Everything You Need to Know About Waiving UC SHIP at UC-Riverside

Starting at a new university in a new country comes with a long to-do list, visas, housing, classes, and bank accounts. Health insurance might not be at the top of your list, but at the University of California, Riverside, it needs to be.

Every registered student is automatically enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) and billed for it, whether they plan to use it or not.

Here's what many international students don't realize: you don't have to keep it.

If you have a qualifying alternative plan, you can submit a waiver and have the charge removed from your student account.

What Is UC SHIP at UC Riverside?

UC SHIP is a systemwide plan administered by Academic Health Plans (AHP) that covers medical, dental, vision, pharmacy, and mental health services.

At UCR, the plan is split into two versions:

• Undergraduate (USHIP): approximately $2,381/year
• Graduate (GSHIP): approximately $5,381/year

The plan uses Anthem Blue Cross for medical coverage, Delta Dental for dental, and Optum RX for prescriptions.

Can International Students Waive UC SHIP at UCR?

Yes. F-1 and J-1 students are eligible to waive as long as their alternative insurance meets UCR's requirements.

Your plan must:

• Provide primary care coverage within 50 miles of campus
• Have no lifetime benefit maximum
• Have a pharmacy deductible of $250/year or less
• Have an out-of-pocket maximum no higher than $9,200/year
• Cover pre-existing conditions without exclusions
• Have a U.S.-based claims office

UCR Waiver Deadlines

• Fall: June 1 - September 12
• Winter: November 1 - December 12
• Spring: February 1 - March 12

A $50 late fee applies after the deadline, and waivers are not accepted after the first day of instruction.

The waiver is submitted through the AHP portal using your UCR login.

UC SHIP vs. ISO Plans: Side-by-Side

Feature	USHIP (Undergrad)	GSHIP (Grad)	ISO Share	ISO Care	ISO Care Elite
Annual Cost	$2,381	$5,381	$1,197	$1,437	$1,965
Deductible	Varies	Varies	$1,250	$500	$40
Coinsurance (In-Network)	Varies	Varies	80%	80%	90%
Annual Maximum	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Pre-existing Conditions	Covered	Covered	Covered	Covered	Covered
Preventive Care	100% in-network	100% in-network	100% in-network	100% in-network	100% in-network
Mental Health	Covered	Covered	Covered	Covered	Covered
Medical Evacuation	Included	Included	$100,000	$100,000	$100,000
Student Health Center Copay	$0	$0	$0	$0	$0
UCR Waiver Eligible	N/A	N/A	Yes	Yes	Yes

Student Health Center Access

You can still use the UCR Student Health Center even if you waive UC SHIP.

ISO plans include $0 copay visits at the student health center.

UCR also offers Highlander Care, which provides additional prepaid services.

Where ISO Plans Work

ISO plans use the Aetna PPO network, giving access to providers like Riverside Community Hospital and Concentra Urgent Care.

How to Waive UC SHIP at UCR Using an ISO Plan

Step 1: Choose your ISO plan based on your needs.

Step 2: Enroll online and receive your documents instantly.

Step 3: Go to the AHP waiver portal and log in with your UCR credentials.

Step 4: Upload your insurance ID card and policy documents.

Step 5: Submit before the deadline.

Is Waiving the Right Move?

For many international students, especially graduate students, waiving UC SHIP can result in significant savings.

ISO plans are designed to meet UC requirements while reducing overall costs.

Ready to Waive UC SHIP?

Compare ISO plans and enroll in minutes on the ISO website.

Your documents are available immediately so you can submit your waiver without delay.