Get Your
University of California, Santa Barbara
Health Plan
In Minutes
Maximum Waiver Saving: $8,100/year
$0 Deductible Options
90% Coinsurance Options
Waiver Deadline: September 6
School Health Center: Reimburse
Why UCSB Trusts Student Medicover
Trusted by over 1,500 Universities and High Schools.
Low OOPM
Stay protected with out-of-pocket maximums from $5,000.
Direct Payment
Many medical providers bill us directly. Only pay your portion after your visit.
24/7 Assistance
Questions about finding a doctor or filing a claim? Our team is here to help anytime.
In-network Doctors Near UCSB
Disclaimer: The above data is based on the number of hospitals within 20 miles of the school’s main campus, data taken from May 2023, for reference only, specific information can be viewed by clicking the button below to enter the address yourself.
Affordable plan that covers everything
No confusing tiers. No exclusions for hereditary conditions. Just complete coverage.
What is covered?
Accidents & injuries
Illnesses & diseases
Emergency care
Surgery & hospitalization
Diagnostic tests
Prescription medications*
and more……
What is covered?
FREE
24×7 Customer Service
FREE
Online Doctor Visit
FREE
Claim Assistance
FREE
Mental Health Service
FREE
Vision Care*
and more……
*Benefit availability may vary by plan. Please refer to the Policy Certificate for full benefit details.
Insureds From
Serving Students At
Over
Common FAQs
Why do international students need health insurance?
Healthcare in the United States can be expensive, especially for international students without insurance. Student Medicover plans protect students and their families from high medical costs related to doctor visits, urgent care, emergency treatment, prescription drugs, hospitalization, and other medical needs.
Student Medicover also has a licensed support team to help members understand their benefits, find care, and use their insurance with confidence.
Who is eligible for the Student Medicover plans?
Student Medicover offers a range of plans designed for different types of international students in the United States, including high school and college students. Eligibility depends on the specific plan selected.
College-level plans are primarily designed for full-time international students enrolled in a degree program and taking on-campus classes, typically meeting minimum credit requirements.
Certain plans may also be available to students on OPT or J-1 visa programs, depending on the plan.
Because eligibility and plan availability can differ, students are encouraged to contact us for assistance.
What are the insurance coverage periods and waiver periods for University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) students, and how do they apply to graduating students?
UCSB students are generally required to maintain health insurance coverage for the full academic year in accordance with school insurance requirements.
Insurance Coverage Period: September 20th – September 14th
Fall Waiver Period: August 1st – September 6th
Fall Late Waiver Deadline: September 19th
Fall Late Waiver Fee: $50
For students in semester-based programs or early start programs, insurance coverage periods and waiver timelines may differ from the standard schedule. Students should refer to the official UCSB website for the most accurate requirements.
Graduating students may be eligible to enroll through the end of their graduation term or through the end of the academic year, depending on school waiver requirements.
Students who need assistance understanding their coverage or waiver eligibility may contact Student Medicover for support.
Does Student Medicover Plans include a nationwide PPO network for University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) students?
Yes. Student Medicover plans use a UnitedHealthcare PPO network (Options/Choice Plus PPO), which helps UCSB students access in-network doctors, urgent care clinics, and hospitals across the United States—useful for travel, internships, and school breaks.
A key advantage of Student Medicover is that both the provider network and claims processing are handled directly through UnitedHealthcare Student Resources (UHCSR). This means network access and claims services are integrated under one company, offering a seamless experience for students. In contrast, many other insurance options split these services between different companies, which can lead to confusion and delays when accessing care or resolving claims.
How do I find an in-network doctor or medical facilities near campus?
Students can use Student Medicover’s “Visit a Doctor / Find a Doctor” provider search tool to locate in-network healthcare providers based on their location and care needs.
- Enter your address or ZIP code
- Select the type of care you need, such as primary care physicians, hospitals, or urgent care centers
This provider search helps students quickly find nearby in-network doctors and healthcare facilities.
Does Student Medicover health insurance cover vaccines (immunizations)?
Student Medicover Supreme, Elite, Prime 100, and Prime 500 plans all cover preventive care services provided at in-network facilities. This includes most of the vaccinations required by colleges, as these immunizations are typically classified under preventive care.
Are prescription drugs covered under Student Medicover health insurance?
Yes. Eligible Student Medicover plans—including the Prime 500, Prime 100, Elite, and Supreme options—provide prescription drug benefits (subject to formulary, pharmacy network, and cost-sharing rules). Among these, the Supreme plan offers the highest level of prescription drug coverage.
Can I enroll in dental and vision coverage from Student Medicover?
Individuals over 18 can access a variety of dental and vision insurance options, as well as discount plans, through Student Medicover.
Unlike most other international student health insurance providers—which usually do not offer adult vision benefits—the Supreme, Elite, and Prime 100 plans from Student Medicover each provide a $200 adult vision benefit.
All Student Medicover International Student Health Insurance plans, except for the Basic plan, also include pediatric dental and vision coverage.
What do the Student Medicover Plans cover?
Student Medicover plans offer comprehensive health insurance coverage designed for international students, with benefits varying by plan.
- Doctor visits and preventive care
- Mental health services
- Prescription medications
- Emergency and urgent care
- Hospitalization and surgical services
Coverage levels, provider networks, and cost-sharing such as deductibles, copays, and coinsurance may differ across plans. Students are encouraged to review plan details carefully to select the option that best fits their needs and school requirements.
Why is Student Medicover an ideal healthcare coverage option for University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) international students?
Student Medicover plans are designed to provide UCSB international students with reliable healthcare access across the United States, combining comprehensive insurance benefits with dependable support services.
Depending on the plan selected, students can benefit from competitive coverage levels for eligible in-network services, helping manage medical costs while offering flexibility.
Student Medicover is the exclusive international partner of UnitedHealthcare Student Resources (UHCSR), which processes all claims and provides access to the nationwide UHC Choice Plus PPO/UHC Options PPO network, including over 1 million physicians and 6,000 hospitals.
In addition, Student Medicover offers a licensed support team available around the clock to assist students and families.
The on-campus pharmacy is out-of-network; please use an in-network pharmacy such as CVS Pharmacy for insurance coverage.
How can international students complete and submit the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) student health insurance waiver with Student Medicover?
International students may waive the UCSB student health insurance requirement by submitting proof of comparable coverage that meets the school’s criteria.
Student Medicover plans, such as Supreme, Elite, Prime 100, and Prime 500, can be used to help satisfy these requirements.
After enrollment, Student Medicover provides insurance verification documents and policy details required for waiver review. Students use these materials to complete the official waiver form.
The waiver is typically submitted through UCSB SHIP Waiver Portal and must follow UCSB official instructions and deadlines, which may vary by program, term, and student status.
Can I still visit the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB) Student Health Service (SHS) if I have Student Medicover insurance, and how does it work?
Yes. Students enrolled in Student Medicover insurance can still receive care at the UCSB Student Health Service (SHS) like any other enrolled student.
The SHS does not provide direct billing to insurance. Students are required to pay for services at the time of visit.
According to the plan benefits, eligible services at the SHS are covered at the preferred provider level, and copays and deductibles are waived for eligible services.
After receiving care, students may submit a claim to UnitedHealthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) within 90 days to request reimbursement for eligible expenses, subject to plan coverage rules and service eligibility.
Student Medicover can assist students with understanding the UHCSR claim process and required documentation if support is needed.
What should I do in a medical emergency near campus or anywhere in the U.S.?
If you believe the situation is serious or life-threatening (for example, trouble breathing, heavy bleeding, severe injury, or chest pain), call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room (ER) immediately. Afterward, you can contact Student Medicover support for guidance on claims, bills, and next steps.
Are pre-existing conditions covered under Student Medicover health insurance?
Approved Student Medicover plans are developed to comply with requirements for international students and provide coverage for pre-existing conditions with no waiting period.
Does the Student Medicover health insurance plan cover acupuncture and massage therapy?
Coverage for acupuncture and massage therapy depends on the specifics of your Student Medicover plan and how the service is billed. If the treatment is deemed medically necessary and forms part of a physical therapy regimen, it may be covered. Massages not considered medically necessary are generally not covered.
How to Waive
Get Insurance Card
After enrolling in your plan, download your insurance card by visiting uhcsr.com.
Filling Waiver Form
Filling the waiver form according to the insurance card and submit it on school’s official website.
Verify Your Waiver
It generally takes 7-10 working days for school to verify the waiver. After the waiver is approved, the school will refund your insurance fee to your account.
