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To save you time and frustration, please take a moment to review these helpful steps. Most errors encountered during the waiver process can be avoided by following these simple instructions.
STEP 1: Fill out the Guidance Worksheet
This guidance worksheet will help you gather the insurance information you need to complete the online waiver application. Please note that this worksheet is for guidance only and does NOT replace the online waiver application.
TIP: Call the customer service number listed on your insurance ID card or check your health plan information on your insurance carrier's website to confirm all the details needed to waive online.
STEP 2: Have your insurance card and applicable insurance documentation available.
- Domestic students are required to upload a copy of their insurance card (front and back). Students with an HMO plan will also need to provide documentation showing their assigned primary care provider (PCP) is within 50 miles of their residence while attending school if the PCP is not listed on the insurance card.
- International students are required to upload a copy of their insurance card (front and back) and a complete master policy booklet written in standard English with benefits expressed in U.S. dollars.
- Medi-Cal Recipients are required to upload a current copy of their local Medi-Cal Managed Care Health Plan insurance card (front and back) with the name of their assigned primary care provider listed. This insurance card also shows the name of the insurance company and the customer service phone number. Note: If the insurance card is not current, attach the insurance card AND current notice of action or proof of eligibility.
- Examples:
- Alameda County: Alameda Alliance, Kaiser (Northern California)
- Contra Costa County: Contra Costa Health Plan, Kaiser (Northern California)
- Marin County: Kaiser (Northern California), Partnership Health Plan of California
- San Francisco County: Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser (Northern California), San Francisco Health Plan,
- San Mateo County: Health Plan of San Mateo, Kaiser
- Santa Clara County: Anthem Blue Cross, Kaiser (Northern California), Santa Clara Family Health Plan
Note: Do NOT upload the Benefits Identification Card (BIC) issued by the State of California as the BIC is not the local Medi-Cal insurance card and is not sufficient to waive SHIP.
STEP 3: During the fall or spring waiver period, log into your online waiver account using your student ID and date of birth in MMDDYYYY format as the password to complete the online waiver application. (Note: The link to the waiver application will be made available during the waiver period.)
You will have 25 minutes to complete and submit the online waiver application. After 25 minutes, the session will expire, and you will be required to log back into your account to restart the application process.
Once you submit the online waiver application, you will receive a confirmation immediately with the determination. The confirmation will also be sent to your email address on file with the campus. Please keep the email confirmation for your records as proof of submission. If you do not receive a confirmation immediately after submitting your application, log into your online waiver account or contact the SHIP office at (510) 642-5700 or ship@berkeley.edu to confirm records of submission.
Note:
- Your insurance plan must be active and meet ALL of the waiver criteria at the time of your waiver application submission.
- A new online waiver application must be filled out every summer during the waiver period for the upcoming academic year.
- If you waive successfully for the fall semester, you are automatically waived for the following spring semester only. However, waiver audits occur throughout the academic year.
- Online waiver applications submitted outside the Fall or Spring waiver periods are not valid or recorded. Applications must be submitted during the posted Fall or Spring waiver periods to be considered.