How to Choose Health Insurance at UCLA

If you’re an international student at UCLA, health insurance is not optional - it’s a mandatory requirement. You’ll automatically be enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) unless you submit a waiver showing you have qualifying alternative coverage.

Understanding health insurance in the U.S. can be overwhelming, but choosing the right plan is essential for protecting your health and your finances. This guide breaks down UCLA’s waiver process and your options for getting covered.

What Is a UCLA Health Insurance Waiver?

All UCLA international students are automatically enrolled in UC SHIP, the school’s comprehensive student health insurance plan. However, you can opt out of this coverage by submitting a waiver before the deadline - as long as your alternative insurance meets the university’s strict requirements.

If your waiver is approved, the UC SHIP premium will be removed from your student bill. If your waiver is denied or you miss the deadline, you’ll remain enrolled in UC SHIP and be responsible for the full cost.

UCLA Waiver Requirements for International Students

To be accepted, your alternate insurance must meet the following criteria:

• Be active for the entire Fall quarter (minimum: September 20, 2025 – December 22, 2025)
• Offer unlimited annual coverage with no dollar maximums
• Include inpatient and outpatient care within Los Angeles
• Cover mental health, emergency services, and hospitalization
• Include prescription drug coverage
• Cover pre-existing conditions with no waiting period
• Offer a deductible of $500 or less per policy year
• Include medical evacuation ($50,000) and repatriation of remains ($25,000) benefits
• Be backed by a U.S.-based company or legally recognized to do business in the U.S.

ISO Student Health Insurance offers pre-approved plans that meet UCLA’s waiver requirements and are a popular alternative for international students.

Waiver Deadline for UCLA Fall 2025

The deadline to submit your waiver for the Fall 2025 quarter is September 20–22, 2025. Your insurance policy must start no later than September 20, 2025 and continue through December 22, 2025.

Missing the deadline means you will be automatically enrolled in UC SHIP and must pay the full premium for the quarter.

How to Submit Your Waiver at UCLA

Follow these steps to waive UC SHIP:

1. Purchase a qualifying insurance plan

Choose a plan that meets UCLA’s requirements. ISO plans are designed to meet all waiver criteria and come with ready-to-submit documents.

2. Log in to the Student Health portal

Go to the Ashe Center’s Student Health Insurance page and access the waiver application.

3. Submit the waiver and supporting documents

Upload your proof of insurance and complete all required sections.

4. Watch for confirmation

If your waiver is approved, the UC SHIP fee will be removed from your billing statement. Denials will include the reason and appeal steps.

UCLA UC SHIP vs ISO Insurance: What’s Better?

Many international students at UCLA choose ISO to save money while still meeting every requirement for waiver approval.

Why UCLA International Students Choose ISO

Pre-Approved for Waiver Use

ISO plans meet or exceed UCLA’s waiver standards, making it easy to opt out of UC SHIP.

Flexible Enrollment Periods

You can choose full academic year coverage or enroll just for the Fall quarter. If you need Fall-only coverage, contact ISO directly after enrolling.

Fast, Online Enrollment

Enroll online in minutes and receive your insurance ID card and waiver form instantly by email.

Affordable and Comprehensive

ISO plans cover all essential benefits like emergency care, urgent care, prescriptions, mental health, and more - at significantly lower prices than UC SHIP.

National Network of Providers

ISO uses the Aetna PPO network, giving you access to doctors, clinics, and hospitals in Los Angeles and throughout the U.S.

Support for International Students

ISO’s multilingual customer support team understands the needs of international students and is available via email, phone, WhatsApp, WeChat, and social media.

Enroll Today and Submit Your Waiver

To waive UC SHIP and avoid the full premium charge, enroll with ISO and submit your waiver before September 22, 2025. Your plan must begin no later than September 20, 2025.

Visit https://www.isoa.org/schools/university-of-california-los-angeles to review plans, enroll, and get your waiver form instantly.