Health Insurance for Domestic Students
(if you are a student registered for fall credits)
Visa, MasterCard, Discover accepted. No convenience fee.
SHIP coverage is effective from August 15, 2026.
The deadline for Annual and Fall enrollment is September 14, 2026.
Enroll by phone: 608-265-5232
Enroll in person: 333 East Campus Mall, 8th Floor
Visa, MasterCard, Discover accepted. No convenience fee.
Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm.
Parents can enroll their registered student in the SHIP office, or by telephone.
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.
Why SHIP?
SHIP exists to make sure that all UW-Madison students have access to a comprehensive insurance plan. By administering the plan locally at UHS and utilizing the expert care of UHS providers, we keep costs as low as possible – ensuring the plan is tailored to the needs of our members.
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. In other words, SHIP provides coverage not only in Madison – but in your hometown and beyond – even overseas.
SHIP members have access to a range of no cost preventive services, including travel and meningococcal vaccines, the HPV vaccine and an annual eye exam.
Domestic Plan Changes for 2026/27
- There will be no increase in premiums.
- The Alliance Premier Ruby Network annual individual deductible will decrease to $200 (from $300).
- The Alliance Comprehensive Network annual individual deductible will decrease to $400 (from $600).
- A new prescription drug program called PrudentRx will provide participating members access to most specialty drugs with $0 member cost-sharing.
- Medications for weight loss will no longer be covered.
- Refer to the 2026-27 Snapshot of Benefits and Premiums for an overview and premium details. Specific benefit information is available in the 2026-27 SHIP Domestic Plan Document.
Questions?
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