Stay healthy while studying abroad
As an international student in Silicon Valley, staying healthy is essential to your academic success and overall well-being. Balancing the demands of coursework, internships, and life abroad can be challenging, but maintaining your physical and mental health will help you thrive.
By having the right health insurance plan, you can:
- Focus on Your Studies
With access to top-quality healthcare, you won’t have to worry about unexpected medical costs.
- Stay Healthy and Active
Regular check-ups and preventive care will keep you in your best shape, ensuring you can stay active and energized.
- Access Mental Health Services
The stress of adapting to a new culture and rigorous academic programs can impact mental health. Your plan includes mental health support to help you manage stress and stay balanced.
- Receive Immediate Care When Needed
In case of illness or injury, you'll have access to medical professionals to get the treatment you need quickly, so you can get back to your studies sooner.
Good health is the foundation for academic success—protect yourself by enrolling in health insurance and stay on track for your future goals!
All F-1 visa students must enroll through our plan or provide proof of their own coverage.
- Cost varies per quarter
- Fall $875
- Winter | Spring | Summer: $675
- Coverage Dates
Your health insurance will be active from the start to the end of each quarter.
To ensure a smooth enrollment process, please follow the timeline below.
30 Days before the quarter starts
- Submit your enrollment request form.
14 Days before the quarter starts
- We send your enrollment data to Gallagher, our insurance partner.
14 Days after submission to Gallagher
- Gallagher confirms your enrollment.
Near the quarter start date
- Log in to the JCB | Gallagher Student Portal to check your enrollment status.
- Dependents information: Eligible dependents must be enrolled on the date the student enrolls or within 31 days of birth, adoption, marriage, arrival in the U.S., or termination of other coverage (proof of date may be requested). Students who wish to enroll their eligible dependents must contact your school.
- Enrollment and full premium payment for all newly acquired dependents (spouse and/or children) must be submitted within 31 days of the attainment of such dependents. Otherwise, enrollment cannot be accepted after the Enrollment Deadline.
1-2 Weeks after the quarter starts
- Access your digital insurance card through the Anthem Portal.
To register, enter your first name, last name, school-issued student ID and date of birth. Please note that the first name is limited to 16 characters and last name to 12 characters.
If you plan to enroll dependents in the health insurance plan, additional coverage and costs apply. Contact us for detailed pricing information.
Additional Resources
- JCB | Gallagher Student Portal
- Anthem Health Insurance Brochure
- Anthem Planned Benefits Summary
- OPT Health Insurance Options
If you're planning to participate in Optional Practical Training (OPT), we recommend these insurance providers:- JCB | Gallagher | Click "UC Santa Cruz OPT for plan type".
- International Student Insurance (ISI)
Make sure to enroll on time and maintain your health coverage while you pursue your academic goals in Silicon Valley!
FAQs
Coverage lasts from the quarter start date until the quarter end date.
- Fall: Sept. 1 - Dec. 31
- Winter: Jan. 1 - March 31
- Spring” April 1 - June 15
- Summer: June 16 - Aug. 31
It covers medical services for sickness and injuries, preventative care (vaccinations, physical exams, certain tests and screenings), medication, psychiatry, and more. Dental procedures and vision issues are only covered in case of a serious injury or accident. Find more detailed plan information here. LINK COMING SOON.
Health insurance plans are subject to price changes each academic year.
The cost of the Anthem plan for the 2023–2024 academic year was $675 per quarter.
Anthem plan costs for the 2024-2025 academic year are $875 for Fall quarter and $675 for winter, spring and summer quarters.
- Dependent coverage of a spouse and child is available.
- Students on Optional Practical Training (OPT) can purchase additional insurance.
- Monthly insurance: You may purchase additional coverage.
- Be sure to refill your medicine and bring a copy of your prescription, translated into English, in case you need a refill while you are here. You can read more about bringing medicine into the U.S. here. [LINK COMING SOON.]
- Bring an extra pair of eyeglasses and any other eyewear you might need for your time in the U.S.
- Check with your dentist before leaving for the U.S. as you will not have dental coverage here.
Yes. Certain criteria need to be met. Please contact us at extensioninternational@ucsc.edu.
International Inquiry Form
Speak to an international programs representative.
Call +1 (408) 450-4945
Envelope extensioninternational@ucsc.edu
To schedule an online meeting with an international advisor, please click here.
Recent International Stories
What Students Are Saying
"From assignments, class exercises, and group discussions to the project work and quizzes—it all helped me build strong foundations and solidify concepts."
— Neville Mistry
International Student
Program Manager
"I made a lot of good connections while I was here."
— Aakash Dave
International Student
Entrepreneur, Founding CEO of Spotmi
"It’s a very supportive program. The engagement within our class was great. We learned from the professors as well as our classmates."
— Renuka Adnane, MSOD PHR SHRM-CP
International Student
Human Resources Business Partner
"It was pretty deep and the assignments were demanding so I had to work hard to get the point."
— Renato Roschel Ribeiro, MBA
International Student
Director of Digital & Analytics | Data Analytics Professor
"The response from my fellow students was so enthusiastic that I had to think more in depth. It evolved. Every course demands that you think in a certain way. Every course took me a step further."
— Bouwien Luppes
International Student
Art Entrepreneur and Marketer
"She’s really inspired me to do a lot of things I was not doing with the kids. It helps you think differently about your role. It helped me a lot with teaching art and creativity. If they want to color a heart blue, we let them do it."
— Vandana Gupta
International Student
Child Care Teacher
"Diana is a fabulous instructor and is always willing to share her insights and make sure course content is adapted to everyone's needs. She is approachable and willing to help you have a thorough understanding of the content without judgment."
— Jasleen Kaur Monga
International Student
Learning Specialist | Educational Therapist
"Jagadeesh really prepares for the sessions and the assignments, not letting students to lose focus during classes, engaging all. He has got a lot of examples to share and makes people think to apply what we learn in the class."
— SasiKumar Arumugan
International Student
Lead Software Engineer
"The class involved whiteboard sessions and collaboration projects which really prepared me well to start working in the industry and tackle UX design interviews."
— Agnieszka Zimolag
International Student
Product Design, Cloud at IonQ
