UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State is moving to a new health insurance provider — United Healthcare Student Resources — as the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) carrier for the 2017-18 academic year in order to continue to offer quality health care benefits at a competitive price. The new carrier will offer the same plan benefits.
Many students arrive at Penn State uninsured or underinsured, and are not covered to receive health care services. Health care services can be very costly and unexpected expenses can be disruptive to a student’s academic progress. The Penn State Student Health Insurance Plan offers students comprehensive health insurance at a competitive price with a wide network of providers across the United States. The Penn State SHIP is available to students at all campuses, with the exception of World Campus students.
If you are an undergraduate student, more information about the SHIP plan is available here.
If you are a graduate or professional student, more information about the SHIP plan is available here.
Under revised requirement for the 2017-18 academic year, international students and their accompanying dependents are mandated to submit proof of health insurance that meets specific criteria, or purchase the Penn State Student Health Insurance Plan. If you are an international student, more information about the SHIP plan and revised requirements for the 2017-18 school year is available here.
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 Penn State SHIP, including the selection of insurer, plan design and mechanisms to manage costs.