U-SHIP 2020-21 FAQs

(General FAQs related to U-SHIP)

Q: Do I need to enroll/waive U-SHIP if I will be studying remotely this year?
A: Yes, all students in insurance-eligible programs need to take action to enroll/waive U-SHIP before the Autumn Quarter deadline, noon (CST) on Friday, October 16. If you are unsure if you are in an insurance eligible program, please consult with your area Dean of Students office.

Q: What are the comparable coverage requirements to waive U-SHIP?
A: For 2020-21, we are adjusting the comparable coverage requirements to accommodate students who are studying remotely. Students must have alternate comparable coverage for the area in which they are residing. Students studying outside of the U.S. must be enrolled in a plan that covers them in their country of residence; this may include a plan provided by the government of that country.

Q: What if I change my location of residence during the academic year? For example, what if I come to live in Chicago mid-year? Will my insurance requirement change?
A: It is the student’s responsibility to have health insurance that meets the comparable coverage requirements for 2020-21, based on your place of residence. If your insurance coverage changes mid-year, you will need to notify the on-campus insurance office of your new coverage. Students who come to Chicago mid-year may opt-in to U-SHIP, as “resuming on-campus study” will be considered a qualifying life event for the 2020-21 plan year.

Q: Do I need to enroll/waive U-SHIP each quarter?
A: Each year, students need to enroll/waive U-SHIP in the first quarter of study for that year (typically Autumn Quarter). Your insurance selection then automatically carries over to the remaining quarters of the year provided you remain registered in an insurance-eligible program.  If your insurance changes mid-year, you will need to notify the on-campus insurance office of your new coverage. Students who come to Chicago mid-year may opt in to U-SHIP, as “resuming on-campus study” will be considered a qualifying life event for the 2020-21 plan year.

Q: If I take a Leave of Absence this year, what is my insurance requirement?
A: If you take a Leave of Absence and will not be a registered student this year, you do not have an insurance requirement for the University. However, if you are taking a Medical Leave of Absence (MLOA) and would like U-SHIP coverage while on MLOA, you may apply through your area Dean of Students office. U-SHIP coverage while on a MLOA is available for up to four quarters.

Q: May I enroll in U-SHIP even if I will not be returnign to school this Autumn Quarter?
A: Students who are not eligible for U-SHIP Autumn Quarter, (due to graduation or not returning in a U-SHIP eligible status) may enroll in Continuation Coverage for up to 3 months, provided they were enrolled in U-SHIP for 6 consecutive months before becoming ineligible.  Students must enroll within 31 days of becoming ineligible and may purchase one month at a time ($376 per month). Payment is made directly to UnitedHealthcare StudentResources. Additionally, a special 4-month U-SHIP option is available through UnitedHealthcare StudentResources for the period 9/1/20-12/31/20 due to the COVID-19 emergency.  This option is available students whose current U-SHIP coverage expires August 31, 2020.  The total cost is $1,504 and must be paid upfront directly to UnitedHealthcare StudentResources.  Note: This option is only available to students who are ineligible for U-SHIP Autumn Quarter. To enroll in Continuation Coverage or the special U-SHIP 4-Month COVID option visit your MyAccount in the UnitedHealthcare StudentResources portal.

Q: Who should I contact if I have additional U-SHIP-related questions?
A: For additional information about U-SHIP, please contact the on-campus insurance office at 773-834-4543 (press option 2) or email uchicagoadvocates@uhcsr.com. For information related to University policies regarding U-SHIP, please contact Celia Bergman at cbergman@uchicago.edu.

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Resources:

• Health Insurance 101
• Insurance Glossary
• Video Tutorials
• Guide to UChicago Student Wellness
• UChicago Insurance and Immunization Requirements Overview (Video Recorded June 2020)

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