End of Coverage: Insurance Options

It is in your best interest to avoid a break in your health insurance coverage. For those of you in the following circumstances, please refer to the following recommendations:

OPTION 1: Leave of Absence Health Coverage - Two Terms

Students may extend their Graduate Student Health Insurance for up to two terms if on an approved leave of absence. To apply, complete the Voluntary UC SHIP Enrollment Form and submit payment directly to Wells Fargo Insurance Services (address and fax listed on form).

OPTION 2: Insurance Continuation

This application is for students who are graduating. The Continuation Plan may be enrolled in for one quarter from the termination date of their current coverage. Continuation plan coverage includes all the same benefits, limitations and exclusions as the Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP). Enrollees in the Continuation Plan continue to have access to Student Health and Counseling Services. To enroll, complete the Voluntary UC SHIP Enrollment Form and submit payment directly to Wells Fargo Insurance Services (address and fax listed on form).

Conversion to an individual healthcare plan through Anthem is an option for a student or dependent to consider when UC SHIP coverage has ended and there are serious ongoing health concerns. You must apply for the Conversion Plan within 63 days of the date your UC SHIP coverage terminated. Details on eligibility, plan benefits, and the application process can be found on Conversion Enrollment Information page on the UC SHIP website.

OPTION 3: Scholars and Researchers Health Plan

This insurance plan, which is equivalent to the UC SHIP, is available to scholars, researchers or students who are engaged in a formally recognized academic pursuit or program by the University of California, San Francisco for the quarter(s) for which health insurance is being purchased. To apply, complete a Scholars and Researchers Enrollment Form and submit to Student Health & Counseling with payment or payment information.

OPTION 4: SHCS Services Benefit

For students who withdraw from the University mid-term, the UC SHIP will stay in effect until the end of the quarter as long as the student does not receive any fee reimbursement. However, if the student receives any fee reimbursement for the term in which they are withdrawing, the health insurance will terminate at the start date of that term. In this case, the student will still have limited access to services at SHCS for 30 days after withdrawal.

Students who withdraw from the University at the end of a term or less than 30 days from the end of the term may be seen at Student Health & Counseling Services for follow-up care during this transition period. They may have one follow-up visit with a primary care provider and up to three visits with a mental health practitioner for 30 days after leaving the University. If any referrals or prescriptions are ordered, they will only be paid for by the UC SHIP if the plan is in effect at the time those services are accessed. If you have additional questions, please contact Student Health at 415-476-1281.

OPTION 5: Apply for Other Insurance

Many comprehensive short-term and long-term insurance carriers are readily available for students who need immediate coverage. Listed here are a few recommended sites which provide in-depth information, free quotes and application assistance for both short-term and long-term needs.

Short Term or Temporary Coverage

Long Term Coverage

General Information