International Student Insurance Guide - University of Colorado Boulder

You've got your I-20, your Boulder housing sorted, and a list of things to figure out before classes start. Health insurance is probably somewhere near the bottom of that list, but it's one of the few things that, if you get wrong, will cost you thousands of dollars and a lot of stress.

Here's the Short Version

CU Boulder expects all eligible students to have qualifying health insurance. By default, you're automatically enrolled in the university's Anthem Gold Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

If you already have a qualifying plan, or want to buy one that costs less, you can submit a waiver to opt out. Once approved, the SHIP charge is removed from your student bill.

The waiver window for fall 2026 runs through September 1, 2026. Miss that deadline, and you're locked in for the semester.

What Does the CU Boulder SHIP Actually Cost?

The Anthem Gold SHIP runs $2,442 per semester - over $4,500 for a full academic year.

The plan is administered by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield and gives you access to on-campus services at Wardenburg Health Center, mental health support through CAPS, and a national provider network.

It's a strong plan, but it's not your only option.

The Waiver: What CU Boulder Is Looking For

Your alternative plan must meet the following requirements:

• Provide minimum essential coverage
• Cover you in Colorado
• Be active on the first day of classes and throughout the academic year
• Be issued by a U.S.-based insurance company
• Have no annual or lifetime benefit caps
• Have no exclusions for pre-existing conditions

Plans that only cover emergencies or only provide coverage outside the U.S. will not be accepted.

Where ISO Plans Come In

ISO offers plans specifically designed for international students and pre-approved for CU Boulder's waiver.

ISO plans use the Aetna PPO network, providing access to providers like Boulder Community Health, AdventHealth Avista, and UCHealth Boulder Health Center.

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

Feature	CU Anthem Gold SHIP	ISO Share	ISO Care	ISO Care Elite
Annual Cost	$4,884	$969	$1,089	$1,629
Annual Deductible	$500	$1,250	$500	$40
Coinsurance (In-Network)	Varies	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
Medical Evacuation	—	$100,000	$100,000	$100,000
Repatriation	—	$50,000	$50,000	$50,000
CU Boulder Waiver Eligible	N/A	Yes	Yes	Yes
Potential Savings	$0	$3,915	$3,795	$3,255

ISO Plan Breakdown

ISO Share is the most budget-friendly option with a higher deductible and lower monthly cost.

ISO Care offers a balance between affordability and coverage with a lower deductible.

ISO Care Elite provides the most comprehensive coverage with a $40 deductible and 90% coinsurance.

All plans include medical evacuation and repatriation benefits.

How to Waive the CU SHIP with an ISO Plan

1. Choose your ISO plan and set your start date to August 1
2. Enroll online and receive your documents instantly
3. Log into the CU insurance portal and upload your insurance ID card
4. Submit before the deadline and wait for approval

Your coverage must be active before the first day of classes.

A Few Things Worth Knowing About Boulder

Boulder is an active, outdoor-focused city where injuries and altitude-related issues are common for new students.

Wardenburg Health Center provides on-campus medical services and mental health support.

Both SHIP and ISO plans can be used for on-campus care.

The Bottom Line

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

If you're looking to reduce costs while maintaining strong coverage, ISO plans are a practical alternative.

Compare plans and enroll in minutes. Your waiver documents are ready immediately after enrollment.