Student Health Plan
The Student Health Plan (SHP) is a health insurance plan that is customized to work well with the on-campus student clinic, University Health Services (UHS). The plan is intended for matters beyond the University health fee in relation to a specific injury or illness, including hospitalization and prescription benefits.
Understanding UK SHP
This health insurance plan is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) provided by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield. Members have a choice of providers from the largest provider network in the U.S. The health care providers you choose will affect your out-of-pocket expenses. Remember: using UK HealthCare providers will save you money. See the policy online for details.
Participating in this student health plan does not mean all of your health care is free. There are medical expenses you are responsible to pay, including an annual deductible, co-pay or co-insurance charges, and costs related to services limited or excluded by the insurance plan.
It is your responsibility to familiarize yourself with this plan. The best way to make this coverage (or any health plan) work for you is to be informed and proactive. If possible, check the covered benefits before you receive medical care. Read the policy online and contact the Student Health Plan office with your questions.
For a brief summary of the plan benefits and premium costs, click here.
Contact us
For questions about enrollment, premiums or making changes to information in your account, please contact Academic HealthPlans (AHP): 1-855-856-2385, uky.myahpcare.com
For questions about your coverage, claims or retrieving your coverage ID card, please call Anthem BCBS: 844-412-0752
For general questions contact the UK Student Health Plan Office: 859-218-0461 or 859-218-3208 or studenthealthplan@uky.edu
Eligibility
Eligible students fall into one of the following enrollment types:
Voluntary Enrollment Students: UK and BCTC undergraduate students enrolled in six or more hours, visiting J-scholars and enrolled UK graduate students may elect to purchase this Student Health Plan (SHP) for themselves and their dependents.
Funded Graduate Students: Qualifying fully-funded graduate students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Plan at no cost to themselves. NOTE: Only the SHP Office can verify eligibility of fully-funded status.
International and ESL Students: J1, J2, F1 visa holders are enrolled in the Student Health Plan when they register for classes, unless proof of comparable coverage is provided. The cost is added to their student bill.
Health Sciences: Students enrolled in a UK Health Services program (Medical, Nursing, Dental or Pharmacy).
Dependents: Eligible students who enroll may enroll their eligible dependents. Eligible dependents are the student’s spouse and dependent children under age 26.
For questions about eligibility and enrollment, please call Academic HealthPlans: 855-856-2385.
For questions about benefits and claims, please call Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield: 844-412-0752
UK SHP office: studenthealthplan@uky.edu
Funded Graduate Students
A funded graduate student is enrolled in the Graduate School, degree-seeking, and receiving support from UK in the form of a full-time assistantship (TA, RA, GA), qualifying fellowship, or a combination of these positions.
| Coverage level | Fall 2024 | Spring/Summer 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Student | $1185 | $1937 |
| Spouse | $1244 | $2034 |
| Child | $1244 | $2034 |
| Children | $2488 | $4068 |
How do I know if I am eligible for the Student Health Plan as a funded graduate?
A qualifying funded graduate student is automatically enrolled in the coverage provided by this policy. To qualify, a student must be enrolled in the Graduate School, degree-seeking and receiving support from UK in the form of a full-time assistantship (TA, RA, GA), qualifying fellowship, or a combination of these position. Full-time standing means an assignment of 20 hours per week or a fellowship stipend of $9,000 or more paid through the UK payroll system. The SHP office determines eligibility each semester. Changes with a student’s assignment, fellowship, or status may affect his or her eligibility. Summer health coverage is linked to your status during the spring semester. Contact your health plan coordinator at the SHP office with eligibility questions at studenthealthplan@uky.edu or 859-218-3208.
Enrollment
As a funded graduate student, you will be automatically enrolled into the health insurance plan. There is no paperwork or enrollment form for you to complete.
Dependents – if you are enrolled in this Student Health Plan (SHP), you may choose to enroll your dependents in this health insurance plan on the AHP website at uky.myahpcare.com/enrollment, at your own expense, during the posted open enrollment windows.
For funded graduate students with an F1, J1 or J2 visa – you will see a charge for the health insurance plan on your tuition account. Payments for the plan are posted on the 28th of each month. Once it is determined that you are in fact a funded graduate student, you will see the credit posted to your account on or around the 28th of that month. It is not necessary for you to contact the SHP office for this to happen.
Declining the Plan
Domestic students who wish to decline the plan must complete a Declination Form by the specified deadline each semester that they wish to waive. The Declination Form can be located on the UK Graduate website.
International students must complete a waiver application through the Academic HealthPlan (AHP) website. Students receive an email once they are eligible to submit a waiver application. Please note that both waiver options have applicable deadlines.
International students
Student Health Plan coverage is mandatory at UK for international students. If you have an F-1, J-2 or J-3 visa and register for any course (this includes zero or two-credit hour courses), you will be automatically enrolled in the SHP.
| Coverage level | Fall 2024 | Spring/Summer 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Student | $1185 | $1937 |
| Spouse | $1244 | $2034 |
| Child | $1244 | $2034 |
| Children | $2488 | $4068 |
What action do I need to take to sign for the mandatory Student Health Plan?
None. There is no paperwork or enrollment form for you to complete. F-1, J-1 and J-2 students are enrolled in the SHP automatically when you enroll in any class. The charge for this plan will be added to your tuition account.
I already have my own health plan. Can I waive the UK health insurance?
In rare circumstances, when a student already has qualifying health coverage provided by an employer, government sponsor or exchange agency, they are eligible to provide documentation of their alternate health coverage by applying for a coverage waiver. When a waiver is approved for a qualifying alternate plan, UK will cancel that student’s eligibility for the SHP for one semester. Waivers must be completed each semester in order to cancel the SHP charge. You can find more information about the waiver by visiting uky.myahpcare.com/waiver.
How much does the health plan cost?
The cost for Fall 2024 coverage is $1,244. The cost for Spring/Summer 2025 is $2,034. Amounts will be posted to your tuition account at the beginning of each semester that you are eligible for the plan.
Waiver appeals – a waiver appeal can be submitted for International students that will be out of the country for an entire academic semester or that may have a circumstance that is extraordinary. Please note that submission of a waiver appeal does not guarantee an approval. Attempts to fraudulently bypass the standard waiver process will result in an application denial. Waiver appeals forms can be requested from the SHP office by emailing studenthealthplan@uky.edu.
Center for English as a second language (CESL) students
A CESL student meets the following criteria:
Not enrolled in UK academic courses
Enrolled in classes provided through the UK Center for English as a Second Language
How do I get enrolled in and pay for the Student Health Plan (SHP)?
CESL students are automatically enrolled in the health plan and the charge for the coverage is posted to your UKY tuition account. Health coverage for CESL students with an F-1, J-1 or J-2 visa is mandatory.
I am an F-1, J-1 or J-2 visa holder, but I already have my own health plan and I want to cancel SHP. What do I do?
In rare circumstances, when a student already has qualifying health coverage provided by an employer, government sponsor or exchange agency, they are eligible to provide documentation of their alternate health coverage by apply for a coverage waiver. Please contact the SHP office at studenthealthplan@uky.edu to request a benefits verification form if you need to apply for a waiver. Be aware that there are deadlines for applying for a waiver. Benefits verification forms received after the deadline will not be accepted.
When a waiver is approved for a qualifying alternate plan, UK will cancel that student’s eligibility for the SHP for one semester. Waivers must be completed each semester in order to cancel the SHP charge.
How much does the health plan cost?
| Semester | Health coverage dates |
Premium amount charged to your tuition account |
|---|---|---|
| Fall I 2024 |
August 15-October 16, 2024 |
$538 |
| Fall II 2024 | October 17- December 31, 2024 |
$650 |
| Spring I 2025 |
January 1-March 15, 2025 |
$635 |
| Spring II 2025 |
March 16-June 15, 2025 |
$791 |
| Summer 2025 |
June 16-August 14, 2025 |
$513 |
Visiting Scholars
Health insurance coverage is mandatory for Visiting J-Scholars. Scholars are required to acquire health insurance within 3 days of arriving in the United States.
How do I get enrolled in the Student Health Plan (SHP)?
Click here and follow the steps beginning on page 3. If you have difficulty, contact the Customer Care department at 855-856-2385.
I need to purchase the SHP, but I do not have a UK identification number. What do I do?
If you have not been assigned a UK ID number, please use your 8-digit date of birth in the UK ID field. (For example, if you were born on May 31, 1978, you would enter “05311978” in the UK ID
field.)
I already have health insurance. Can I waive out of the Student Health Plan?
Coverage is required for scholars here on an F1, J1, or J2 visa. Most Visiting Scholars choose this UK sponsored health plan. If you already have your own coverage which meets UK’s minimum requirements you will need to show documentation to your advisor using the benefits verification form found here.
The enrollment dates do not match my visit dates. Will my dates or charges be prorated?
Neither the period beginning and ending dates, nor plan cost can be changed to fit your arrival and departure dates.
How much does the health plan cost?
|
Period |
August 15- October 14, 2024 |
October 15- December 14, 2024 |
December 15, 2023-February 14, 2025 |
February 15-April 14, 2025 |
April 15- June 14, 2025 |
June 15- August 14, 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Premium (cost) |
$521 | $521 | $521 | $521 | $521 | $521 |
Voluntary Students – Unfunded Graduates, Health Sciences, Law, OPT, and BCTC Students
Undergraduate and non-funded graduate students may purchase coverage provided by this policy. An undergraduate student must be enrolled in at least six credit hours at the University of Kentucky. A Graduate, Health Sciences, and Law students must be enrolled in at least two credit hours at the University of Kentucky.
Students at Bluegrass Community and Technical College (BCTC) Cooper, Newtown and Leestown campus locations, enrolled in at least six credit hours, are eligible for the UK Student Health Plan.
| Coverage level | Fall 2024 | Spring/Summer 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Student | $1244 | $2034 |
| Spouse | $1244 | $2034 |
| Child | $1244 | $2034 |
| Children | $2488 | $4068 |
How do I purchase the coverage?
Coverage may be purchased at uky.myahpcare.com by the posted open enrollment deadlines. Under “Enrollment”, select “Enroll Online” to proceed with the application.
When does coverage begin?
- Fall – Coverage begins on August 15 or on the date of purchase if purchased after August 15.
- Spring/summer – Coverage begins on January 1 or on the date of purchase if purchased after January 1.
I graduate in May (or December). When does my coverage end?
Coverage for every student ends on the same date regardless of graduation dates. If you purchase coverage for the Fall semester, your coverage will end on December 31. If you purchase coverage for the Spring semester, your coverage will end on August 14.
Frequently asked questions
How do I get an ID card?
You can access your card by either downloaded the Sydney Health app on your phone and creating an account using your UK student ID number (without the beginning “9”) or by going to Anthem.com and creating an account there. If you have trouble creating these accounts, you may call Anthem at 844-412-0752 for assistance.
What does the health plan cover?
The University of Kentucky Student Health Plan covers Injury and Illness. The health insurance plan coverage includes, but is not limited to: inpatient hospitalization, outpatient doctor’s visits, X-rays, laboratory charges, surgery and emergency care. The plan also includes some preventive care services at 100 percent. See the policy for complete details of the services provided for specific risk groups.
What is the difference between the Student Health Plan and the mandatory student health fee?
The Student Health Plan is an injury and illness plan that includes diagnostic testing, hospitalization, and prescription benefits. The plan is intended for matters beyond your health fee.
The Student Health Fee is a mandatory fee all full-time UK students pay in the fall and spring semesters that entitles them to most services at University Health Service (Student Health) at no cost, including many routine or preventive services. The health fee is voluntary for most students in the summer. The student health fee is not health insurance.
Part-time students and students categorized as full-time by their enrollment in zero or two credit hour residency classes are not automatically assessed the health fee, but they may request that the fee be added to their student account each semester by calling Student Account Services at 1-859-257-3406. Deadlines do apply.