Health Insurance for Domestic Students

Annual and Fall open enrollment for registered students begins July 15, 2026.

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

The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) provides comprehensive health coverage for UW–Madison students and scholars.

Domestic students are eligible to be covered if they are U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents, and actively enrolled at UW–Madison for at least 6 credits as an undergraduate student OR 3 credits as a graduate student.

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.