Health Insurance Guide for UC-Davis International Students

If you’re an international student at the University of California, Davis, understanding your health insurance options is one of the most important things to figure out before the semester starts.

Health insurance is not optional. By default, all students are automatically enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP). While UC SHIP offers strong coverage, it also comes at a high cost.

The good news is that many students choose to waive UC SHIP and enroll in a more affordable alternative plan that still meets the university’s requirements. If you do this correctly, you could save over $2,500 per year.

This guide breaks everything down in simple terms so you can make the right decision.

Can You Waive UC SHIP?

Yes. UC Davis allows students to waive UC SHIP if they have another insurance plan that meets the university’s waiver requirements.

These requirements are based on standards set by the University of California system and are designed to ensure students still have comprehensive coverage.

UC SHIP Waiver Requirements

To qualify for a waiver, your plan must:

• Offer unlimited annual medical coverage
• Include mental health and prescription drug benefits
• Cover preventive care at 100% in-network
• Provide medical evacuation and repatriation coverage
• Remain active for the entire academic term
• Pay at least $50,000 annually for medical evacuation from the United States to the student's home country
• Pay at least $25,000 for repatriation of remains from the United States to the student's home country

Plans must also meet UC-specific guidelines, which is why not all insurance plans are accepted.

ISO Student Health Insurance plans are designed to meet these requirements and are pre-approved by the UC system, making the waiver process much simpler.

How to Waive UC SHIP at UC Davis

If you decide to use an ISO plan, the waiver process is straightforward.

Step 1: Enroll in an ISO Plan

Choose a plan that fits your needs and complete enrollment online. The process usually takes just a few minutes.

After enrolling, you will receive:

• Your insurance ID card
• A confirmation letter
• Policy details
• Waiver form

Step 2: Access the SHCS Waiver Portal

Log in to the UC Davis SHCS website and go to the insurance waiver section.

Step 3: Submit Your Documents

Upload your insurance ID card and confirmation letter, then complete the waiver form.

Step 4: Meet the Deadline

Waiver deadlines vary by quarter, so it is important to check the UC Davis SHCS website for the exact dates.

If you miss the deadline or your waiver is not approved, you will automatically remain enrolled in UC SHIP and be charged for it.

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

Feature	UC SHIP	ISO Share	ISO Care	ISO Care Elite
Annual Cost (Student)	$3,771	$1,192	$1,432	$1,960
Deductible	$250	$1,250	$500	$40
Coinsurance (In-Network)	80%	80%	80%	90%
Annual Maximum	Varies	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
Pre-existing Conditions	Covered	Covered	Covered	Covered
Preventive Care	100% In-Network	100% In-Network	100% In-Network	100% In-Network
Mental Health Coverage	100% In-Network	Covered	Covered	Covered
Medical Evacuation	-	$100,000	$100,000	$100,000
Waiver Eligible	N/A	Yes	Yes	Yes
Savings	$0	$2,579	$2,339	$1,811

Even the most comprehensive ISO option costs significantly less than UC SHIP, while still meeting waiver requirements.

Which ISO Plan Should You Choose?

ISO Share

This is the most affordable option. It has a higher deductible, which means you will pay more out-of-pocket before insurance starts covering costs. This plan works best if you are generally healthy and do not expect to visit the doctor often.

ISO Care

This plan offers a balance between cost and coverage. With a lower deductible than ISO Share, it reduces the amount you pay before insurance begins to cover expenses.

ISO Care Elite

This is the most comprehensive option and the most popular among UC students. It has a very low deductible and higher coinsurance coverage, making it more similar to UC SHIP.

Where Can You Use ISO Insurance?

ISO plans use the Aetna PPO network, one of the largest provider networks in the United States.

Around UC Davis, students commonly access care at:

• Sutter Davis Hospital
• UC Davis Medical Center
• Woodland Memorial Hospital
• UC Davis Student Health and Counseling Services for on-campus care

One of the biggest advantages is flexibility. The Aetna PPO network gives you access to doctors across the entire United States.

What to Know Before You Enroll in an ISO Plan

ISO plans allow you to select coverage for a specific duration, typically between five and twelve months.

If you are on a J-1 visa, certain ISO plans are designed to meet U.S. Department of State insurance requirements.

After enrollment, your documents are available immediately, making it easy to complete your waiver without delays.

ISO also provides support through phone and messaging platforms if you need help during enrollment or the waiver process.

Is Waiving UC SHIP Worth It?

For many international students at University of California, Davis, waiving UC SHIP comes down to cost.

UC SHIP offers strong coverage, but similar benefits can be accessed through alternative plans that meet the same requirements.

By choosing an ISO plan, students are often able to reduce their annual insurance costs significantly while still maintaining access to reliable healthcare.

You still receive:

• Access to a large nationwide provider network
• Coverage for preventive care and medical needs
• Support for mental health services

At the same time, you may reduce your expenses by more than $2,000 per year.

For students managing tuition, housing, and daily living costs, this can make a meaningful difference.