Student Health Insurance Program
Comprehensive health coverage for U of I students
The Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP) at University of Idaho offers comprehensive health coverage to ensure you have access to essential medical services. SHIP provides benefits for both on-campus care at the Vandal Health Clinic and off-campus services through UnitedHealthcare Student Resources (UHCSR).
You can learn more about SHIP eligibility, enrollment and benefits available at the Vandal Health Clinic by downloading the 2025-26 SHIP Cost, Coverage, Enrollment and Benefits Brochure (PDF).
SHIP eligibility
SHIP coverage is available to all domestic full-time degree-seeking students enrolled in 12 or more credits, graduate and law students enrolled in nine or more credits, student-athletes enrolled in one or more credits and all international students. If you do not meet eligibility requirements and need SHIP, you must fill out a Special Circumstance Enrollment Form.
Enrolling in SHIP
You can enroll in SHIP through MyUI using your U of I student credentials during the enrollment period (When course registration opens to the first day of the semester you’re registering for).
How to apply for SHIP during the enrollment period:
You may complete the form online through MyUI before the first day of the semester:
- Log in to MyUI using your NetID and password
- Under “Student Self-Service”
- Click on "Student Health Insurance Menu"
- Click on “Health Insurance Information Form”
- Select term from the drop-down list
- Complete form
- Submit
Once you have submitted the initial enrollment request, you will receive an email notification from studentinsurance@uidaho.edu when your enrollment is processed in the university system. Your eligibility file will be transmitted to the claims administrator, United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR), for processing in their system. Once processing is completed, UHCSR will send an email to your official Vandal email address with instructions for setting up an account in their online portal system. That account is where you may access benefit information for services outside of the Vandal Health Clinic, network provider lists, proof of insurance cards and claim details. Links are also available at www.uhcsr.com/uidaho.
Other enrollment options
If you need to enroll in SHIP outside of the normal enrollment window, you’ll need to apply using the late enrollment or special circumstance enrollment process.
Late enrollment
If you have involuntarily lost employer-sponsored health insurance or Medicaid, you may enroll in SHIP after the enrollment deadline using the Qualified Late Enrollee Form. Documentation showing details of the qualifying event must be attached to the completed form and submitted within 30 days of loss of coverage.
Download the SHIP Qualified Late Enrollee Form (PDF)
NOTE: Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to download, open and sign PDF forms. Google Chrome is the preferred browser for PDF downloads. To sign PDFs using a digital signature in Adobe, please follow these steps.
Special circumstance enrollment
If you do not meet the standard eligibility provisions for SHIP but would like to enroll, you may submit a Special Circumstance Enrollment Form. This form must be completed by the first day of each semester.
Download the SHIP Special Circumstance Enrollment Form (PDF)
NOTE: Adobe Acrobat Reader is required to download, open and sign PDF forms. Google Chrome is the preferred browser for PDF downloads. To sign PDFs using a digital signature in Adobe, please follow these steps.
Completed forms may be emailed to studentinsurance@uidaho.edu from the student's official Vandal email or return it to the SHIP office in the Student Health Building, room 101.
SHIP costs
SHIP fees are charged per semester as a separate line item (Medical Insurance) on your student account and can be covered by financial aid.
2025-2026 SHIP costs
Period | Total Cost |
Fall semester (includes coverage for winter break) | $1,206 |
Spring and summer semester (includes coverage for summer break) | $1,206 |
Summer (For new incoming students only) | $703.50 |
Qualified late enrollee coverage | $201 per month |
For comparison purposes the average monthly cost of SHIP medical and prescription coverage, if enrolling for the 12-month term (both fall and spring semesters), is approximately $201 per month for 2025-2026.
SHIP effective dates
SHIP coverage begins at the start of the fall semester and lasts until the day before spring classes begin. Spring and summer coverage starts with the spring semester and continues through summer until fall classes begin.
New students starting in the fall who enroll in SHIP will receive summer coverage beginning in May until the start of fall classes when your regular coverage starts.
2024-2025 coverage dates
Period | Coverage start date | Coverage end date |
Fall | Aug. 19, 2024 | Jan. 07, 2025 |
Spring and summer | Jan. 8, 2025 | Aug. 24, 2025 |
Summer (New students only) | May 12, 2025 | Aug. 24, 2025 |
2025-2026 coverage dates
Period | Coverage start date | Coverage end date |
Fall | Aug. 25, 2025 | Jan. 13, 2026 |
Spring and summer | Jan. 14, 2026 | Aug. 23, 2026 |
Summer (New students only) | May 12, 2026 | Aug. 23, 2026 |
Requesting an early effective date
If you are a domestic or international student who is required to be on campus or participate in a university-sponsored or university-affiliated activity before the first day of a semester, you may request an adjusted effective date.
To request an early effective date you must send an email to studentinsurance@uidaho.edu from your official VandalMail. The email should include your full legal name, Vandal number, term request is being made for, details of why you are required to be on campus prior to the first day of the term and a request for an adjusted effective date. SHIP enrollment for the term requested will be verified as well as eligibility for an adjusted effective date. If approved, the early effective date will be the first calendar day of the month a new semester begins (August 1 for fall term and January 1 for spring term). Additional information or documents may be requested from you to process an adjusted effective date.
Contact the Student Insurance Office at 208-885-2210 or studentinsurance@uidaho.edu for additional information regarding an adjusted effective date.
Coverage information
Download the following brochure for information on benefits and providers associated with University of Idaho Student Health Insurance Program (SHIP).
2025-26 SHIP Cost, Coverage, Enrollment and Benefits Brochure (PDF)
Brochures for benefits outside of the Vandal Health Clinic are available at uhcsr.com/uidaho.
Dependent and spousal coverage
If you are enrolled in SHIP, you may opt to have your spouse and children covered as well.
Dependent coverage is an extension of your health insurance plan. It covers spouses and children.
2025-26 dependent SHIP costs
Fall Aug. 25 – Jan. 13 | Spring Jan. 14 – Aug. 23 | Summer May 12 – Aug. 23 | Annual Aug. 25 – Aug. 23 | |
Student only | $1,206 | $1,206 | $703.50 | $2,412 |
Student and spouse | $2,412 | $2,412 | $1,407 | $4,824 |
Student, spouse and one child | $3,618 | $3,618 | $2,110.50 | $7,236 |
Student, spouse and 2+ children | $4,824 | $4,824 | $2,814 | $9,648 |
If you wish to add a dependent to your SHIP policy, you’ll need to complete your SHIP enrollment first and then fill out the Dependent Coverage SHIP Form. You may return the completed dependent coverage form to the SHIP office or email it to studentinsurance@uidaho.edu from your Vandal email.
Policy information and support
Understanding your Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is essential for managing your healthcare at U of I. UnitedHealthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) administers SHIP, providing electronic ID cards and managing claims and coverage details.
Learn how to create a UHCSR account, access your insurance card and navigate the claims process to ensure you’re prepared for any healthcare needs during the semester.
Proof of insurance
Electronic proof of insurance ID cards will be available through the UHCSR website once eligibility is loaded.
Creating an UHCSR account:
Before you can access your SHIP Insurance Card, you must first create an account through UHCSR's website.
Visit www.uhcsr.com/myaccount to create your UHCSR account.
Enter your name, date of birth and your school ID number or your U of I email address.
- When creating a My Account and using your U of I student ID number, remove the dash and add a zero at the end (i.e. 123-45678 becomes 123456780).
- If your student ID number begins with a “V”, remove the “V” and add a 9 to the end (i.e. V00123456 becomes 001234569).
- If you have both types of numbers associated with U of I and one number does not work, try your alternative number.
If you have any issues, call UHCSR at 800-767-0700 for further assistance.
Accessing your insurance card online:
Log into your online account at www.uhcsr.com/myaccount.
Once you log in, you can access your ID card, view coverage details, check claim status and view other plan information.
Accessing your insurance card through the Mobile App:
Download the Student Resources mobile app to access information on the go using the account you created above. Available on Google Play store and the App Store. Search for UHCSR.
Policy details
Claims administration by: UnitedHealthcare Student Resources (UHCSR).
Underwritten by: UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company. Policy #2025-353-1/4
Insurance claims
Eligibility and plan benefits are determined at the time of service or upon receipt of a claim. Claims incurred within the first four weeks of the semester, before eligibility is received, can be paid out-of-pocket or a manual update can be requested. See the "Using SHIP at the Beginning of the Semester" section above for more information on requesting a manual update.
During academic breaks, the claims administrator may be unable to confirm a student's eligibility prior to receipt of spring, fall or summer eligibility information.
In-network claims:
You can locate participating pharmacies and providers at www.uhcsr.com/uidaho and within My Account. The pharmacy network is UnitedHealthcare Pharmacy (Optum Rx).
Please note that you will need to present your Student Resources ID card (proof of insurance card) to the pharmacy/provider as they will need unique ID number created by Student Resources.
Out-of-network claims:
Insured individuals are required to pay the full price of prescriptions purchased and services rendered from non-participating pharmacies/providers.
Claims for reimbursement can be submitted to:
- UnitedHealthcare Customer Service
- Call 1-800-767-0700
- This toll-free phone number is available to call for plan benefits and claims status.
- Customer Service agents are available Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Central Standard Time (5 a.m. to 5 p.m. Pacific Standard Time).
- Call 1-800-767-0700
- UnitedHealthcare Claims Center
- Mail claims and documentation to:
Student Resources
PO Box 809025
Dallas, TX 75380-9025
- Mail claims and documentation to:
Using SHIP at the beginning of the semester
Claims incurred within the first four weeks of the semester, before eligibility is loaded with the claims administrator, can be paid out-of-pocket or a manual update can be requested.
To request a manual update of SHIP eligibility during the first four weeks of the semester, send an email to studentinsurance@uidaho.edu stating your intention to remain enrolled in SHIP for the semester of your request (fall or spring). Include your full name, Vandal number and the name of the pharmacy or medical provider you are using.
An email notification will be sent to your Vandal email when processing is complete, and you can fill your prescription or access medical services.
UHCSR Help Center
UnitedHealthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) provides a variety of health insurance resources for students on their online help center. Resources include a FAQ page, a glossary of insurance terms, a Health Insurance 101 course and helpful videos.
These resources can be accessed using your UHCSR account information at www.uhcsr.com/help-center.