Cost if you take SHIP
The 2026-27 premium for the USG Student Health Insurance Plan (Mandatory), UnitedHealthcare StudentResources is $3,289.48 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.
Mandatory plan: Fall (Aug 1 - Dec 31, 2026) $1,378.82 + Spring/Summer (Jan 1 - Jul 31, 2027) $1,910.66. The mandatory Stamps health fee is separate and is not insurance.
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 Georgia Tech, your alternative plan must meet these criteria (summarised — the official list is binding):
- State-approved health plan; no travel, indemnity or limited-benefit policies
- Coverage spans the entire term the waiver is requested for
- Includes repatriation and medical evacuation (or bought separately)
- ACA-compliant: unlimited maximum, essential benefits, no pre-existing waiting period
- In-network out-of-pocket maximum of $10,600 or less per member
- J-1 students: deductible of $500 or less
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 Georgia Tech SHIP premium ($3,289.48 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: health.gatech.edu
- Waiver deadline: health.gatech.edu
- Waiver criteria: pxl-usgedu.terminalfour.net