Getting Started with the International Student Health Insurance Plan (ISHIP)

All F-1 and J-1 international students issued an I-20 or DS-2019 by a Designated School Official (DSO) from the Seattle, Bothell, or Tacoma campus or English Language Programs and are enrolled in an academic program at the UW, are required to purchase the UW’s health insurance plan.

Federal and state regulations require F and J students maintain healthcare coverage for the duration of their academic studies while studying in the U.S. In coordination with International Student Services and Husky Health Center, ISHIP staff work with F-1 and J-1 students to meet these requirements and provide information, updates, and serve as a resource.

Understanding ISHIP Basics

• International students are automatically required to select and enroll in the student-only ISHIP coverage each quarter when you register for classes.
• To choose annual coverage (12 months) instead of quarterly coverage (3 months at a time), go to the Insurance/Optional Charges link from your MyUW Registration page to change your selection to annual. Choosing ISHIP Annual Coverage ensures 12 months of continuous ISHIP coverage, regardless of whether you take time off during the 12 months, enroll in summer classes, or you will graduate.
• To maintain your quarterly health insurance coverage, you must enroll each quarter. If you are not registered for classes, you will not be eligible for quarterly health insurance. To maintain continuous coverage, regardless of enrollment, you must select ISHIP Annual Coverage option. You can change your selection from quarterly to annual coverage anytime until the start of spring quarter.
• F-1 or J-1 students who are registered for credits while remaining outside of the U.S. for study or research, should request an ISHIP waiver. Review the ISHIP waiver eligibility requirements and then submit the waiver request if you qualify.

Non-International Students

ISHIP coverage is not available to UW students who are U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or in the U.S. under other non-immigrant visa categories. Please refer to Husky Health Center for insurance plan options and questions about insurance.

Additional Resources

• Lifewise Insurance Company – tel:1-800-971-1491
• International Student Services
• Graduate Appointee Insurance Program (GAIP)
• UW CIRCLE
• UW Husky Health Center
• UW Counseling Center
• UW Medicine