Student Health Insurance Plan for Penn State

SHIP for Penn State is available for undergraduate students enrolled in (6) or more in-person credits and all international students. 

Undergraduate students who are enrolled in the Intensive English Communication Program (IECP) or those who participate in a cooperative work experience program as part of their required academic program are also eligible. 

SHIP for Penn State is available for graduate students enrolled in (4) or more in-person credits or a 600, 601, 610, or 611 level class.

All current, registered Graduate Assistants, Fellows, and Trainees are eligible for SHIP for Penn State. 

All current, registered students enrolled in (6) or more in-person credits are eligible for SHIP for Penn State. 

All current, registered students in the College of Medicine taking (1) or more in-person credit hours are required to enroll into SHIP for Penn State or have an approved waiver.

An eligible dependent is a spouse, and/or any unmarried child(ren) under the age of 26 who are not self-supporting. Dependent children shall cease to be dependent the end of the month in which they turn 26 years of age.

All dependents of international students (J and F visa holders) are required to have health insurance or have an approved waiver.

Dependents of undergraduate and graduate students must be re-enrolled each fall and Spring semester to continue receiving health insurance. Dependents of Graduate Assistants, Fellows, and Trainees carries over each semester.

Dependent eligibility expires concurrently with that of the insured. Students must personally pay premiums for dependent coverage. 

Qualifying undergraduate can enroll in SHIP for Penn State using LionPATH. Once enrolled there are no refunds or cancellations.  

1. Register for classes in LionPATH
2. Login to LionPATH after 24-48 hours to access enrollment
3. Select the To-Do List task or Health Insurance Quick Link
4. Click Enroll
5. Follow the guided steps to complete your enrollment 

Qualifying graduate can enroll in SHIP for Penn State using LionPATH. Once enrolled there are no refunds or cancellations.  

1. Register for classes in LionPATH
2. Login to LionPATH after 24-48 hours to access enrollment
3. Select the To-Do List task or Health Insurance Quick Link
4. Click Enroll
5. Follow the guided steps to complete your enrollment 

If no insurance selections are made before the appropriate deadline all Graduate assistants, fellows, and trainees are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for Penn State for medical, dental, and vision coverage.

International students (J and F visa holders) and any accompanying dependents are required to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan for Penn State or submit proof of health insurance coverage that meets the full set of requirements.

Graduate Assistants, Fellows, and Trainees must enroll in SHIP for Penn State using their Workday account. No action is needed in LionPATH. Once enrolled there are no refunds or cancellations.

1. Register for classes in LionPATH
2. Login to Workday to make insurance selections

If no insurance selections are made before the appropriate deadline, all Graduate assistants, fellows, and trainees are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for Penn State for medical, dental, and vision coverage.

International students (J and F visa holders) and any accompanying dependents are required to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan for Penn State or submit proof of health insurance coverage that meets the full set of requirements.

Required students in the Hershey College of Medicine can enroll in SHIP for Penn State using LionPATH. Once enrolled there are no refunds or cancellations.

1. Register for classes in LionPATH
2. Login to LionPATH after 24-48 hours to access enrollment
3. Select the To-Do List task or Health Insurance Quick Link
4. Click Enroll
5. Follow the guided steps to complete your enrollment 

Dependents of undergraduate and non-graduate assistants can enroll eligible dependents in SHIP for Penn State through the UHCSR website during open enrollment. 

• Outside of open enrollment please contact the Student Health Insurance office for further assistance at uhs-insurance@psu.edu.

International students should contact the Student Health Insurance office within 10 days of their dependent's arrival for further assistance with enrollment. The Student Health Insurance office will submit the completed enrollment form to the insurance company for the student. The student will receive a payment link directly from the insurance company for payment. The student's bursar account will not be billed the premium charge for dependents.

Dependents of Graduate Assistants and Fellows can enroll eligible dependents in SHIP for Penn State through Workday.

Medical Coverage Rates

• Find current medical coverage information here

Dental and Vision Coverage

Individual, voluntary dental and vision insurance is available to interested undergraduate and graduate students.  The Dental Elect Plan, offered through Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk, allows students to select a provider from the Ameritas Classic Network and the policy has a yearly maximum benefit amount of $1,000. Students can choose a provider from the EyeMed network to use vision coverage. 

• Find dental coverage information here
• Find vision coverage information here

Medical Coverage Rates

• Find current medical coverage information here

Dental and Vision Coverage

Individual, voluntary dental and vision insurance is available to interested undergraduate and graduate students.  The Dental Elect Plan, offered through Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk, allows students to select a provider from the Ameritas Classic Network and the policy has a yearly maximum benefit amount of $1,000. Students can choose a provider from the EyeMed network to use vision coverage. 

• Find dental coverage information here
• Find vision coverage information here

Provided Subsidies

Students on assistantships are eligible for an 80 percent University subsidy of the annual student premium cost for Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) at Penn State. Penn State provides a 75 percent annual premium subsidy for spouse and/or eligible dependents of graduate assistants.

• Explore coverage subsidy rates and payroll deductions here

Medical Coverage Rates

• Find current medical coverage information here

Dental and Vision Coverage

Individual, voluntary dental and vision insurance is available to interested undergraduate and graduate students.  The Dental Elect Plan, offered through Gallagher Student Health & Special Risk, allows students to select a provider from the Ameritas Classic Network and the policy has a yearly maximum benefit amount of $1,000. Students can choose a provider from the EyeMed network to use vision coverage. 

• Find dental coverage information here
• Find vision coverage information here

Medical Coverage Rates

• Find current medical coverage information here

• SHIP for Penn State policy details are available on the UnitedHealthcare Student Resources website. 

Yes, the SHIP for Penn State is effective August 13, 2025–August 12, 2026. 

$250 deductible, $10 office visit copay, 10% coinsurance, $1,300 out-of-pocket maximum (in network). All deductible and copays will be waived and benefits paid at 100% when services are rendered at University Health Services.

The SHIP for Penn State, underwritten by UnitedHealthcare StudentResources, offers a national network of health care providers including clinicians at University Health Services at University Park, and other campus locations.  

The SHIP for Penn State offers $0 copay at University Health Services Pharmacy and $10, $30, or $60 copay at other in-network pharmacies. 

The SHIP for Penn State provides protection for both emergency and non-emergency medical services (see deductible and out-of-pocket fees). In addition,  preventative vaccines are covered per federal health care guidelines.

For domestic undergraduate students and graduate students without an assistantship or fellowship, your insurance premium will be paid directly to UnitedHealthcareStudentResources at the time of enrollment and can be paid by credit card or electronic check. Graduate assistants, graduate fellows, and graduate trainees will have their percentage of the insurance premium deducted from their paycheck. 

Penn State College of Medicine and International students (F & J visa holders) will be billed in LionPATH at the start of every fall and spring semester. New students starting over the summer will be billed in LionPATH. 

Health insurance rates have seen a steady incline nationally over the past decade. This is due in part government policy changes as well as lifestyle changes among the population. 

Health care costs have skyrocketed and those costs are passed along to the end consumer—this includes everything from diagnostic tests and procedures to hospital stays and prescription medications. In addition, chronic illnesses, such as diabetes and heart disease are on the rise in the U.S. They are expensive and difficult to treat. 

All of these factors combined drive the cost of health insurance within the United States. 

The undergraduate student population is higher than the graduate student population at Penn State. In a group health insurance plan, the cost of the associated health risks of a few people are spread over an entire group; the more people in the group, the lower the cost to the individual. 

When a large group of people (both sick and healthy) pay an established amount of money for some protection against future health costs their money is put together in one fund, called an insurance pool. When members of the fund get sick or injured and incur medical costs, money is taken from this insurance pool to pay for part or all of their costs. People in the United States are financially responsible for their own medical or health care needs.

Penn State requires all international (F & J visa holders) undergraduate and graduate students, and any accompanying dependents to have health insurance coverage. They must either enroll the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for Penn State or submit proof of coverage that meets a specific set of requirements. 

In accordance with recommendations of the Association of American Medical Colleges and standards of the Licensing Committee on Medical Education, the Penn State College of Medicine requires all medical students to have continuous health insurance coverage or submit proof of coverage that meets a specific set of requirements.

Health care can be very costly and the United States does not have a national health care plan. Without health insurance, health services could be restricted. 

Yes, loss of coverage is considered a qualified life event.  

You will need to provide the Certificate of Credible Coverage or a letter from the insurance company that states that your medical insurance is being terminated and the date of the termination. This letter needs to be received by the Student Health Insurance office within 31 days of the termination date. The letter can be emailed to uhs-insurance@psu.edu. The Student Health Insurance office will then provide you with a prorated enrollment form to be completed and returned for processing. 

Graduate Assistants and Graduate Fellows should log in to Workday and complete a new "Benefit Event." You will be able to upload your Certificate of Credible Coverage directly to the Workday system. 

Yes, as long as you are actively attending classes for the first 31 days of a coverage period your coverage will continue through the end of the academic year, typically mid-August, if enrolled in the annual or spring/summer policy. 

• Confirm your exact coverage dates on My Account through UnitedHealthcare StudentResources

Students must actively attend classes for at least the first 31 days after the date for which coverage is purchased. If you withdraw from school within the first 31 days of the start of classes, you will not be covered under the policy and the full premium will be refunded less claims paid. After 31 days from the start of classes, your coverage will continue through the end of your coverage period. 

No, your coverage will continue through the end of your coverage period. Fall coverage terminates December 31, annual and spring/summer coverage terminates at the end of the academic year, typically August 12th. 

Medical 

Go to the UHCSR website and select your College or University to get started. 

Dental (Graduate Assistants/Graduate Fellows only)

For in-network Centre County providers please see United Concordia’s website. For in-network providers outside Centre County please see United Concordia’s website for information on the Elite Plus Network. 

Vision (Graduate Assistants/Graduate Fellows only)

For in-network providers please see the Highmark Blue Shield website and click on Find a Doctor or Rx or Find an Eye Care Provider. 

The Penn State Student Health Insurance office can attempt to answer general benefit questions based on the current insurance plan policy, however, specific benefits questions should be referred to UnitedHealthcare StudentResources at 888-224-4810. 

Medical ID cards are available on the UHCSR website. To print your card login and select "My Account. 

Dental and vision ID cards are mailed to the address listed in Workday. Please login to review your personal information to ensure this address is correct. 

University Park students and their covered spouse must obtain a referral from University Health Services before receiving any medical care 25 miles outside of the Student Health Center. Referrals are needed for each diagnosis/condition, and a new referral must be obtained each academic/policy year. If the covered student or their covered spouse does not obtain a referral from UHS, no benefits will be payable. UHS does not provide retroactive referrals.  After a claim denial, you can contact the Student Health Insurance office if you believe a referral is on file with UHS and that the claim was denied incorrectly. 

The University has gone through a competitive process to continue to offer quality health care benefits at a competitive price. Students have been part of the process for making decisions about health insurance for many years. The Student Insurance Advisory Board/Council (SIAB/C), which includes representatives from the Graduate and Professional Student Association (GPSA), the University Park Undergraduate Association (UPUA), the Commonwealth Campus Student Government (CCSG), and representatives from other international student organizations were invited to take part in the selection of a new health insurance carrier. 

These groups also provide input to University Health Services and its Student Health Insurance Office regarding the SHIP for Penn State, including the selection of insurer, plan design, and mechanisms to manage costs. As the University has vetted the providers for the students, the plan that the University has contracted with is the only plan that is promoted and encouraged 

Waiver applications done through LionPATH will be reviewed by United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR). 

Penn State subsidizes health insurance (medical, dental and vision) for graduate assistants and full-time graduate fellows and graduate trainees. 

The University contributes 80 percent of the annual medical premium for graduate assistants, fellows and trainees, and 75 percent -76 percent for dependent coverage. 

The University also contributes 80 percent of the premium costs for individual and 70 percent for family plans for dental and vision insurance for graduate assistants (and typically for fellows and trainees, as well). 

Students have been part of the process for making decisions about health insurance for many years. While insurers make the decision to contract with the University, graduate students serve as representatives on two groups, the Student Insurance Advisory Board (SIAB) and the Student Insurance Administrative Council (SIAC). SIAB and SIAC, including its student representatives, work with UHS and its Student Health Insurance Office regarding the SHIP at Penn State, including the selection of insurer, plan design, and mechanisms to manage costs. 

Many factors impact the costs of health insurance for students. The SHIP for Penn State covers all students, which includes graduate students as well as undergraduate, medical and law students, and certain categories of visiting scholars. 

The primary determinants of health insurance costs are the medical costs of students paid by the plan. A platinum plan must pay out between 88 percent - 92 percent of the premium it collects as medical benefits. Additional costs associated with the plan include taxes and fees that insurers must pay to support medical and health services research, charges for administration and marketing of the plan, and risk charges associated with the size of the group being insured. In addition, since insurers in the United States are private companies, there are costs associated with the profits that the company earns to enable distribution to shareholders, research and development, and similar future expenses to be paid from retained earnings. 

There are several ways that students and their families impact the overall costs. As health care consumers, the choices individuals make drive overall costs. If the group of students collectively make choices that lead to the insurer paying out more than 92 percent of the premium, the insurer is going to increase the premium in future years. Student choices about whether to use an in-network provider or out-of-network provider, whether to get good primary care or delay care in ways that might later require expensive emergency treatment, whether to get a flu shot, or whether to have a discussion with their doctor about the most cost-effective ways to address a health issue, all factor into the current and future health plan costs. 

Another significant factor that impacts that cost of health insurance is the number of students that enroll in the plan. When a large number of students enroll in the plan, the statistical predictability of their overall health care costs becomes more reliable. When enrollments decline, insurers will increase the risk charge to prevent a situation where they collect too little premium to pay for the medical costs. So, a smaller group of students enrolled in a plan drives up the cost of health insurance for all students. 

Penn State requires all dependents of international students (J and F visa holders) to have health insurance coverage. 

Purchase of SHIP for Penn State or application of a waiver must be made within 10 days of arrival in the United States. 

Yes, regardless of the length of stay all dependents must be enrolled into health insurance for the remainder of the current semester. 

No, travel/international insurance policies do not meet waiver requirements. 

No, all dependents can be enrolled into SHIP for Penn State during open enrollment or by contacting the Student Health Insurance office for assistance. Dependents must be re-enrolled each semester. 

Payment will be made directly to the insurance company through a payment link sent to your email address.