International Student Health Insurance Program

Source: https://iship.washington.edu/ Parent: https://iss.washington.edu/about-iss/

International Student Health Insurance Program (ISHIP)

Getting Started with the International Student Health Insurance Plan (ISHIP)

All F-1 and J-1 international students issued an I-20 or DS-2019 by a Designated School Official (DSO) from the Seattle, Bothell, or Tacoma campus or English Language Programs and are enrolled in an academic program at the UW, are required to purchase the UW’s health insurance plan.

Federal and state regulations require F and J students maintain healthcare coverage for the duration of their academic studies while studying in the U.S. In coordination with International Student Services and Husky Health Center, ISHIP staff work with F-1 and J-1 students to meet these requirements and provide information, updates, and serve as a resource.

Quick Links

New Student Checklist – Getting started with ISHIP
GAIP Eligible Academic Student Employees – Information about GAIP coverage and when ISHIP will be removed from your account
Lifewise ISHIP Website & Account Portal – Set up your Lifewise account, download the app, and other helpful tools to navigate & understand your insurance benefits
Bothell and Tacoma Campus Clinic Information – Details on local clinics serving Bothell & Tacoma students
2025-2026 Lifewise ISHIP Summary of Benefits [PDF] – An overview of your Lifewise ISHIP benefits & coverage
2025-2026 Lifewise ISHIP Insurance Benefits [PDF] – Comprehensive manual of all Lifewise medical benefits included and covered or not covered with Lifewise ISHIP

Understanding ISHIP Basics

International students are automatically required to select and enroll in the student-only ISHIP coverage each quarter when you register for classes.
To choose annual coverage (12 months) instead of quarterly coverage (3 months at a time), go to the Insurance/Optional Charges link from your MyUW Registration page to change your selection to annual. Choosing ISHIP Annual Coverage ensures 12 months of continuous ISHIP coverage, regardless of whether you take time off during the 12 months, enroll in summer classes, or you will graduate.
To maintain your quarterly health insurance coverage, you must enroll each quarter. If you are not registered for classes, you will not be eligible for quarterly health insurance. To maintain continuous coverage, regardless of enrollment, you must select ISHIP Annual Coverage option. You can change your selection from quarterly to annual coverage anytime until the start of spring quarter.
F-1 or J-1 students who are registered for credits while remaining outside of the U.S. for study or research, should request an ISHIP waiver. Review the ISHIP waiver eligibility requirements and then submit the waiver request if you qualify.

Non-International Students

ISHIP coverage is not available to UW students who are U.S. citizens, U.S. permanent residents, or in the U.S. under other non-immigrant visa categories. Please refer to Husky Health Center for insurance plan options and questions about insurance.

Additional Resources

ISHIP Contact & Location

Phone: 206-543-6202\ Email: uwiship@uw.edu\ Location: 304 Husky Health Center

Catherine Rock, ISHIP Counselor\ Chris Dessert, Assistant Director

ISHIP In-Person Office Hours


**M	T

ISHIP Virtual Drop-In Advising Hours


**W	F

Virtual Advising Services