Get Your
University of Pennsylvania
Health Plan
In Minutes
Waiver 100% Approved by University of Pennsylvania.
Maximum Waiver Saving: $3,423/year
$0 Deductible Options
90% Coinsurance Options
Waiver Deadline: Aug 31
School Health Center: Free+Reimburse
Why Penn 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 Penn
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
Does the University of Pennsylvania offer health insurance to its students?
Yes. The University of Pennsylvania (Penn) requires all full-time and dissertation-status students to have comprehensive health insurance. Students are automatically enrolled in the Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP), administered through Aetna Student Health, unless they submit an approved waiver. Student Medicover provides alternative plans for international students that satisfy Penn’s coverage criteria.
Where is the University of Pennsylvania located?
Penn’s main campus occupies the University City neighborhood of West Philadelphia. The campus is centered around College Hall and includes landmarks such as Houston Hall and Franklin Field. The surrounding University City area features shops, restaurants and cultural venues, making Penn a vibrant urban campus.
When is the Penn waiver deadline?
Penn’s insurance portal opens and closes each semester. For the 2025-26 academic year, the portal is open July 1 – August 31 for fall enrollment/waiver, December 16 – January 31 for spring, and April 15 – May 31 for summer. The corresponding enrollment/waiver deadlines are August 31 for fall, January 31 for spring and May 31 for summer. Submit your waiver by the appropriate deadline to avoid being charged for PSIP.
What happens if I don’t waive Penn’s insurance by the deadline?
If you miss the waiver deadline, you will remain enrolled in PSIP for that semester and be responsible for the full premium. No refunds are granted for late waivers, so it’s important to submit your waiver before the deadline. You must complete the waiver process every year you are enrolled.
Which hospitals near Penn are in network with Student Medicover?
Student Medicover uses UnitedHealthcare’s Choice Plus network, which includes major hospitals in the University City area such as:
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania (HUP) – the flagship hospital of Penn Medicine, located in the University City section of West Philadelphia.
- Penn Presbyterian Medical Center – a hospital in the University City neighborhood that joined the University of Pennsylvania Health System in 1995.
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) – a major pediatric hospital whose primary campus is in the University City neighborhood next to Penn.
By enrolling in Student Medicover, you gain access to these hospitals and many other in-network providers nationwide.
What are the main differences between Student Medicover and Penn’s health plan?
PSIP is administered by Aetna Student Health and provides comprehensive coverage but has relatively high premiums. Student Medicover offers lower-cost plans tailored for international students, with comparable benefits. Student Medicover uses the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus network, giving students access to providers nationwide and including telemedicine, mental-health counseling and vision benefits. The Penn plan restricts services to Aetna’s preferred network and may require referrals for some services.
Can I enroll my spouse or children with Student Medicover?
Yes. Student Medicover offers dependent coverage for spouses and children. During enrollment you can add dependents to your plan, and premiums will vary based on the coverage level and number of dependents.
Can I continue seeing my current doctor?
Student Medicover plans use UnitedHealthcare’s Choice Plus network. If your doctor participates in this network, you can continue to see them at in-network rates. If your doctor is not in network, you can search for a participating physician in the Philadelphia area using UnitedHealthcare’s provider directory. Out-of-network visits may result in higher costs.
How does Penn’s health plan compare with Student Medicover?
PSIP is a comprehensive health insurance plan covering medical, mental-health, prescription and preventive care. However, its premiums can be high. Student Medicover offers more affordable plans tailored for F-1 and J-1 students, using the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus network. Student Medicover includes telemedicine, mental-health counseling and vision discounts, and allows you to see any in-network provider nationwide.
Do I need to waive Penn’s health insurance if I want Student Medicover?
Yes. Students who have their own coverage must waive PSIP via the Penn Student Insurance Plan portal. Without an approved waiver, you will remain enrolled in PSIP and be billed for the premium. Student Medicover plans are designed to meet Penn’s requirements, so you can use them to waive PSIP once you enroll.
How do I waive Penn’s health insurance?
To waive PSIP, log into the Penn Student Insurance Portal using your PennKey and password. Select the option to Enroll or Waive PSIP, choose Waive, and enter your alternate insurance information. Your plan must meet Penn’s insurance criteria (U.S.-licensed insurer, coverage for pre-existing conditions, annual maximum of at least $2 million and comprehensive inpatient and outpatient mental-health and medical care in the Philadelphia area). You may be asked to upload your insurance ID card for verification. After submitting your waiver, monitor your email for a confirmation message and check the portal to verify your waiver status. If you encounter access issues or need assistance, contact the Insurance Navigators at 215-746-4200 or [email protected].
Am I eligible for Student Medicover at Penn?
Student Medicover plans are available to international students (F-1 and J-1) and other students seeking an affordable alternative to PSIP. As long as the Student Medicover plan meets Penn’s insurance requirements—U.S.-licensed insurer, coverage for pre-existing conditions, mental-health and medical coverage in Philadelphia and a high annual maximum—you can use it to waive PSIP.
How do I know if my current insurance qualifies to waive Penn’s plan?
Penn’s insurance criteria include several requirements: your plan must be issued by a U.S.-licensed insurer, provide coverage for pre-existing conditions, offer an annual maximum benefit of at least $2 million, and include comprehensive inpatient and outpatient medical and mental-health care in the Philadelphia area. If you have an HMO or managed-care plan, ensure it provides out-of-area coverage in Philadelphia; otherwise your waiver may be denied. Student Medicover plans are designed to meet these criteria.
How do I get my Student Medicover insurance ID card?
After enrolling with Student Medicover, you will receive an email with instructions to set up your online account. Once your account is created, you can download a digital ID card or request a physical card. Present this card whenever you visit a doctor or pharmacy. If you have trouble accessing your ID card, contact Student Medicover’s support team.
How do I file a claim with Student Medicover?
To file a claim, log into your Student Medicover account, download and complete the claim form and upload it along with itemized receipts from your provider. You can also mail the documents to the claims address listed on your ID card. Claims are processed by UnitedHealthcare, and reimbursements are typically issued within a few weeks.
How can I contact Student Medicover for help?
For assistance with enrollment, waivers or claims, contact Student Medicover’s customer service at [email protected] or call 1-812-360-2313. Live chat and an online help center are also available on the Student Medicover website.
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.
