Enrollment, Eligibility & Premium

All registered UCSF students have access to in-clinic healthcare services provided by Student Health & Counseling. However, only enrollees in the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UC SHIP) have coverage to medical, mental health, dental, vision, prescription and travel insurance benefits provided by the plan.

The annual premium for the 2023-24 academic year is $7,360 however some programs premium will vary based on the period of coverage. See the 2023-24 Coverage Period and Premium table. For a complete list of fees assigned to your program go the UCSF Registrar Fees’page.

The 2022-23 academic year can be referenced on the 2022-23 Coverage Period and Premium table.

    • Registered students are automatically enrolled in UC-SHIP unless they have an approved waiver. Registered and Self Support students paying UC-SHIP premiums in Fall, Winter and Spring terms are automatically enrolled for Summer, including the Summer after graduation. Global Health Science MS, Pharmacy 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Year students are registered 4 quarters and pay premium quarterly. Nursing Post Masters' students pay premium for each quarter in which registered.

    • Scholars and researchers participating in a formal program or activity as defined by the University may enroll in the Scholars and Researcher's Health Plan. The benefits are equivalent to the registered students' UC SHIP. To apply, complete a Scholars and Researchers Enrollment Form and submit to Student Health & Counseling along with payment.

    • Students on filing fee status may enroll in the Voluntary Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan (Voluntary UC SHIP) for one quarter. Coverage is elected by term. To enroll, complete the online Voluntary and Dependent Plan Enrollment form and submit payment directly to Academic HealthPlans via the online payment methods.

    • Students on University approved leave of absence may enroll in the Voluntary Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan (Voluntary UC SHIP) for two quarters. Coverage is elected by term. To enroll, complete the online Voluntary and Dependent Plan Enrollment form and submit payment directly to Academic HealthPlans via the online payment methods.

    • Eligible dependents of fully enrolled/registered UC San Francisco students and researchers may elect to pay and enroll in the Voluntary UC SHIP. Eligible dependents of registered students must complete the online  Voluntary and Dependent Plan Enrollment form. Once completed submit payment directly to Academic HealthPlans via the online payment methods and provide the appropriate documentation:

      • For spouse, a marriage certificate

      • For same-sex/opposite sex domestic partner, a Declaration of Domestic Partnership issued by the State of California or another country or state jurisdiction

      • For natural child, a birth certificate showing the student is parent of the child

      • For stepchild, a birth certificate and a marriage certificate showing that one of the parents listed on the birth certificate is married to the student

      • For adopted or foster child, documentation from the placement agency showing that the student has the legal right to control the child's health care

      • For child eligible by court order, provide court documents which direct that the child will be covered under the insurance plan of the noncustodial parent

    • Visiting students participating in UCSF programs but enrolled at another college or university are not eligible for coverage under the UC SHIP.

    • Other UC students from other UC campuses are not eligible for coverage under UCSF's UC SHIP, but they may seek care at Student Health and Counseling Services as part of University of California reciprocity agreement.

    • Student employees who are regular status employees who apply and are approved for ‘Reduced Fee Enrollment’ are not eligible for coverage under the UC SHIP as well as in-clinic services at SHCS. See ‘Reduced Fee Enrollment’ to learn more.

    • Q: How do I obtain my personalized ID card?

      A: Anthem member ID cards are available via a new mobile app. The app provides you with your Anthem member ID card, a summary of benefits, and other useful health information to best navigate your healthcare needs. From your smartphone go to The App Store or Google Play and search for "Sydney Health.app". Tap "Not Signed Up?" button and register using your first and last name, date of birth, and student ID number. You may enable 'Face ID' if desired. You should now have access to your Anthem Student Advantage plan information. Visit anthem.com/ca for more information.

      Q: May I continue coverage if I am on a Leave of Absence?

      A: You may continue coverage if you are taking a leave of absence for two quarters per lifetime by enrolling in the Voluntary Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan (Voluntary UC SHIP). To enroll, complete the online Voluntary and Dependent Plan Enrollment form and submit payment directly to Academic HealthPlans  via the online payment methods.

      Q: Can I waive the Student Insurance Plan?

      A: Students and researchers who have access to an insurance plan that meets all minimum benefits criteria will be eligible to waive the Student Insurance Plan. To learn more, see Insurance Waiver.

      Q: Does SHCS provide COBRA or an extension of insurance plan?

      A: SHCS does not provide COBRA, because the UC SHIP is not an employer-sponsored plan. UC SHIP does provide an extension option for eligible enrollees. To learn more, see Other Insurance Options.