The University of California Office of the President (UCOP) requires all UC students to have health insurance and automatically enrolls students in the University of California Student Health Insurance Plan (UCSHIP). UCSHIP coverage begins at the start of each academic quarter. Students who have comparable health insurance and wish to opt out must submit an online Health Fee Waiver during the designated waiver period. Submitting the waiver on time prevents automatic enrollment in UCSHIP and the related charges.

Why is this important? Health Fee Waiver deadlines align with UC San Diego’s official Enrollment & Registration Calendar. You can view the full academic deadline schedule here: https://blink.ucsd.edu/calendars/enrollment.html. Submitting your waiver early allows sufficient time for the system to process the waiver credit. Once approved, a waiver is generally valid for the entire academic year. If your waiver was denied or you missed a deadline, please refer to the next available waiver period.

2025 - 2026 Remaining Waiver Periods

• Spring 2026 Open Waiver: Feb 9 – Mar 14, 2026
• Spring 2026 Late Waiver: Mar 15 – Mar 20, 2026 (+ $50 late‑waiver fee)
• Please Note: Approved Spring 2026 Waivers are required to submit a new waiver application for the Fall 2026 waiver to prevent future UCSHIP enrollment.

Upcoming 2026 - 2027 Waiver Period

• Fall 2026 Open Waiver: August 3 - September 11, 2026
• Fall 2026 Late Waiver: September 12 - September 15, 2026 (+($50 late fee)

How to apply

Log into TritonLink → TritonLink Tools → Financial Tools → Health Fee Waiver. You will be redirected to the AHP questionnaire. Registration for the upcoming quarter may be required to be eligible to access the waiver application. Complete the insurance information (see FAQ below) and submit. An email confirmation from AHP confirms receipt; if you don’t receive it, re-submit a waiver, call (858) 534‑2124 or AHP at (855) AHP CARE.

Processing time – The online waiver request is reviewed within 7–10 business days . After approval, a credit appears on your student account within 1‑3 business days.

First‑billing‑date – if you are not registered by the first billing date for a quarter, access to the online waiver may not be granted. You will need to contact our office directly via email at ship3@ucsd.edu if you wish to waive before the waiver deadline.

If you waive UCSHIP, consider RAFT – the Reduced Access Fee for Tritons (RAFT) gives you scheduled primary‑care visits, in‑house labs and X‑rays at no extra cost when you use Student Health Services. RAFT costs $70 per quarter and is billed automatically .

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What if you miss the waiver deadline?

• You will be automatically enrolled in UCSHIP at the start of the quarter.
• You may still apply during the next scheduled waiver period

If you waive UCSHIP, can you still use Student Health Services?
Yes – all students who pay full registration fees may use SHS, regardless of insurance status.

What information does the waiver questionnaire ask for?

• Your insurance carrier name,
• Proof of coverage (e.g., insurance card, benefits summary).
• Confirmation that the plan meets UC’s waiver criteria (minimum benefits, network access, etc.) 
• Would you like to opt in to RAFT (Reduced Access Fee for Tritons)? 

How do I know if my insurance qualifies?
Review the University's Waiver Criteria checklist on the Student Health Services website and compare it with your health plan benefits. You may discuss with your health plan if your plan meets the waiver criteria requirements.

What happens if my waiver is denied?
You can submit a Waiver Appeal (PDF) to the Insurance Office in the Student Health Clinic, via fax 858‑822‑5910, or email SHIP3@ucsd.edu. Appeals are only accepted during an open waiver period.

Can I cancel a waiver after I’ve submitted it?

• Before the quarter starts: Submit a Waiver Cancellation Form to re‑enroll in UCSHIP.
• After the quarter starts: You may cancel only if your private coverage ends; submit an Exception to Closed Enrollment Form with documentation within 31 days of loss of coverage.

What is RAFT and why should I consider it?
RAFT (Reduced Access Fee for Tritons) provides unlimited scheduled Student Health primary‑care visits, in‑house laboratory services, and x‑ray services at no additional cost after the $70 RAFT fee per quarter when you use Student Health Services. It gives peace of mind that you won’t incur high out‑of‑pocket charges for routine care. If you waive UCSHIP and do not purchase RAFT, you will be billed the full cost of any SHS services you receive at fee for service. 

Where can I find the waiver form?
The waiver application is only available online through the Health‑Fee Waiver Tool in TritonLink; there is no paper form on the campus portal Insurance Forms.

Contact & Resources

• Email: SHIP3@ucsd.edu (subject line must include “secure”)
• Phone: (858) 534‑2124
• Zoom Q&A: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays 11 am‑12 pm Zoom meetings (all PST):                                                         
  • Monday 11 am–12 pm https://uchealth.zoom.us/j/88081736382                                                                                       
  • Wednesday 11 am–12 pm https://uchealth.zoom.us/j/81949023064                                                                             
  • Friday 11 am–12 pm https://uchealth.zoom.us/j/82705053129
• UC Waiver Criteria: https://shwadmin.ucsd.edu/uc-ship/waive/waiver-criteria.html
• TritonLink Waiver Tool: https://tritonlink.ucsd.edu/financialtools/health-fee-waiver