Cost if you take SHIP
The 2026-27 premium for the Cal Poly International Student Health Insurance Plan (UnitedHealthcare Student Resources, CSU program) is $2,004 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.
Fall $754 (08/17/26-12/31/26) + Spring $819 (01/01/27-05/29/27) + Summer $431 (05/30/27-08/16/27) = $2,004 for 12 months; charged with quarterly tuition, and the flyer notes rates are subject to regulatory approval.
Waiver deadline
Submit your waiver request before the deadline above. Universities rarely accept late waivers — if you miss it, you are auto-enrolled in SHIP and billed the full premium.
Waiver requirements
According to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, your alternative plan must meet these criteria (summarised — the official list is binding):
- Only if a government sponsor requires a different health plan
- Or student is outside the US taking purely virtual classes
- Proof of insurance sent to the International Center, which checks CSU compliance
Private plans you could submit
These private US student health plans are in our comparison. None is automatically accepted — check the policy maximum, deductible, claims address and the other points above against the plan's terms before you buy:
- ISO Student Health Insurance — from $33/month
- WorldTrips StudentSecure — from $40/month
- Compass Student Insurance — from $43/month
- IMG Patriot Exchange Program
What a waiver can save
Your saving is the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo SHIP premium ($2,004 a year) minus the price of a private plan the university accepts. Private plans in our comparison start at $33/month ($396/year) for the youngest age band; plans that meet strict waiver criteria usually cost more. Compare the real price of the plan you would submit before you decide.
- Premium: uhcsr.com
- Waiver criteria: intladvising.calpoly.edu