University Health Services

Penn State Student Health Insurance changes and new rates for undergraduates

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State is moving to United Healthcare Student Resources as the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) carrier for the 2017–18 academic year. The new carrier will offer the same plan benefits, but the annual rate for undergraduate students will decrease to $2,444 per year, down from $3,296 for the 2016–17 academic year.

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.

Undergraduate students are eligible to purchase the Penn State SHIP if they are enrolled in three or more credit hours. Students can enroll before Sept. 5, 2017, by visiting the First Student website. The insurance premium must be paid directly to United Healthcare Student Resources at the time of enrollment and can be paid by credit card or electronic check.

International students and any accompanying dependents are required to submit proof of health insurance coverage that meets a set of requirements or purchase the Penn State SHIP. More information about specific requirements for international students, enrollment deadlines, and instructions for how to submit proof of insurance can be accessed on the UHS website.

For students who do not have health insurance or do not have adequate coverage on or near the campus they attend, Penn State strongly encourages purchasing the Penn State SHIP. Students who are unsure if they are adequately covered should contact their current health insurance provider to ask, particularly if their coverage will be considered out-of-network. Students can learn more about the Penn State SHIP, including plan details, dependent rates, and enrollment deadlines by visiting the UHS website.

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 Council of Commonwealth Student Governments (CCSG), and representatives from 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.

Additional questions about Student Health Insurance can be directed to University Health Services office of Student Health Insurance at uhs-insurance@psu.edu.

Last Updated May 2, 2017