Health Insurance for International Students
Annual and Fall open enrollment for registered students begins July 15, 2026.
All international students 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 compliance deadline unless you qualify for an Automatic Waiver.
SHIP is currently accepting Summer enrollments for newly eligible students only.
Visa, MasterCard, Discover accepted. No convenience fee.
Summer coverage is effective from your first day of class.
The deadline for Summer enrollment is 31 days from your first day of class.
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. 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 nationwide networks of hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical services.
SHIP exists to make sure that UW-Madison students have access to comprehensive health insurance, and it is important to remember that the plan is not motivated by profit.
International Student Insurance Documents
2026-27 Snapshot of Benefits and Premiums
2025-26 Snapshot of Benefits and Premiums
2026-27 International Summary of Benefits & Coverage
2025-26 International Summary of Benefits & Coverage
International SHIP Plan Document
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.
Compliance Deadlines for International Students
The SHIP office must receive a completed enrollment application and full payment or a International Student 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 through February 14
Spring/Summer SHIP coverage is effective January 15 and terminates August 14
Summer Compliance Deadline: Within 31 days of the first day of class for newly eligible students only
Summer SHIP coverage is effective from the first day of class and terminates on August 14.
Waivers
Automatic Waivers
Please do not need to file a Waiver Application if you a UW–Madison employee and receive health insurance benefits that are effective on or before September 1, 2025, for fall, or February 1, 2026, for spring. If you meet these criteria, the SHIP office will file an Automatic Waiver on your behalf.
If you are employed at UW–Madison and receive 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.
Important!
Waivers will only be approved for international students and visa dependents who meet one of the qualifying criteria listed on the International Student Waiver Application (pdf). 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
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 $100 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 charged a $100 late fee in addition to any required premiums.
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/Discover or exact cash. If the outstanding balance remains unpaid, the account may be referred to a collections agency.
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