Overview
The Virginia Tech Student Health Insurance Plan (VTSHIP) is a comprehensive healthinsurance option that meets the requirements of the Virginia Board of Medicine for fulltime students. It is designed to provide coverage for medical, mentalhealth, and prescriptiondrug services while students are enrolled at Virginia Tech, whether they live oncampus, offcampus, or study abroad.
Eligibility
All fulltime undergraduate and graduate students are automatically eligible for VTSHIP. Students may choose to optout if they can demonstrate that they have comparable coverage through another source.
- Fulltime status = 12 credit hours (undergraduate) or 9 credit hours (graduate)
- International students on F1 or J1 visas
- Students on a leave of absence may keep coverage for a limited period
If you decline VTSHIP, you must provide proof of alternative health insurance that meets Virginia law requirements by the enrollment deadline.
Key Benefits
VTSHIP follows the Virginia Medicaid fee schedule for most services and includes the following core benefits:
| Benefit Category | Coverage Details |
|---|---|
| Medical Care | Doctor visits, urgent care, hospital stays, surgeries, laboratory tests, and imaging. |
| Mental Health | Outpatient counseling, psychiatric services, and inpatient mentalhealth treatment. |
| Prescription Drugs | Formulary coverage with tiered copayments; generic drugs are preferred. |
| Emergency Services | Emergency department visits, ambulance transport, and airmedical evacuations when medically necessary. |
| Maternity & Newborn | Prenatal care, delivery, and newborn care (subject to plan limitations). |
| Preventive Care | Immunizations, screenings, and annual physicals at no outofpocket cost when provided by a network provider. |
| Dental & Vision (Optional) | Separate voluntary rider available for an additional premium. |
Costs & Payments
VTSHIP is funded through a perstudent premium that is billed automatically to your student account. The premium amount varies by student classification and residency status.
- Undergraduate (Virginia resident): $1,100 per academic year
- Undergraduate (nonresident): $1,600 per academic year
- Graduate (Virginia resident): $1,350 per academic year
- Graduate (nonresident): $1,850 per academic year
Additional outofpocket costs include:
- Copayments: $15$35 per office visit, $200 deductible for inpatient stays
- Prescription tier: $5 generic, $15 preferred brand, $30 nonpreferred brand
- No coinsurance for innetwork preventive services
Students may apply for a premium reduction if they demonstrate financial hardship. The application is processed through the Office of Student Financial Assistance.
How to Enroll
- Log in to MyVT using your NetID.
- Navigate to Student Services & Financial Aid Health Insurance.
- Review the plan summary and costs.
- Select Enroll in VTSHIP or OptOut and upload proof of alternative coverage if needed.
- Confirm your selection and submit. You will receive an email confirmation within 24hours.
- If you enroll, the premium will appear on your student account bill for the upcoming semester.
Important deadline: All enrollment decisions must be completed by June30 for fall semester coverage. Late enrollment is possible only with a documented qualifying life event.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if I travel abroad?
VTSHIP provides limited coverage for emergency medical care while you are outside the United States. You are encouraged to purchase additional travel insurance for comprehensive protection.
Can I keep my existing private plan?
Yes, if your private plan satisfies Virginias minimum coverage requirements. You must submit proof of coverage by the enrollment deadline; otherwise you will be automatically enrolled in VTSHIP.
How do I find innetwork providers?
Use the Kaiser Permanente provider directory (the plans network). You can also call the member services line at 1800555SHIP.
What if I miss the enrollment deadline?
You may enroll during the qualifying life event window (e.g., loss of other coverage, marriage, birth of a child). Submit a written request with supporting documentation to the Student Health Insurance Office.
Is there coverage for telehealth?
Yes. VTSHIP covers virtual visits with network physicians at the same copayment as an inperson office visit.
