Cost if you take SHIP
The 2026-27 premium for the USF Sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) - UnitedHealthcare, via Academic HealthPlans is $2,517 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.
The international (F/J visa) hard-waiver plan costs $2,517 for the year 8/17/2026-8/16/2027 (Fall only: $945).
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 South Florida, your alternative plan must meet these criteria (summarised — the official list is binding):
- At least $500,000 coverage per accident or illness per policy year
- Pays 80% in-network / 60% out-of-network of UCR after deductible
- Deductible up to $1,000 per year; pre-existing waiting period max 3 months
- Mental health: inpatient 30+ days, outpatient 40+ sessions per year
- Repatriation $25,000+ and medical evacuation $50,000+
- Claims paid in US dollars, English policy, insurer rated A or better
Visit the University of South Florida 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 University of South Florida SHIP premium ($2,517 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: usf.edu
- Waiver criteria: usf.edu