Cost if you take SHIP
The 2026-27 premium for the Caltech Student Medical Plan (Anthem Blue Cross) is $538.80–$5,388 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.
Per-term rates x 3 terms (Fall 9/1-12/31/2026, Winter 1/1-4/30/2027, Spring 5/1-8/31/2027). Undergraduate: $1,796/term = $5,388. Graduate student: $179.60/term = $538.80 (graduate rate is heavily subsidized). The separate dental plan is not included.
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 California Institute of Technology, your alternative plan must meet these criteria (summarised — the official list is binding):
- Other coverage must meet federal Minimum Essential Coverage (MEC)
- Plan type should appear on the CMS Minimum Essential Coverage list
- J-1 students: plan must meet Department of State insurance requirements
Visit the California Institute of Technology health services portal →
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 California Institute of Technology SHIP premium ($538.80–$5,388 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: mycaltechbenefits.com
- Waiver deadline: mycaltechbenefits.com
- Waiver criteria: mycaltechbenefits.com