UC Davis Health Insurance Waiver Requirements [2026–2027 Guide]

All students of the University of California, Davis, like many other US universities, are required to have valid health insurance as a condition of enrollment in the university. As a domestic or international student, you’ll be automatically enrolled in the UC Davis Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), or you will need to apply for a fee waiver if you have coverage under a private insurance plan.

But what if the UC Davis health insurance plans are too costly or not what you need?

Well, here’s a 2026–2027 comprehensive guide to help you understand how to apply for a UC Davis SHIP fee waiver, what conditions your alternate plan must meet, and how there are more affordable options available via private insurers like Student Cover.

What is a Health Insurance Fee Waiver?

Health Insurance Fee Waiver permit Students who meet university health insurance fee waiver criteria may choose not to enroll in the student health insurance plan offered by the University, such as the University of California, Davis. Students must prove that their current health insurance plan meets the coverage criteria of the university, including emergency services, hospitalization and mental health, and preventative care.

By completing a UC Davis Health Insurance Fee Waiver application, you prevent the automatic assignment of the SHIP fee.

Why Do Students Choose Alternate Plans?

While going for study abroad, students have to go through so many other financial obstacles related to Visa, Accommodation, Travel, and more, so they prefer options that are pocket-friendly. Many international students find the cost of the University’s insurance plan quite high.

UC Davis offers health insurance plans (SHIP) to students. These plans aim to provide full medical coverage on- & off campus. They cost about $8,820* annually. Yet, some students look into external insurance choices, but these alternatives need to meet the university's insurance fee waiver rules. They might also fit a student's specific health needs or budget better.

Why Are Private Plans More Affordable?

Student Cover provides customized plans for international students, which could be significantly less expensive than SHIP, and might be compatible with the student's needs. Here's why: 

• Targeted Demographics: Private insurers create plans specifically for students, offering benefits and pricing structured around the common healthcare needs and risk profiles of the student population.
• Administrative Efficiency: These plans have comprehensive coverage, with affordable premiums.
• Age-Based Premiums: Insurance rates are often adjusted based on age, allowing younger students to benefit from lower premiums while providing more customized coverage options for older students to suit their evolving healthcare needs.

Comparative Table 

Note: Premiums are based on students aged 25 and below. Actual pricing may vary.

Key Requirements Before Waiving UC Davis SHIP

If you're applying for a UC Davis health insurance waiver, your alternate plan must meet several university-specified criteria:

• Full coverage for emergency, inpatient, outpatient, and mental health services in the U.S.
• No exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
• The annual deductible is less than $0 to $500 for individual coverage.
• Out-of-pocket maximum of no more than $5,500.
• Access to care in the UC Davis local area.

For a detailed list, refer to UC Davis’s official SHIP waiver requirements.

Step-by-Step Guide to Apply for UC Davis Health Insurance Waiver

If you have purchased a qualifying external plan, you can apply for the waiver and avoid paying the SHIP fee. Here’s how:

Step 1: Review Eligibility Criteria

Ensure your private plan meets the University waiver requirements mentioned above.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents

Have these ready:

• Insurance ID card (PDF or scanned copy)
• Detailed policy document
• UC Davis Student ID (SID)

Step 3: Log in to Waiver Portal

Visit the UC Davis SHIP Waiver Portal Log in using your UC Davis credentials.

Step 4: Fill and Submit Waiver Application

• Answer waiver form questions carefully.
• Enter the required information, such as the Insurance company, name, Member ID, type of plan etc.
• Upload all documents.
• Double-check that your plan covers the entire academic term.
• Submit before the deadline.

Important Waiver Deadlines for 2026–2027 (according to the UC Davis official website )

Late submissions will not be accepted and will result in automatic enrollment in SHIP for the term

Step 5: Follow Up via Email

Once you submit:

• You’ll get a confirmation email.
• Additional documents may be requested.
• The final approval or rejection notice will be emailed before the semester begins.

Step 6: Check Your Student Account

If approved:

• The SHIP charge will be removed from your UC Davis student billing account.
• Always verify via CalCentral or MyBill.

If denied:

• You’ll be enrolled in SHIP and charged unless you appeal with corrected information.

University of California, Davis health insurance waiver appeal: What if your Health Insurance Waiver gets denied?

1.  If your waiver is denied because of an answer you submitted on the application, and you believe it was a mistake, you can log back into the online waiver site and correct your answer(s).

 2. If your waiver was denied and you're not sure why, you should submit an Appeal of Waiver Denial form to the Insurance Services office, along with all required documentation.

3. The appeal form must be submitted along with proof of eligibility, either a letter from your insurance company or a screenshot from your online insurance portal showing your plan is active.

You can submit the appeal form via:

• Email: waiver@shcs.ucdavis.edu 
• Fax: (530) 752-7679 

4. Deadline: Submit within 15 business days of receiving your waiver denial email. 

5. Required Documents: A completed and signed Appeal of Waiver Denial form, A copy of the front and back of your current insurance card, and a summary of benefits and coverage from your insurance provider. Proof of active coverage eligibility (such as an active portal screenshot or an official letter from the insurance company). 

 6. If you did not already upload a copy of your insurance ID card and your plan's benefits summary, you'll need to provide these before your appeal can be processed.

 7. Appeals are reviewed within 10 business days of receiving your completed form and all required documentation.

8.  Appeals are only considered for the current term, and evaluation is based on the UC SHIP comparability guidelines in effect at the time of your original application. 

9. If your appeal is approved, you'll get a confirmation email to your UC Davis email address, and the waiver will be posted to your student account within 3 business days.

 10. If your appeal is denied, you'll receive an email to your UC Davis email address explaining the specific reason(s) for the denial.

Note: Starting with the 2026–27 academic year, students on HMO plans (including Medi-Cal) must have an in-network primary care provider within 50 miles of their local residence while attending UC Davis to qualify for a waiver; this was previously 175 miles. If your provider is farther than that, you may need to transfer care before you're eligible to waive.

How Can Student Cover Help You?

Student Cover specializes in offering comprehensive and affordable F1 health insurance plans for Indian students studying abroad. Waiver accepted insurance Plans begin at $1,511, significantly lower than most university-sponsored insurance plans.

Plan breakdown:

• Student Cover Premium Plus – $1,997/year
• Student Cover Plus – $967/year
• Student Cover Elite – $1,909/year
• Student Cover World Elite Plus – $2,460/year

These plans are customized to your specific academic and financial needs and are 100% compliant with most U.S. universities' waiver policies, including UC Davis health insurance waiver criteria.

Need help? Contact Student Cover advisors who guide you through the complete waiver process from plan selection to documentation submission.

FAQs

Does UC Davis require students to have health insurance?

Yes, UC Davis health insurance is mandatory. You’re automatically enrolled in SHIP unless you successfully waive it by proving you have equivalent coverage.

Does UC Davis offer its own student insurance?

Yes, the UC Davis health insurance plans under SHIP provide comprehensive medical services. However, they can be costly and may include services you may never use.

Can international students waive UC Davis SHIP?

Yes, international students can apply for a UC Davis health insurance waiver if their alternate insurance meets the university’s requirements.

What does 0% coinsurance mean?

0% coinsurance means the insurance pays 100% of covered expenses—students pay nothing after meeting the deductible (if any).

What if I miss the UC Davis waiver deadline?

If you miss the waiver deadline, you’ll be automatically enrolled in SHIP and charged the full premium. Late submissions are typically charged a late fee up to the last deadline, but thereafter, they will not be accepted.

Does UC Davis SHIP include dental or vision?

Dental and vision coverage is included, especially for undergraduates. Graduate students may have variations.

Is UC SHIP mandatory at UC Davis?

Yes, unless a valid waiver is submitted and approved by the deadline.

What is the UC SHIP White Card?

The White Card is proof of UC SHIP insurance. You need it for accessing care, filling prescriptions, and booking appointments.

What is the deadline for UC Davis SHIP waiver for Fall 2025?

For Fall, Winter & Spring Quarters, the waiver deadline is September 1, 2025. For Semester students (Law & Vet), it’s August 1, 2025.

Final Thoughts

The UC Davis health insurance waiver process shouldn’t be stressful to navigate. Begin early, make sure the plan you already have complies, and select a student-focused option that aligns with your budget.

If you are looking for affordable alternatives to University health insurance plans, then take a look at Student Cover and stop paying for benefits you may never use!

Disclaimer: We are not comparing or recommending one insurance plan over another. We are merely providing informational options so you can make an informed decision. Plan costs, coverage, and eligibility rules vary by student age, semester, provider, and plan year. To ensure accuracy, always verify the latest information via the official UC Davis Student Health Insurance Services website and your insurance provider’s policy materials before making any decisions.