Cost if you take SHIP
The 2026-27 premium for the Foothill-De Anza International Student Health Insurance Plan (Academic HealthPlans, UnitedHealthcare network) is $1,665 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.
$555 per quarter x 3 quarters (Fall Aug 15-Dec 14, Winter Dec 15-Apr 14, Spring Apr 15-Aug 14) = $1,665 for the full year; students whose first quarter is Summer pay an extra $288 for Jun 15-Aug 14.
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 De Anza College, your alternative plan must meet these criteria (summarised — the official list is binding):
- Only if a spouse, partner or parent works in the US for a US company
- Student must be covered by that employer's health plan
- Proof: employer benefits letter, paycheck showing premium, copy of the policy
- Travel, accident or home-country insurance is never accepted
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 De Anza College SHIP premium ($1,665 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: deanza.edu
- Waiver deadline: deanza.edu
- Waiver criteria: deanza.edu