The UW-Madison Student Health Insurance Plan for International Scholars (Effective 8/15/11)

Health insurance compliance

All international J-1 scholars and visa dependents residing in the United States are required to have UW–Madison approved health insurance coverage. You must enroll in SHIP or file a qualifying waiver [pdf] before the compliance deadline.

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 J-1 Scholars

The SHIP office must receive a completed enrollment application and full payment, or a qualifying waiver [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 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, 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.

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)

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 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.

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.

Printer-Friendly Table [pdf] »

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.

Failure to Comply

J-1 scholars who enroll 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.

J-1 scholars 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 a DS-2019 start date of March 16, your compliance deadline would be April 15. If you have active qualifying insurance coverage, but do not file a qualifying waiver until April 22, your waiver will only be effective from May 15, and you will be required to pay 2 months of SHIP premiums for the period March 16, through May 14.

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.

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.

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