Cost if you take SHIP
The 2026-27 premium for the Michigan State University Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) – Aetna Life Insurance Company, administered by Academic HealthPlans is $3,997–$3,998 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.
International students: Fall $1,999 (8/16/26–2/15/27) + Spring 2 $1,999 (2/16/27–8/15/27) = $3,998 (no annual rate published). Domestic students annual $3,997. Graduate assistants pay $0 for student coverage (university-paid).
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 Michigan State University, your alternative plan must meet these criteria (summarised — the official list is binding):
- Must be an employer plan
- At least $500,000 per condition without time limitation
- Policy-year deductible of $500 or less per individual
- Covers inpatient/outpatient medical and mental health services; Rx up to $500,000
- Worldwide coverage for the full waiver period
- Medical evacuation ≥ $50,000; repatriation ≥ $25,000
Visit the Michigan State University 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 Michigan State University SHIP premium ($3,997–$3,998 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: myahpcare.com
- Waiver deadline: msu.myahpcare.com
- Waiver criteria: msu.myahpcare.com