Exchange – Insurance
All international students, including exchange applicants, are required to purchase the UW–Madison Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). Information and costs of this insurance plan can be found online at the SHIP website. You can enroll online or visit the SHIP office upon your arrival in Madison.
Generally, yes. There are a few cases where you may not have to also purchase SHIP. There is more information about this waiver process on the SHIP website. The waiver is given on the university level (to all students coming from a particular university or organization) and not to individual students.
Though not required, we recommend that you consider purchasing renter’s insurance in order to safeguard your possessions from fire, theft, or other unexpected issues. The Tenant Resource Center provides a webpage with an overview of US-style renter’s insurance.
UW–Madison domestic special students are not eligible to enroll in the UW–Madison Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), however, they are eligible to receive services from University Health Services (UHS).
If you are a US citizen, the team at Covering Wisconsin may be able to assist you with healthcare options that are open to you. Covering Wisconsin is a UW System organization motivated to help students find free or low-cost options for healthcare. Please visit their website at coveringwi.org, where they can live chat with you, text COVER to 920-507-5295, or call their Madison office line 608-261-1455. You can also schedule an appointment with them online at www.coveringwi.org/enroll
Orientation
Our webpages and on-site orientation will set you up for success at UW–Madison. We recommend that you review and become familiar with the information prior to your arrival on campus.