Each Autumn quarter the ISHIP Office receives many questions about enrolling in ISHIP, getting your LifeWise insurance card, and questions about the coverage ISHIP provides. Here’s what you can expect from ISHIP as you start Autumn quarter.
Important information for new students enrolled in ISHIP:
- ISHIP coverage begins on 9/1 BUT you must register for Autumn quarter classes to activate your ISHIP coverage.
- LifeWise will send you a Welcome Email the week after you register for Autumn quarter classes OR the week when Autumn ISHIP coverage begins on 9/1, if you have already registered prior to 9/1.
- Your local mailing address in MyUW must be a U.S. address to properly create a LifeWise portal account, access the ISHIP Mobile app, and receive your LifeWise card and documents.
- LifeWise insurance cards should arrive the week of 9/15. Keep this insurance card with you. You will use it when you see a doctor or other provider for services. You may also access your digital insurance card from the LifeWise ISHIP Mobile App.
- A LifeWise portal account is recommended but not required. However, an account provides you with greater access to your medical coverage and contact LifeWise directly with any benefit questions.
How do I enroll in ISHIP?
International students initially sign up for ISHIP when they register for classes via Register.UW the very first time. In their required Pre-Registration steps, students may choose quarterly or annual coverage and add dependents, if applicable.
What is the difference between the quarterly and annual coverages?
Quarterly coverage is applied every quarter once you register for classes. If you do not register for classes in a quarter, including summer, you will not be enrolled in insurance.
Annual coverage is applied once and applies throughout the academic year regardless of whether you register for classes. You may choose annual coverage during the Autumn, Winter, or Spring quarters only. Coverage begins in the quarter in which you select annual coverage and extends through to the end of Summer quarter or to 8/31/26.
I am enrolled in the Quarterly coverage but would like to switch to the Annual coverage. Can I do this now?
Yes! You still have time to change from the quarterly plan to the annual plan.
- Once registered for classes, log in to the Insurance/Optional Charges page.
- Select the insurance options changes you wish to make on Insurance/Optional Charges page
You may make changes only through the third Friday of the quarter (October 10, 2025 for Autumn 2025).
How do I pay the ISHIP fee?
When you enroll in ISHIP, UW adds the insurance premium to your tuition statement, and you must pay it by the 3rd Friday of each quarter (October 10, 2025 for Autumn 2025). If you select the annual insurance option, you will pay the annual premium for the year during that quarter and will maintain insurance coverage through summer quarter. You must pay ISHIP fees together with your tuition each quarter or in full for annual coverage. There is no need to pay the ISHIP fee before using your ISHIP coverage to see a doctor.
Can I waive the ISHIP requirement?
The UW ISHIP requirement may be waived only when a student meets certain eligibility criteria and has comparable health insurance that is valid in the US. Please make sure to review the waiver eligibility criteria before submitting your request. Students must submit waiver requests by the third Friday of the quarter (October 10, 2025 for Autumn 2025) for consideration.
How much does ISHIP cover and what services does ISHIP fully cover?
In-network clinics cover most services at 75% after you pay your $100 quarterly deductible, while campus clinics cover services at 75% and waive the quarterly deductible.
ISHIP fully covers preventative services, such as physical/annual exams and many vaccines such as HPV, MMR, flu, COVD, meningitis, and TdaP when administered at an in-network clinic.
Visit the LifeWise website to find the Benefit Booklet to learn more about the medical benefits included and covered or not covered with your ISHIP coverage.
Where do I go to see a doctor?
Go to an in-network provider to receive the best level of coverage. You can search for in-network providers on the LifeWise website.
How can I contact the ISHIP office?
- Email: stdins@uw.edu
- Phone: 206-543-6202
- In Person: Husky Health Center, Room 304 on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays between 8am-5pm
- Virtually: Visit the Virtual Front Desk on Wednesdays and Fridays between 9am-11am