UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State has announced student insurance rates for the 2025-26 academic year. The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) for Penn State, provided through United-Healthcare Student Resources, continues to offer a comprehensive health insurance option for students without adequate coverage, and meets the mandatory insurance requirement. SHIP is offered by the University as a voluntary health insurance option for students who do not have existing coverage.
For the upcoming 2025-26 academic year, SHIP will transition from an annual enrollment model to semester-based enrollment for eligible students. Students have until Sept. 2 to make their elections for the fall 2025 semester, and for the spring and summer 2026 semesters can make elections between Nov. 1, 2025, and Jan. 20, 2026.
Students are strongly encouraged to consider enrollment if they do not have reliable access to coverage near their campus. SHIP is designed specifically for Penn State students and offers broad, nationwide provider access and platinum-level coverage at a competitive rate.
New rates announced for 2025-26
For the 2025-26 academic year:
- The annual individual rate for undergraduate students will be $3,618, billed by semester ($1,397 for fall, $2,221 spring/summer).
- The monthly individual rate for graduate assistants, trainees and fellows will be $81.50 per month for the fall semester after Penn State’s 80% subsidy. The total cost of the plan is $4,408 ($1,702 for fall, and $2,706 for spring/summer).
While the administrative fee has remained unchanged since 2017, the new individual plan rates reflect an annual increase of $790 for students who are not eligible for the University’s 80% subsidy provided to graduate assistants, fellows and trainees. The increase reflects rising national healthcare and prescription costs, and more students choosing to utilize their coverage options. These changes reflect broader market trends, not University-driven decisions, and are evaluated annually by the Student Insurance Advisory Board and Student Insurance Administrative Council.
For detailed rate information, and to find updated rates for spouses and dependents, visit the United-Healthcare Student Resources website that provides guides for all coverage options.
Enrollment process
SHIP is available to eligible students at all Penn State campuses, with the exception of Penn State World Campus. Students can sign up for the plan during open enrollment, which runs through Sept. 2.
All students are required to submit proof of current health insurance coverage through LionPATH following course registration. Those without adequate coverage may use this process to enroll in SHIP.
International student requirements
International students are required to have adequate health insurance coverage while enrolled at Penn State.
Students may request a waiver by providing proof of qualifying third-party coverage. Those who do not submit a waiver by Sept. 2 will be automatically enrolled in SHIP for Penn State and billed accordingly.
Commitment to affordability and access
Penn State remains committed to managing health insurance costs while continuing to provide access to high-quality coverage. SHIP for Penn State offers students a low deductible, capped out-of-pocket costs, and access to in-network care throughout the U.S. and internationally. The plan remains priced lower than comparable plans available through the open marketplace in Pennsylvania and beyond.
SHIP is offered as a service to students — Penn State does not profit from the plan. Insurance provider selection, plan design and rate considerations are developed in coordination with student input through the Student Insurance Advisory Board and Student Insurance Administrative Council. The council includes representatives from the Graduate and Professional Student Association, University Park Undergraduate Association, Commonwealth Campus Student Government and international student organizations.
More information
For more information about the Student Health Insurance Plan for Penn State, visit the SHIP webpage or reach out via email at uhs-insurance@psu.edu.