UT Knoxville Health Insurance: Waivers and Costs

Key Takeaways

• F-1 and J-1 students at UT Knoxville must maintain health insurance and are automatically enrolled in SHIP at the beginning of each semester. The premium is billed through their MyUTK account.
• SHIP is serviced by UnitedHealthcare StudentResources, offered through the Hildreth Agency, and uses the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus network.
• The 2026–27 SHIP premium is $1,220 for fall, $1,708 for spring/summer, and $2,928 for annual coverage.
• International students with qualifying alternative insurance may submit a waiver by August 31 for fall or January 31 for spring. Follow UT Knoxville’s instructions during each applicable waiver period.
• ISO currently offers two plans for UT Knoxville students. ISO Care starts at $100 per month, while ISO Care Elite starts at $149 per month. Both list unlimited annual coverage, pre-existing-condition benefits, and the medical evacuation and repatriation amounts required by UT Knoxville.

When you register for classes at UT Knoxville, the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) premium is automatically added to your MyUTK account. All F-1 and J-1 students are required to maintain health insurance and are enrolled in the university-sponsored plan at the beginning of each semester.

Medical care in the U.S. can be expensive, but you may not have to keep SHIP. Students with alternative coverage that meets every UT Knoxville waiver requirement can apply to have the university plan removed. ISO offers two plans for UT Knoxville students, with different premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing levels.

This guide explains what SHIP covers, how much it costs, what an alternative plan must include, how to submit a waiver, and what to compare before choosing coverage.

What Is the UT Knoxville Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)?

SHIP is UT Knoxville’s university-sponsored major medical plan for international students. F-1 and J-1 students are automatically enrolled at the beginning of each semester, and the premium is billed to their MyUTK account unless they receive an approved waiver.

UnitedHealthcare StudentResources services the plan, while the Hildreth Agency serves as the university’s local insurance broker. SHIP uses the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus network, which includes more than 1.2 million doctors and healthcare professionals and 6,600 hospitals nationwide.

SHIP pays 100% of nearly all services provided at the UT Student Health Center. Students generally need a referral from a Student Health Center provider to receive preferred-level benefits for off-campus care. Copays, deductibles, and coinsurance apply, and treatment obtained without a referral may be covered at the non-preferred level.

If your waiver is approved, the SHIP charge is removed from your account. If the waiver is denied or you miss the deadline, you remain enrolled for that coverage period and are responsible for the premium.

How Much Does UT Knoxville Health Insurance Cost?

The following 2026–27 SHIP premiums apply to students at the Knoxville campus:

Term	Coverage dates	SHIP premium
Annual	August 1–July 31	$2,928
Fall	August 1–December 31	$1,220
Spring/Summer	January 1–July 31	$1,708
Summer	May 1–July 31	$732

Dental, vision, and dependent coverage are not included in the SHIP premium. Optional dental and vision plans must be purchased during the annual fall enrollment period by September 20, 2026, and are not available for separate spring or summer enrollment.

Coverage for an eligible spouse or child is available at an additional cost. Dependents must be enrolled by September 20, 2026, for annual or fall coverage and by January 31, 2027, for spring/summer coverage.

What Are the Requirements to Waive UT Knoxville Health Insurance?

UT Knoxville approves waivers only for alternative plans that meet or exceed every university-mandated requirement. Along with qualifying medical coverage, you must provide proof of coverage and a summary of benefits in English, with all amounts shown in U.S. dollars.

Coverage Requirements

Your plan must:

• Provide unlimited medical coverage with no annual maximum
• Have a deductible of no more than $250 per policy year
• Require you to pay less than 25% of covered costs per accident or illness
• Have no waiting period for coverage
• Cover routine, preventive, and emergency medical care
• Include pregnancy coverage
• Cover declared and undeclared pre-existing conditions
• Be issued by an insurer with an A.M. Best rating of A- or higher or a Standard & Poor’s rating of A+ or higher

International Student Requirements

Your plan must also include:

• At least $20,000 for repatriation of remains
• At least $50,000 for medical evacuation

Required Documents

You must submit:

• A letter from your insurer confirming your coverage dates
• A summary of benefits describing the policy’s coverage
• Documents written in English, with benefits stated in U.S. dollars

Travel insurance does not count as major medical coverage and will not qualify for a waiver. A plan that fails to meet any of UT Knoxville’s criteria may be denied, leaving you enrolled in SHIP and responsible for the premium.

How to Submit a UT Knoxville Health Insurance Waiver

Once you have qualifying alternative coverage, follow UT Knoxville’s current instructions to submit your waiver before the applicable deadline. The process may differ depending on your student or employment status, so confirm the required form, documents, and submission method before starting.

Step 1: Enroll in a Qualifying Health Plan

Choose coverage that meets every UT Knoxville waiver requirement and remains active for the required coverage period. This includes at least $20,000 for repatriation of remains and $50,000 for medical evacuation.

ISO currently lists two plans for UT Knoxville students:

• ISO Care for UT Knoxville: Starts at $100 per month for students ages 12–24, with an unlimited annual maximum, a $250 annual deductible, 80% in-network coinsurance, $100,000 for medical evacuation, and $50,000 for repatriation.
• ISO Care Elite for UT Knoxville: Starts at $149 per month for students ages 12–24, with an unlimited annual maximum, a $100 in-network annual deductible, 90% in-network coinsurance, $100,000 for medical evacuation, and $50,000 for repatriation.

Both plans cover pre-existing conditions and are listed by ISO as meeting UT Knoxville’s requirements. UT Knoxville makes the final waiver decision.

After successful enrollment, ISO provides your insurance ID card and waiver documents immediately so you can prepare your submission.

Step 2: Follow UT Knoxville’s Waiver Instructions

The university publishes different instructions depending on your student or employment status. International graduate assistants and associates must download the university’s waiver form, print and sign it, scan it as a PDF, and email it to international-insurance@utk.edu. They must submit a new waiver every August and January during their employment period.

Other F-1 and J-1 students should follow the current instructions on UT Knoxville’s International Student Insurance page or contact the Student Health Center at 865-974-5080 to confirm how to submit their waiver.

Step 3: Submit Your Plan Documents

Provide a letter from your insurance company confirming your coverage dates and a summary of benefits describing what the policy covers. All documents must be written in English, with benefit amounts stated in U.S. dollars.

Check that the documents are complete, legible, and consistent with the information in your waiver. Your policy must meet every UT Knoxville waiver requirement for the waiver to be approved.

Step 4: Wait for the Decision

After submitting your waiver, follow the confirmation instructions provided by UT Knoxville and monitor your MyUTK account to confirm that the SHIP charge has been removed. International graduate assistants and associates should note that UT Knoxville says this adjustment may take several weeks.

If your waiver is denied, review the reason and contact the Student Health Center promptly to determine whether you can provide corrected information before the deadline. An unapproved waiver leaves you enrolled in SHIP and responsible for the applicable premium.

UT Knoxville Health Insurance Waiver Deadlines

UT Knoxville publishes the following waiver periods and submission deadlines:

Semester	Coverage period	Waiver deadline
Fall	August 1–December 31	August 31
Spring	January 1–July 31	January 31

Exceptions to the coverage dates may be considered only for students arriving late from or departing early for their home country.

Submit your waiver by the applicable deadline. If your request is denied, you will remain enrolled in SHIP and be responsible for the premium for that coverage period.

SHIP vs. Private Insurance: What Should International Students Choose?

SHIP and private insurance handle costs differently. Compare the premium for the full coverage period and consider how you expect to use on-campus and off-campus care.

Feature	SHIP (2026–27)	ISO Care for UT Knoxville	ISO Care Elite for UT Knoxville
Published rate	Set by coverage period	$100 per month, ages 12–24	$149 per month, ages 12–24
Fall coverage	$1,220	Approximately $500 for five months	Approximately $745 for five months
Spring/Summer coverage	$1,708	Approximately $700 for seven months	Approximately $1,043 for seven months
Annual base cost	$2,928	Approximately $1,200	Approximately $1,788
Estimated annual premium difference	—	Approximately $1,728 less	Approximately $1,140 less
Annual deductible	$250 for preferred providers	$250	$100 in-network
In-network coinsurance	Plan pays 80% after the deductible	Plan pays 80%	Plan pays 90%
Annual maximum	Unlimited	Unlimited	Unlimited
UT Student Health Center	Nearly all services paid at 100%	Plan lists a $0 copay	Plan lists a $0 copay
Pre-existing conditions	No exclusion or limitation	Covered	Covered
Medical evacuation	Included through UHC Global	$100,000	$100,000
Repatriation of remains	Included through UHC Global	$50,000	$50,000
Provider network	UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus	Aetna PPO	Aetna PPO
Enrollment	Automatic for eligible international students	Online with immediate digital documents	Online with immediate digital documents

Many students stay on SHIP because it pays 100% at the Student Health Center and requires no waiver paperwork. Many others waive SHIP to save approximately $1,000 or more per year, especially when they're in good health and use healthcare infrequently. ISO Care Elite for UTK gives you that $0 SHC copay along with the savings.

The right choice depends on your healthcare needs, your budget, and whether submitting a waiver each semester feels manageable for your situation.

Health Insurance for Special Situations

Your insurance options may differ if you begin practical training, bring dependents to the U.S., attend the English Language Institute, or come to UT Knoxville as a visiting scholar. Check the rules for your specific status before selecting coverage.

Students on OPT or CPT

Starting Curricular Practical Training does not necessarily end your active enrollment or SHIP coverage. UT Knoxville instructs students to contact a Student Health Insurance representative as soon as they secure CPT or Optional Practical Training employment to confirm how it affects their coverage and university charges.

Students moving to OPT should check the expiration date of their current plan and arrange replacement coverage if needed. ISO offers OPT health insurance options that may provide coverage before an employer-sponsored plan begins.

Dependents With F-2 or J-2 Status

Spouses and children are not automatically covered under SHIP. Dependent coverage is available for an additional premium and must be purchased by September 20, 2026, for annual or fall coverage or January 31, 2027, for spring/summer coverage.

Eligible F-2 and J-2 dependents may also enroll under the primary student’s ISO plan for an additional premium. Dependents age 7 or older may instead purchase the Voyager plan separately.

ELI Students and Visiting Scholars

English Language Institute students follow a separate insurance process. Contact the UT Knoxville English Language Institute at 865-974-3404 for help with insurance enrollment and ID cards.

Visiting scholars cannot use the medical or mental health services at the UT Student Health Center. They may fill prescriptions at the Student Health Center Pharmacy but must use in-network providers for off-campus care. Visiting scholars who need insurance information should contact the Student Health Center at 865-974-5080 or the Hildreth Agency.

Why Many UT Knoxville Students Choose ISO

ISO has served international students since 1958 and currently lists two plans for UT Knoxville students. ISO Care and ISO Care Elite provide different premium and cost-sharing levels for students seeking an alternative to SHIP.

• Built to meet UT Knoxville's waiver requirements: ISO Care Elite for University of Tennessee is designed to satisfy every item on the university's checklist, including the international-student repatriation and evacuation minimums. ISO provides waiver assistance and the plan documents you need to submit.
• Fast online enrollment with an instant ID card: The entire process is online and takes a few minutes. Your ID card and coverage documents are available immediately after enrollment.
• Lower base premiums: ISO Care starts at $100 per month, while ISO Care Elite starts at $149 per month for students ages 12–24. Your final premium depends on your age and coverage period, and our annual service fee applies.
• Nationwide Aetna PPO network: Both plans use the Aetna PPO network, giving you access to participating providers in Knoxville and across the U.S. Find in-network doctors near Knoxville through ISO's provider search.
• Multilingual student support: ISO's team includes current and former international students and offers support in multiple languages. Filing a claim is handled through a straightforward claims process.
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Enroll and Submit Your Waiver Today

UT Knoxville automatically enrolls F-1 and J-1 students in SHIP, but you may waive the university plan with qualifying alternative coverage. Choose a plan that meets every requirement, prepare the required documents, and submit your waiver before the applicable deadline.

ISO Care Elite for University of Tennessee is built to make that process as straightforward as possible, with plan documents ready instantly, waiver assistance, and coverage that meets every item on UT Knoxville's list. Compare ISO plans for UT Knoxville and check your rate.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is Health Insurance Mandatory at UT Knoxville?

Yes. F-1 and J-1 students must maintain health insurance while enrolled at UT Knoxville. They are automatically enrolled in SHIP at the beginning of each semester, and the premium is billed to their MyUTK account. Students with qualifying alternative coverage may submit a waiver request by the applicable deadline.

How Much Is UT Knoxville Student Health Insurance?

For 2026–27, SHIP costs $1,220 for fall coverage from August 1 through December 31 and $1,708 for spring/summer coverage from January 1 through July 31. Annual coverage costs $2,928. Dental, vision, and dependent coverage are available at an additional cost.

Does UT Knoxville Accept ISO or Other Private Insurance?

Yes. UT Knoxville allows international students to request a waiver using private insurance that meets every university requirement. ISO Care and ISO Care Elite are designed around UT Knoxville’s criteria, including its deductible, medical maximum, pre-existing condition, medical evacuation, and repatriation requirements. UT Knoxville makes the final waiver decision.

What Happens if My Coverage Changes During the Semester?

Contact a UT Knoxville Student Health Insurance representative at 865-974-5080 as soon as your alternative coverage changes, ends, or is canceled. The university can explain how the change affects your waiver, SHIP coverage, and student account.

Can I See a Doctor Off Campus With an ISO Plan?

Yes. ISO Care and ISO Care Elite use the Aetna PPO network, which includes participating providers in Knoxville and across the U.S. Unlike SHIP, which requires a referral from the Student Health Center before any off-campus visit, ISO plans give you more flexibility to see an in-network provider directly.

This article was prepared by ISO Customer Care. SHIP premiums, waiver requirements, and deadlines reflect information published by the UT Knoxville Student Health Center and the Hildreth Agency as of July 2026. ISO prices and benefits reflect current ISO plan materials. Review the university’s requirements and the applicable plan documents before submitting a waiver or enrolling. This information does not constitute legal, immigration, or medical advice.