Penn State Student Health Insurance Rates for 2026-27 Academic Year

Penn State has announced the student health insurance rates for the 2026-27 academic year. The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP), provided by UnitedHealthcare Student Resources, offers a comprehensive insurance solution to meet the institution's insurance requirements.

SHIP is an optional plan tailor-made for Penn State students without adequate personal coverage, offering nationwide provider access and platinum-level healthcare coverage at competitive rates. For undergraduate students, the annual rate is $4,365, with semester rates of $1,686 for fall and $2,679 for spring/summer. In contrast, graduate and law students will experience an annual rate of $5,295, divided into $2,045 for fall and $3,250 for spring/summer terms.

After Penn State's 80% subsidy, graduate assistants, fellows, and trainees pay approximately $1,059 annually, split into $409 for fall and $650 for spring/summer. This marks an increase of $747 for undergraduates and $887 for graduate and law students compared to the prior year, reflecting rising national healthcare and prescription drug costs.

The Student Insurance Advisory Board and the Student Insurance Administrative Council, including student representation, annually evaluate these rates. Detailed information, including rates for spouses and dependents, is available on the SHIP website, with plan access at all campuses except the World Campus. Open enrollment begins mid-July for fall and November for spring/summer terms.

Students must verify their health insurance coverage via LionPATH during course registration. Those lacking adequate coverage can enroll in SHIP, while international students are required to maintain sufficient health insurance and can apply for a waiver by proving equivalent third-party coverage. Failing to secure a waiver by the deadline results in automatic SHIP enrollment, with related charges.

SHIP provides students with low deductibles, capped out-of-pocket expenses, and network access both domestically and internationally. The plan is uniquely designed to offer lower rates compared to typical market offerings. Decisions regarding insurance provider choices, plan design, and rates involve various student governance bodies.

For more information about SHIP at Penn State, students are encouraged to visit the official website or contact the office via email.