Waiving Health Insurance as a UC-Santa Barbara International Student

If you're heading to UC Santa Barbara, health insurance probably isn't the first thing on your mind. But it will show up on your bill before your first quarter even begins, and understanding your options early can save you over $2,500 a year.

What Is UC SHIP and Why Is It on Your Bill?

Every student who registers for classes at UCSB is automatically enrolled in the UC Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP). You don't sign up for it. It just appears on your BARC account.

UC SHIP is a comprehensive plan. It covers medical care, mental health services, prescriptions, and more. It also integrates directly with UCSB Student Health Services, which makes it convenient.

The catch is the price. For the 2025–26 academic year, UC SHIP costs undergraduate students $3,728 per year.

The good news is that UC SHIP is not your only option.

Can International Students Waive UC SHIP?

Yes. UCSB allows students to opt out of UC SHIP - called a waiver - if their alternative insurance plan meets the university's requirements.

To qualify, your plan must meet all of the following:

• Access to an in-network doctor and hospital within 50 miles of campus
• Coverage for both medical and mental health care
• No annual dollar cap on benefits
• Coverage dates aligned with the UC SHIP academic calendar
• Medical evacuation and repatriation coverage

One key detail: your plan must cover Spring and Summer together.

How to Waive UC SHIP at UCSB

Step 1: Choose your ISO plan. Review the options and pick the one that fits your needs.

Step 2: Enroll online. Purchase your plan and receive documents instantly.

Step 3: Submit your waiver through the UCSB waiver portal (Academic Health Plans).

Step 4: Wait for approval. Once approved, the UC SHIP charge is removed from your BARC account.

You must submit a new waiver every academic year.

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

Feature	UC SHIP	ISO Share	ISO Care	ISO Care Elite
Annual Cost	$3,728	$1,197	$1,437	$1,965
Annual Deductible	$0	$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
Mental Health Coverage	Covered	Covered	Covered	Covered
Medical Evacuation	—	$100,000	$100,000	$100,000
Repatriation of Remains	—	$50,000	$50,000	$50,000
Student Health Center Copay	$0	$0	$0	$0
UCSB Waiver Eligible	N/A	Yes	Yes	Yes
Annual Savings vs. UC SHIP	—	$2,531	$2,291	$1,763

ISO plans use the Aetna PPO network, giving students access to providers like Santa Barbara Cottage Hospital.

Why Do Some Waivers Get Rejected?

• No in-network providers within 50 miles
• Coverage dates that don't match the academic calendar
• Missing evacuation or repatriation benefits
• HMO plans without local provider access

ISO plans are designed to avoid these issues.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to reapply every year? Yes, waivers must be submitted annually.

Can I still use UCSB Student Health? Yes, ISO plans include $0 copay visits.

Are ISO plans available for J-1 students? Yes, ISO Care and ISO Care Elite meet J-1 requirements.

Final Thoughts

Health insurance is required at UCSB, but overpaying is not. Choosing the right plan and submitting your waiver on time can save thousands.

Ready to Waive UC SHIP at UCSB?

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