Cost if you take SHIP
The 2026-27 premium for the USC Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP/Aetna) is $3,787 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.
The annual figure comes from USC Financial Aid's 2026-27 cost-of-attendance budget; USC Student Health publishes no rate table. Spring is billed higher than fall because it covers summer. A 2026-27 Thornton School estimate says $3,777. The separate Student Health Fee is not included.
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 Southern California, your alternative plan must meet these criteria (summarised — the official list is binding):
- Meets ACA Minimum Essential Coverage
- In-network PCP, hospital and non-emergency medical/behavioral care near campus (50 miles recommended)
- International: policy in standard English with benefits in US dollars
- International: US claims payment office paying US providers directly
- International: medical evacuation of at least $50,000 per year
- International: repatriation of remains of at least $25,000
Visit the University of Southern California 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 Southern California SHIP premium ($3,787 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: financialaid.usc.edu
- Waiver deadline: studenthealth.usc.edu
- Waiver criteria: sites.usc.edu