Gender-Affirming Benefits

SHIP Gender-Affirming Benefits 

Scheduling Appointments at UHS

  • Gender-affirming services and hormone therapy appointments with a primary care provider can be scheduled through the eTang portal. Visit the Transgender Care page for more details.
  • If you need assistance, call Clinic 3 at (510) 643-7110 and ask to speak with a clinic nurse. The clinic nurse can arrange appointments and prepare you for your visit.

Referrals 

  • If you receive a referral from a UHS provider, a member of the SHIP Trans Care Benefits Team will contact you to schedule a phone consultation to discuss the SHIP gender-affirming benefits, pre-certification requirements, locating in-network providers and go over any questions you may have.

Pre-certification is required for the following services: 

  • Hysterectomy 
  • Mastectomy (top surgery) 
  • Breast augmentation (augmentation mammoplasty) 
  • Gender-conforming facial surgery 
  • Gender-confirmation (reassignment/bottom) surgery
  • Fertility preservation 
  • Travel expenses

Pre-certification is not required for the following services:

  • Hormone therapy
  • Electrolysis (face and neck)
  • Laser hair removal (face and neck)
  • Tracheal shave
  • Vocal training (speech therapy)

Estimated Costs* for Common Surgeries

  • Mastectomy (top surgery): $10,000 - $12,000
  • Hysterectomy: $10,000 - $15,000
  • Metoidioplasty: $21,500 - $41,000
  • Vaginoplasty: $27,000
  • Orchiectomy: $6,500
  • Phalloplasty: $99,000
  • Augmentation mammoplasty (Breast augmentation): $7,000

*Please use these estimates as suggestions only; costs vary widely. Estimated prices are based on case rates, which may include costs for services after the surgery, such as follow-up care if needed.

SHIP members are responsible for the $450 deductible and any applicable co-pay and co-insurance, up to the out-of-pocket maximum of $3200 per plan year for in-network services. More benefit and coverage details can be found on the gender-affirming benefits flyer. Pre-certification is required for most care.

If you don't have SHIP

  • At UHS: All registered students can obtain services with the Trans Care Team. For information about fees, visit the Billing and Cashier's Office webpage. The Trans Care Team can send prescriptions and lab work to outside pharmacies and labs. 
  • Benefits & Coverage: Check with your health insurance provider to see what medical care is covered.
  • Kaiser members: Kaiser does not permit patients to go outside their system. Learn about Kaiser's transgender coverage.

Questions?

  • Contact the SHIP Trans Care Benefits Team at (510) 642-5700 or by sending a secure message in the eTang portal.  

More Information