To be eligible for student health insurance, you must:
- be a degree-seeking student AND
- be registered for five or more credit hours each semester (only applies to undergraduate students)
Student Insurance open enrollment periods by semester:
- Fall: Aug. 1 - Sep. 9
-
Spring: Jan. 1 - Feb. 9 (EXTENDED to Feb. 19, 2024)
- Summer: May 1 - Jun.9
Proof of Coverage Forms
Do you already have insurance coverage and do not want to enroll in the UI student plans?
Complete a Proof of Coverage form within MyUI. Visit the "Student Information" section, select "+ More" button, and under "Student Life Management", select the "Student Insurance" link.
Two health plans to choose from
SHIP
The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is a Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan, which provides coverage for preventive care, hospitalization, surgery, maternity, well-baby/well-child care, emergency care for accidents or illness, and medically necessary physician care, prescription drugs, and mental health.
Providers: Alliance Select PPO
UIGRADCare
The UIGRADCare plan is a comprehensive health care program that covers hospital, medical, surgical, outpatient, and other health care services such as physical therapy. Coverage is also provided for routine physicals, newborn care, well-child checkups, and prescription drugs.
Providers: You must use Student Health and UI Health Care providers only
To review both plans side-by-side, visit the SHIP and UIGRADCare Comparison page.
Dental Insurance
Student Dental Plan
All students may receive coverage through the Student Dental plan. Dental care under this plan can be obtained from any provider; however, there are advantages to using participating providers who have contracts with Delta Dental of Iowa, the dental insurance plan administrator.
How to enroll
Eligible students will complete their insurance enrollment through MyUI. You may enroll during one of the student insurance open enrollment periods or with a qualifying life event if outside the enrollment period for the semester.
How to enroll
Open enrollment periods are as follows:
- Fall Semester: Aug. 1 to Sep. 9
-
Spring Semester: Jan. 1 to Feb. 9 (EXTENDED to Feb. 19, 2024)
- Summer Semester: May 1 to Jun. 9
Step-by-Step Instructions
Enrolling in SHIP, UIGRADCare, and dental insurance is an easy process that you can do online through MyUI.
- Log in to MyUI.
- Under STUDENT INFORMATION, select the "+More" button.
- Under STUDENT LIFE MANAGEMENT, select "Student Insurance."
- Choose the first green button labeled "Enroll in Insurance."
- Continue to fill out the online form and submit it to University Benefits for processing.
Adding dependents
If you have a spouse/partner or child(ren) who will need insurance, you must complete an enrollment form in MyUI to add them to your policy. You will have 30 days from the date of arrival or date of eligibility and 60 days from the date of birth to add dependent(s) to your policy.
Once you submit your online enrollment form, you will receive an email confirmation from the University's workflow system. Your form will be processed in the order it was received. You may check the status of your previously submitted insurance requests by visiting your My Initiated Packages in the workflow.
Have a Question?
Visit our Student Insurance Resources page or email our team at benefits-students@uiowa.edu.
ABOUT OUR SITE:
The information presented on our website describes only the highlights of the plans and does not constitute official plan documents. Additional terms and conditions may apply. If there are any discrepancies between the information contained herein and the official plan documents, the plan documents will govern. For more detailed information you may contact Wellmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield at toll-free number 800-524-9242 (TTY: 888-781-4262), Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Central Time). For more efficient service, please have your member ID number handy - it can be found on the front of your card.