University of California-Davis International Student Health Insurance Waiver Guide 2026-2027
Updated: Aug 13
A practical guide to comparing coverage, preparing documents and submitting your waiver.
Waiver Deadline: September 1, 2026
Accepted VISIT® plan family | |
School-plan cost | $3,924 |
Coverage period | Maintain qualifying coverage throughout the 2026-2027 academic year |
Waiver deadline | September 1, 2026 (Fall quarter); August 15, 2026 for Fall semester programs. Late waiver deadlines: October 1 (quarter) or September 15 (semester), with a $50 fee. |
UC Davis Charges a Mandatory UC SHIP Fee — Here's What You Need to Know Before You Waive
Deadline: September 1, 2026. Automatic enrollment doesn't mean automatic approval — UC Davis checks every waiver against UC's system-wide rules before it removes the charge from your student account. Here's exactly what it looks for, and how a VISIT plan lines up against it.
UC Davis Waiver Requirements
Review the university's current criteria before purchasing or submitting an alternative plan. The waiver administrator makes the final approval decision.
● Active health coverage maintained for the full academic year
● Unrestricted access to an in-network primary-care provider and hospital near campus or the student's residence
● Access to full non-emergency medical and mental-health care near campus
● Coverage that satisfies the University's current waiver criteria
● Supporting documents submitted during the applicable waiver period
How to Submit Your Waiver — Step by Step
Step 1: Choose the appropriate VISIT® plan. Open the school's VISIT® page and review the ELITE Plans options.
Step 2: Enroll and collect your documents. Save your digital insurance ID card, confirmation and certificate or benefit summary.
Step 3: Open the university waiver portal. Sign in with your university credentials and enter the requested insurance information.
Step 4: Upload and review. Upload all required documents, check every date and policy number, then submit before the deadline.
Step 5: Keep the approval. Save the approval email or screenshot and confirm that the school-plan charge is removed or credited.
SAVE as much as $2,303
Plan Comparison: UC Davis School Plan vs. VISIT®
Plan | Age 17-24 starting price* | Deductible | Coinsurance | Maximum Out-of-Pocket |
$1,620.60 | $450 | 80% | $5,000 | |
$1,908.95 | $250 | 80% | $5,500 | |
$2,460.00 | $0 | 100% | $5,000 |
*VISIT® starting prices shown are national published rates and vary by age, state, effective date and plan availability.
Why Students Consider VISIT® Insurance
● Multiple plan choices designed for international students
● Age-based pricing that may cost less for younger students
● Fast online enrollment and digital documents
● Help matching the plan to the university's waiver criteria
● Refund support under the applicable VISIT® terms when a waiver is denied and the plan has not been used
Do Not Miss the Waiver Deadline
VERIFIED 2026–2027 DEADLINE: September 1, 2026 (Fall quarter); August 15, 2026 for Fall semester programs. Late waiver deadlines: October 1 (quarter) or September 15 (semester), with a $50 fee.
Questions? VISIT® Is Here
NEED HELP? EMAIL A VISIT® ADVISOR → info@visitinsurance.com | 703-660-9062
VISIT® Insurance has helped international students find health-insurance options since 1979. The goal is not simply to select the cheapest plan, but to identify an option that fits the student's needs, budget and university requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I waive UC Davis's health insurance plan? Yes, if your coverage meets UC SHIP's system-wide waiver requirements, including ACA minimum essential coverage.
What does UC Davis require for a waiver? Review current requirements on the UC Davis website
Have no per-medical or per-mental health/substance use condition maximum benefit limits.
Cover services related to suicidal conditions, including attempted suicide or suicidal thoughts.
Cover medical services for injury from participation in all types of recreational activities or amateur sports.
Have no preexisting condition exclusion or limitation; if the plan has a preexisting condition waiting period, that period must have expired.
Have no lifetime maximums on benefits.
Have a complete master policy written in standard English with benefits expressed in U.S. dollars.
Have a claims payment office with an address and phone number in the United States.
Pay at least $50,000 annually for medical evacuation from the United States to the student’s home country.
Pay at least $25,000 for repatriation of remains from the United States to the student’s home country.
When is the deadline? September 1, 2026.
Money-Back Guarantee
If the school denies your waiver, you may request a refund within the period allowed by the applicable VISIT® terms, provided the plan has not been used. Send the denial notice promptly to info@visitinsurance.com. Review the current refund terms before enrollment.
Disclaimer: Benefits, premiums, deadlines and waiver criteria are subject to change. Review the policy documents and the university's current requirements. Waiver approval is determined solely by the university or its waiver administrator.
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