office, by telephone, or by mail [pdf]. For enrollments submitted by mail, please contact the SHIP office by phone or email to obtain the proper billing amount.

The SHIP premium must be paid at the time of enrollment. International students who make payment after the compliance deadline will be charged a $75 late fee in addition to any required premiums.

Waivers

Waivers will only be approved if you meet one of the qualifying criteria as listed on the Waiver Application [pdf]. Please read the Waiver Application carefully to ensure that you do not purchase insurance which does not meet the SHIP waiver requirements.

Automatic Waivers

You do not need to file a Waiver Application if you are employed at UW–Madison and are receiving health insurance benefits that are effective on or before September 1, 2011, for Fall or February 1, 2012, for Spring.

If you are employed at UW–Madison and are receiving 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.

Failure to Comply

International students who fail to purchase SHIP or file a qualifying waiver by the compliance deadline will be automatically enrolled in SHIP.

International students who make payment after the compliance deadline will be charged a $75 late fee and required to pay SHIP premiums from the beginning of the initial compliance period.

International students who file a qualifying waiver after the compliance deadline will be required to pay SHIP premiums from the beginning of the initial compliance period up until the effective date of the waiver. Late waivers will not be backdated. Waivers are effective from the 15th of the month following SHIP office verification of active qualifying insurance coverage. For example, if you have active qualifying insurance coverage for the Spring/Summer semester, but do not file a qualifying waiver until February 22, 2012, your waiver will only be effective from March 15, 2012, and you will be required to pay 2 months of SHIP premiums for the period January 15, 2012, through March 14, 2012.

International students who fail to meet the compliance deadline will be considered non-compliant with the health insurance requirements of UW-Madison and an academic hold will be placed on the student's academic record. An academic hold prevents students from adding classes, dropping classes or obtaining a copy of their transcripts or diploma.

An academic hold will not be removed until the international student is compliant. Outstanding balances must be made by VISA/MasterCard or exact cash. If the outstanding balance remains unpaid, the account will be referred to a collections agency.

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