UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has released undergraduate and graduate student insurance rates for the 2023-24 coverage period for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for Penn State, underwritten by United Healthcare Student Resources. The Student Health Insurance Plan is offered by the University as a voluntary health insurance option for students who do not otherwise have coverage.
For fall 2023, Penn State will again require all full-time U.S. students to submit their current health insurance coverage information through LionPATH after registering for classes. If students do not have health insurance coverage, they will be able to note that on the form. This information, collected through LionPATH, will help Penn State to better understand the insurance needs of its students and help support those students in making informed health insurance decisions.
Students who do not currently have adequate coverage on or near the campus they attend are strongly encouraged to enroll in the optional Student Health Insurance Plan for Penn State. Designed specifically for students, SHIP for Penn State offers comprehensive health insurance at a competitive price with a wide network of providers across the United States.
New rates announced for 2023-24
For 2023-24, the annual individual rate for undergraduate students will be $3,042; the annual individual rate for graduate students will be $3,665. Students will be billed per semester, with the fall rate at $1,172 for undergraduate students and $1,412 for graduate students; and the spring/summer rate at $1,870 for undergraduates and $2,253 for graduate students.
The new rates represent a $310 difference annually for both undergraduate and graduate students, from last year. Included in these rates is an increase of $10 in the administrative fee, which has not changed since 2017. For more detailed rate information, visit the student health insurance website.
Nationally, health insurance rates have seen a steady increase over the past decade. For 2023, most U.S. colleges and universities will see an increase in both medical and pharmacy coverage rates.
Penn State remains committed to controlling costs for students and continues to work with United Healthcare to achieve the best possible price in the face of upward national pressure on health care and drug costs, while still providing students with a high-quality, platinum-level option for insurance coverage. The overall premium for Penn State’s SHIP remains lower than other options on the national or Pennsylvania insurance marketplaces.
How to apply for SHIP
The SHIP for Penn State is available to students at all Penn State campuses except for World Campus. Eligibility is based on student status. Students who would like to enroll in the optional plan can do so during open enrollment, which runs from April 1 to Aug. 29.
To enroll in the SHIP plan for 2023-24, students can visit the Health Insurance page in LionPATH after registering for classes and select "Enroll.”
International students and students in the College of Medicine
International students and students in the College of Medicine are required to have adequate health insurance coverage while enrolled at Penn State. These students must provide proof of third-party health insurance coverage that meets certain criteria or purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan for Penn State.
If these students have an approved waiver, they will not be billed. International students and students in the College of Medicine have until Aug. 29, 2023, to submit a waiver; if they do not submit a waiver by the deadline, they will be automatically enrolled in SHIP for Penn State and responsible for the premium charge on their student account.
Uninsured or underinsured students
Students who are uninsured or underinsured are encouraged to contact the Student Care and Advocacy office, which provides consultation on health insurance to assist students in identifying insurance options, including Medicaid or Affordable Care Act marketplace plans. Students are encouraged to get started by completing the Basic Needs Request Form. For more information, visit the Student Care & Advocacy Health and Wellness webpage.
More information about the Student Health Insurance Plan for Penn State
The SHIP for Penn State is a platinum-level health insurance plan with a low deductible and a capped out-of-pocket maximum. It was designed specifically for, and selected with input from, Penn State students. SHIP offers a vast community of in-network providers at all campus locations and throughout the United States, as well as worldwide coverage. Penn State offers this plan underwritten by United Healthcare Student Resources. It is offered as a service to students, and Penn State does not profit from the plan.
Students have been part of the decision-making process about health insurance for many years. The Student Insurance Advisory Board/Administrative Council, which includes representatives from the Graduate and Professional Student Association, the University Park Undergraduate Association, the Commonwealth Campus Student Government, and representatives from international student organizations, provides input to University Health Services and its Student Health Insurance office regarding the SHIP for Penn State, including the selection of the insurer, plan design and mechanisms to manage costs.
For more information about student health insurance, contact Student Health Insurance at uhs-insurance@psu.edu or visit the health insurance homepage.