UC IRVINE International Student Health Insurance Waiver Guide 2026-2027
- lori683
- 9 hours ago
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UC IRVINE FALL WAIVER DEADLINE · SEPTEMBER 14, 2026
UC Irvine put $1,071.30 on your bill this quarter. You may be able to waive it.
UC Irvine automatically enrolls registered students in UC SHIP. The current undergraduate cost is $1,071.30 per quarter. If you have qualifying alternate coverage, you can submit a waiver through Academic HealthPlans.
The form is fast. The local-access test is not optional. UC Irvine requires unrestricted in-network primary care, hospital, and mental-health access within 50 miles of campus or your residence. Do not assume a plan qualifies just because it has a low premium.
Keep this in context: Three undergraduate quarters at this published rate total $3,213.90. A comparable VISIT® savings number is not printed here because a school-approved alternative premium must be verified against the same coverage period.
UC Irvine school-plan
Student category | UC SHIP 2026–27 estimate |
Undergraduate UC SHIP | $1,071.30 per quarter |
Three-quarter estimate | $3,213.90 at the published rate (undergrad) |
Plan Comparison: UC Irvine SHIP vs. VISIT® Plans
Here is how the UC Irvine school plan compares three of our most popular options for UC Irvine students. All three meet UC Irvine waiver requirements.
*Savings based on plan chosen and age.
|
| SAVE up to $754 | SAVE up to $1,305 | SAVE up to $1,593 |
COVERAGE | SHIP PLAN | |||
Price |
| FALL 2026 | FALL 2026
| FALL 2026 |
Age 17-24 | $3,213.90 Undergrad | $2460.10 | $1,908.95 | $1,620.60 |
Age 25-27 | $7,772 Graduate | $2,832.40 | $2,544.05 | $2,197.30 |
Age 28-29 |
| $5,135.55 | $3,934.70 | $3,347.05 |
Medical Maximum |
| Unlimited | Unlimited | Unlimited |
Deductible | $300 | $0 | $250 | $450 |
Coinsurance | 90% | 100% | 80% | 80% |
Student Health Copay |
| $0 | $0 | $0 |
Urgent Care Copay | $25 | $50 per visit | $65 copayment then you pay 20% Coinsurance | Deductible then $50 copayment |
ER Deductible | $200 | $200 copay | Deductible then $200 copayment per visit (waived if admitted) | Deductible then $200 copayment per visit (waived if admitted) |
Prescription copay | $15/$40/$55 | $5/$40/$60 | $5/$50/$75 | $15/$40/$75 |
Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
| $5,000 | $5,500 | $5,000 |
Pre-existing conditions | No waiting period | No waiting period | No waiting period | No waiting period |
Mental Health | Included | 100% | Deductible then you pay 20% Coinsurance | Deductible then you pay 20% Coinsurance |
Preventive Care | Included | 100% In-Network | 100% In-Network | 100% In-Network |
Maternity | Included | Deductible + 100% Coinsurance
| Deductible + 80% Coinsurance
| Deductible + 80% Coinsurance
|
Repatriation |
| $50,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 |
Medical Evacuation |
| $120,000 | $120,000 | $120,000 |
PPO Network | Blue Cross Blue Shield | UHC | UHC | UHC |
Review Coverage |
| |||
ENROLL |
|
What UC Irvine will accept
UC Irvine requires alternate coverage that satisfies the university’s full waiver criteria. Core checkpoints include:
Unrestricted in-network access to a primary-care provider, hospital, and mental-health provider within 50 miles of campus or residence.
Comparable minimum essential coverage and active coverage throughout the academic year.
An insurance ID card and summary of benefits for the AHP submission.
No travel plan used as a substitute for qualifying comprehensive coverage.
Continued active enrollment because AHP conducts verification and periodic re-verification.
Review the school requirements: https://studenthealth.uci.edu/waiving-uc-irvine-ship/
Before you buy: UC Irvine and AHP decide approval. A late waiver may be submitted within 30 days after the regular deadline with a $50 fee if approved.
Hard deadline
The regular Fall 2026 waiver deadline is September 14. UC Irvine says approved late waivers submitted within 30 days are subject to a $50 fee, so submit before the regular date whenever possible.
Why students look at VISIT®
Designed for international students: VISIT® focuses on coverage options and paperwork for students studying in the United States.
Documents in one place: Students can access plan documents needed to complete a school waiver request.
Price visibility: Request a current quote because age, plan selection, and eligibility affect the actual premium.
Support before submission: VISIT® can help students understand its plan documents; the university makes the waiver decision.
Refund terms if denied: If a school denies a waiver and the plan has not been used, ask VISIT® about the applicable refund process and terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I waive UC SHIP?
Yes, but only with alternate coverage that meets UC Irvine’s current criteria. The 50-mile local-access rule is central.
Do travel plans qualify?
No. UC Irvine’s waiver materials state that travel plans do not qualify.
When is the deadline?
September 14, 2026 for the regular Fall waiver. A late process may be available within 30 days with a $50 fee if approved.
Who decides?
UC Irvine and its waiver administrator, AHP. VISIT® can provide plan documentation but does not approve the waiver.
Questions? We Are Here!
Email: info@visitinsurance.com Phone: 703-660-9062
We want you to feel relieved that you have the right insurance — not wondering if maybe you got the wrong thing. That is why we take the time to match every student with the right plan. Not just the cheapest one. The right one.
Money-Back Guarantee
If the school denies your waiver, you may request a full refund within 14 days of the denial date, provided the plan has not been used. Email your denial notice to info@visitinsurance.com and we will process your refund. No risk, no hassle.
VISIT® Insurance has been helping international students find the right health insurance since 1979. We are a licensed insurance broker based in Mount Vernon, Virginia, and we serve students at over 700 universities across the United States.
Disclaimer: Benefits and premiums are subject to change. Please review policy documents for complete coverage details and the school's current waiver requirements.
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