SHIP Waiver Instructions for Special Summer Programs

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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. 

Note:  This page is for LLM (executive track) students and new/returning summer graduate students in the programs indicated below. Students, who are enrolled in the current spring semester with an approved Spring 2025 waiver, do not need to apply for a summer waiver as the Spring 2025 waiver is valid through July 31, 2025.

STEP 1: Identify your Summer 2025 program and waiver period below.

STEP 2: Fill out the WORKSHEET to gather needed insurance information to help guide you through 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 your plan benefits. 

NOTE: This worksheet is for guidance only and does not replace the online waiver application.

STEP 3: 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 insurance card (front and back) with the name of their assigned primary care primary 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 4: 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 during your program’s waiver period listed above in STEP 1. (Note: The link to the online waiver application will be made available during your program's 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. 
• If you waive successfully for Summer 2025, you will be automatically waived for the following Fall 2025/Spring 2026 academic year.
• A new online waiver application must be filled out every summer during the waiver period for the upcoming academic year.  

Program	Waiver Application Link
11-month Master of Public Health (MPH) Master of Biotechnology (BMB)