Health Insurance Guide For University of Utah International Students

Moving to Salt Lake City is exciting, new campus, new city, new adventures. But before you start exploring, there's one thing you need to sort out: health insurance.

As an international student at the University of Utah, having health coverage isn't just a good idea, it's a requirement. Understanding your options early can save you a significant amount of money.

The Default: You're Automatically Enrolled

The University of Utah automatically enrolls all international students on F and J visas into its Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), administered by UnitedHealthcare StudentResources.

For the 2024–2025 academic year, the annual student rate is $2,765. Coverage runs from August 16 through August 15 of the following year.

You can also add dependents, though each comes with its own premium.

The university plan provides solid coverage, but it's not your only option.

Your Other Option: The Waiver

If you have or purchase a qualifying alternative insurance plan, you can apply to waive the SHIP charge and remove it from your account.

The waiver window for fall semester runs from August 1 through September 12.

Important details:

• You must wait until the SHIP charge appears on your account before applying
• You must bring a physical copy of your policy to the Student Health Center for verification
• The charge is not removed until in-person verification is completed

Missing the deadline means staying enrolled in SHIP for that semester.

What Your Alternative Plan Must Cover

Your plan must meet the following criteria:

• ACA-compliant with unlimited lifetime maximum
• Includes prescription drug coverage
• Unlimited medical evacuation and repatriation
• Deductible below $250 (individual) / $500 (family)
• Covers sports-related injuries (non-intercollegiate)
• Covers both physical and mental health care
• U.S. billing address and contact information
• No visit or day limits on services
• In-network providers in Salt Lake City
• Active for the full academic year

Your coverage must be active before the semester starts.

Comparing SHIP vs. ISO Plans

Feature	SHIP	ISO Plans
Annual Cost	$2,765	$1,197 - $1,737
Annual Deductible	$250	$40 - $250
Coinsurance	80%	80% - 90%
Annual Maximum	Unlimited	Unlimited
Pre-existing Conditions	Covered	Covered
Preventive Care	100% In-Network	100% In-Network
Medical Evacuation	—	Unlimited
Repatriation	—	Unlimited
Waiver Eligible	N/A	Yes
Estimated Savings	—	$1,028 - $1,568

ISO plans use the Aetna PPO network, giving access to providers like University of Utah Hospital and Intermountain Health LDS Hospital.

ISO Care vs. ISO Care Elite

ISO Care is the lower-cost option with a $250 deductible and 80% coinsurance.

ISO Care Elite has a $40 deductible and 90% coinsurance for more predictable costs.

Both include $0 copay visits at the Student Health Center.

How to Waive SHIP Using an ISO Plan

1. Enroll in an ISO plan with a start date on or before August 16 (fall) or January 1 (spring)
2. Wait for the SHIP charge to appear on your student account
3. Go to the UnitedHealthcare portal and complete the waiver form
4. Submit your documents and wait for approval

The university may verify your coverage at any time during the year.

Life on Campus: What to Know

The Student Health Center is located at 555 Foothill Drive and provides routine care, vaccinations, and referrals.

TB testing is required for some international students and costs $39.

Students must also provide proof of two MMR vaccines.

Urgent care and a 24/7 nurse line are available for additional support.

The Bottom Line

Health insurance is required, but the plan you choose is up to you.

Choosing an ISO plan can reduce your costs while still meeting all university requirements.

Compare plans and enroll in minutes. Your documents are available immediately so you can submit your waiver without delays.