Insurance While on Leave of Absence (Graduate & Professional Students)

Coverage under the SHIP as a registered student terminates at the end of the quarter if the student does not return the following quarter as a registered student. Graduate and professional students who are on an approved Leave of Absence (LOA) may purchase one quarter of the SHIP per lifetime. Enrollment in the LOA SHIP is not automatic.

How do I enroll in the SHIP while on LOA?

Students enrolling in the LOA SHIP coverage must have been covered under SHIP as a registered student in the term immediately preceding the term in which they are enrolling as a LOA student.

You must complete the LOA SHIP Enrollment Form and submit it along with premium to the UCSD Student Health Service (SHS) Insurance Office on or before the applicable enrollment deadline. The enrollment form is found on page 37 of the SHIP brochure. It can also be downloaded from www.renstudent.com

What are the coverage periods and enrollment deadlines?

Quarter Coverage Dates Enrollment Deadline
Fall 2009 9/21/09 to 1/1/10 10/09/09
Winter 2010 1/1/10 to 3/25/10 1/15/10
Spring 2010 3/25/10 to 6/14/10 4/09/10

How much does LOA SHIP cost?

The cost to purchase LOA SHIP coverage is $928. This amount is the premium for one quarter of SHIP and does not include other costs that you may incur while covered under the SHIP. These other costs may include fees for services provided by SHS, as well as deductibles, copays and other costs not covered under the plan.

Can I still use SHS while on an approved Leave of Absence?

You may use SHS for one quarter following your last registered quarter at UCSD however you will be responsible for all services provided through SHS on a fee-for-service (FFS) basis. FFS means that a fee will be charged for all services provided. The fee varies depending on the type of service. The fee will be charged automatically to your student billing account unless paid for at the time of service.

Can I file a claim for services provided through SHS?

Yes, if you are enrolled in the SHIP. Students will receive an itemized invoice for all services provided through SHS. It is the responsibility of the student to submit the itemized invoice, along with a claim form, directly to PIA for consideration of eligible charges. See How to File a Claim for more information. All eligible charges will be subject to the plan year deductible, co-payments, plan limitations and exclusions.

How does the SHIP work while on LOA?

While you are on an approved LOA and enrolled in SHIP, there is no change to the plan benefit. As always, SHS is your primary care provider when you are within 100-miles of UCSD. A written referral from SHS is required for all non-emergency services received outside of SHS. The referral must be obtained PRIOR to services being rendered. SHS does not provide retroactive referrals.

When outside 100-miles from UCSD, SHS referrals are not required for non-emergency services however your deductible will increase in the absence of a referral. Please refer to the SHIP brochure for more details regarding the SHIP benefits.