SHIP Updates

SHIP Updates for the 2025-26 Plan Year

For the upcoming 2025-26 plan year, the SHIP premiums have increased at a higher rate than previous years and the need for some benefit changes have been implemented. These changes are due to a few factors, including rising healthcare and pharmacy costs.

The following benefit changes are effective August 1, 2025:

  • In-network co-insurance

    • The in-network co-insurance is increasing from 10% to 20%.

  • Out-of-pocket maximum (OOPM)

    • The in-network OOPM is changing from $3,200 per individual / $6,400 per family to $5,000 per individual / $10,000 per family.
    • The out-of-network OOPM is changing from $6,500 per individual / $13,000 per family to $10,000 per individual / $20,000 per family.

  • Prescriptions filled at the Tang Center Pharmacy

    • For generic prescriptions, the co-pay is increasing from $0 per prescription to $10 per prescription.
    • Prior authorization and step therapy for some prescriptions will be implemented, with the exception of testosterone for gender-affirming care.
  • Out-of-network Urgent Care
    • To comply with mental health parity, out-of-network urgent care centers are covered at the 100% of the usual and customary charge after a co-pay of $50.

SHIP Updates for the 2024-25 Plan Year

ID Card & Member ID

SHIP Eligibility & Activation

  • Each semester eligible students must be enrolled in a minimum of 0.5 units to be eligible for SHIP and to begin the enrollment process. SHIP coverage will then be activated within 3-5 business days with an effective date of August 1, 2024 for the fall semester or January 1, 2025 for the spring semester.

SHIP Coverage Periods 

  • Fall 2024: August 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024
  • Spring 2025: January 1, 2025 to July 31, 2025 

Wellfleet Member Services

  • For medical and mental health benefits and claim inquiries for services beginning August 1, 2023, contact Wellfleet Member Services by calling (877) 657-5033 or emailing UCBcustomerservice@wellfleetinsurance.com.
  • For medical and mental health benefits and claim inquiries for services before August 1, 2023, contact HealthComp Member Services (Wellfleet's third-party administrator) at (833) 302-9785. 

SHIP Referrals 

  • Effective March 16, 2020, no referrals from University Health Services are needed before accessing medical and mental health care until further notice. Most providers should not require any documentation. However, if needed, you can take this UHS letter. 

How to Access Care

  • UHS: All registered students have access to services at UHS. Some services may be offered virtually. Visit the appointments page for more information.
  • Medical & Mental Health: To locate in-network healthcare and mental health providers, use Wellfleet's provider search tool online or the Wellfleet Student mobile app. Visit How to use SHIP for more information.
  • Dental: For in-network dental providers, visit the SHIP dental page for more information.
  • Vision: For in-network vision providers, visit the SHIP vision page for more information.
  • Other UC Campuses Student Health Centers:
    • The student health center (SHC) at each University of California campus gladly offers reciprocal access to currently registered students from all other UC campuses under the same conditions that apply to its own students. 
    • If you visit an SHC at another campus, you may need to pay out of pocket for any services you receive and submit a claim for reimbursement. Please contact the SHC or Counseling and Psychological Services (CAPS) of the UC campus you plan to visit or check their website for more information about available services and fees.

How to Reach the SHIP Office

  • Location: Room 3200 in the Tang Center (third floor)
    • In-Person Office Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday: 9 am-12 pm & 1-4:30 pm | Wednesday: 9:30 am-12 pm & 1-4:30 pm
  • Phone: (510) 642-5700
    • Phone Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, & Friday: 8 am-12 pm & 1-4:45 pm | Wednesday: 9:30 am-12 pm & 1-4:45 pm
  • Email: ship@berkeley.edu 
  • Send secure messages through the eTang portal