COVID-19 & UCSHIP: A Student & Parent Guide
Referral No Longer Required for COVID-19 Vaccine
UPDATED UCSHIP POLICY: Please be advised that as of 5/18/21, a valid Ashe Center referral is no longer required to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The Ashe Center Insurance department shares this update for UCSHIP students.
Utilizing UCSHIP During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Given everything that is happening now—from online courses to Safer-at-Home orders— we are providing guidance about the benefits of maintaining your UC SHIP coverage:
- UC SHIP covers COVID-19 testing and treatment with $0 co-pay, when the test is deemed medically necessary.
- The Ashe Center remains open and available for those of you who are on or near campus and need to come for in-person visits.
- Phone and video appointments are now available with $0 co-pay. Several specialists are also offering phone and video visits to ensure continuity of care.
- Being enrolled in UC SHIP in the Spring means that you are also covered through the summer at no additional cost. Spring coverage ends the day before the start of Fall quarter.
- UC SHIP is part of the Anthem network, so if you live in the US but are not returning to campus for Spring, Ashe will help coordinate referrals so you can get the care you need near your home without any hassles. Referrals are not required for urgent care or emergency room visits.
- UC SHIP includes medical, dental, and vision coverage. You are covered by Delta Dental and Anthem Blue Cross, who have network providers all over the country.
- UC SHIP provides worldwide coverage, too. Whether traveling or living outside the country, you and your dependents who are covered under UC SHIP can use the BlueCard Worldwide program. Visit the UCOP website for details.
- The UC SHIP premium is typically covered as part of your financial aid package and waiving UC SHIP does not release those funds to you.