Cost if you take SHIP
The 2026-27 premium for the University of Cincinnati Student Health Insurance – UnitedHealthcare StudentResources (medical) is $2,679.12 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.
Single student: Fall (Aug 10–Dec 31) $1,107.90 + Spring (Jan 1–Aug 9, includes summer) $1,571.22 = $2,679.12 for Aug 10, 2026–Aug 9, 2027. Summer-only (May 1–Aug 9) is $722.18 for summer starters.
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 University of Cincinnati, your alternative plan must meet these criteria (summarised — the official list is binding):
- Active for the entire time you are enrolled in classes
- Full (not emergency-only) benefits within 50 miles of campus
- No pre-existing condition exclusions or limitations
- No benefit limitations; not a short-term plan
- US-based insurance company and claims administrator
- Covers maternity, mental health, substance use, Rx, preventive and lab services
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 University of Cincinnati SHIP premium ($2,679.12 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: med.uc.edu
- Waiver deadline: med.uc.edu
- Waiver criteria: med.uc.edu