Cost if you take SHIP
The 2026-27 premium for the Princeton University Student Health Plan (SHP), Aetna Student Health is $4,220 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.
12-month student fee for the plan year Aug 1, 2026 – Jul 31, 2027.
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 Princeton University, your alternative plan must meet these criteria (summarised — the official list is binding):
- US-based insurer licensed in the US; international plans do not qualify
- In force for the full plan year Aug 1 – Jul 31
- In-network inpatient/outpatient medical and mental health care within 30 miles of Princeton
- Covers pre-existing conditions with no waiting periods or exclusions
- No yearly or lifetime maximums on ACA essential health benefits
- Medical evacuation of at least $50,000 and repatriation of at least $25,000 when travelling
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 Princeton University SHIP premium ($4,220 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: uhs.princeton.edu
- Waiver deadline: shp.uhs.princeton.edu
- Waiver criteria: shp.uhs.princeton.edu