How to Waive UC SHIP and Save Money at UC-Irvine

If you're an international student at the University of California, Irvine, health insurance isn't optional, it's a university requirement. Every international student is automatically charged for the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP).

The good news? You can waive UC SHIP at UCI with a qualifying alternative plan and save over $2,000 per year.

This guide explains exactly how the UC Irvine health insurance waiver works and how international students can use ISO plans to meet the requirements.

UC Irvine Health Insurance Requirement for International Students

All international students at UC Irvine on F-1 and J-1 visas must maintain active health insurance that meets University of California coverage standards.

At the start of each academic year, a UC SHIP fee is automatically added to your student account.

You have two options:

• Stay on UC SHIP - pay the full premium and use the university plan
• Waive UC SHIP at UC Irvine - enroll in an alternative plan and remove the charge

For many international students, waiving UC SHIP is one of the easiest ways to reduce overall education costs in California.

UC Irvine SHIP Waiver Requirements

To successfully complete the UC Irvine SHIP waiver, your alternative insurance plan must meet these requirements:

• Provide comparable coverage to UC SHIP
• Cover doctor visits, hospitalization, urgent care, and emergency services
• Include mental health and preventive care coverage
• Offer access to healthcare providers near UC Irvine
• Remain active for the entire academic term

Important: Your insurance must be active before the UCI waiver deadline. If your start date is late, your waiver may be denied.

You can view the full list of waiver criteria here.

How to Waive UC SHIP at UC Irvine Using an ISO Plan

ISO plans are designed specifically for international students and are pre-approved by the University of California system.

Here’s how to waive UC SHIP step by step:

1. Choose your ISO plan (ISO Share, ISO Care, or ISO Care Elite)
2. Enroll online in under 5 minutes
3. Receive your documents instantly (ID card, confirmation, receipt)
4. Log in to the UC Irvine Student Health Insurance portal and select “Waive”
5. Upload your insurance documents
6. Get approved and have the charge removed

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

Feature	UC SHIP (UCI Graduate)	ISO Share	ISO Care	ISO Care Elite
Annual Cost (Student)	$6,847.29	$1,197	$1,437	$1,965
Deductible	$0	$1,250	$500	$40
Coinsurance (In-Network)	Varies	80%	80%	90%
Annual Maximum	Unlimited	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	Covered	Covered	Covered	Covered
Medical Evacuation	Included	$100,000	$100,000	$100,000
UCI Waiver Eligible	N/A	Yes	Yes	Yes
Estimated Savings	—	$5,650	$5,410	$4,882

For international students at UCI, this cost difference can significantly reduce total living expenses in Irvine.

Healthcare Access Near UC Irvine

ISO plans use the Aetna PPO network, which provides access to major healthcare providers near campus.

Students can access care at:

• UC Irvine Health
• Hoag Hospital Irvine
• Kaiser Permanente

Students can also visit the UCI Student Health Center for on-campus care.

Why International Students at UCI Choose ISO

ISO plans are designed specifically for international students and offer:

• Lower premiums compared to UC SHIP
• Coverage that meets UC Irvine waiver requirements
• Access to a large nationwide provider network
• Benefits like medical evacuation and repatriation
• Fast enrollment with instant documentation

Final Thoughts: Should You Waive UC SHIP at UCI?

If you're an international student at UCI, completing the UC SHIP waiver can be a smart financial decision.

As long as your plan meets all university requirements, you can:

• Save thousands of dollars per year
• Access quality healthcare near campus

The key is choosing a plan that is waiver-compliant, affordable, and active on time.

Ready to Waive UC SHIP at UCI?

Compare ISO plans and enroll in minutes, your insurance documents are available instantly, so you can submit your waiver without delays.