Grad Health Insurance

Graduate Student Health Insurance Overview

Graduate student health insurance at UAF is provided through United Healthcare Student Resources (UHCSR) and is available only when funding covers the cost of the plan. All graduate assistantships include health insurance, and some fellowships also provide coverage depending on the terms of the award.

All UAF students also have access to the Student Health & Counseling Center, which offers additional information about student insurance options under the Insurance section of their website.

Graduate Student Health Insurance is a no opt-out policy and will act as secondary insurance if you already hold another health plan.

If you don't have health insurance, please scroll down to the "Uninsured Options" section below.

Have Grad Health Insurance? Here's a Quick Guide

Disclaimer This quick guide provides a simplified explanation of the Graduate Student Health Insurance Plan. It is an interpretation by UAF personnel who are not insurance specialists. For complete details, refer to the .
Eligibility
  • Included with graduate assistantships
  • Included with some fellowships
  • May be covered through a departmental payment memo
  • No opt-out; acts as secondary insurance if you already have coverage
How to Enroll
If you have a funding source that will be paying for your insurance, you will need to enroll every semester for your insurance to remain active. The insurance provider requires up-to-date personal information each semester to maintain coverage.

To Enroll:

  2. Wait for the Graduate School to submit your enrollment to the insurance company

Once you receive enrollment confirmation from UHCSR via email:

  • Create your account at the if you don't already have one.

From your UHCSR dashboard, you can:

  • Print your insurance card
  • Add dependents
  • Find in-network providers
Enrolling Dependents
  1. Fall Term: November 1
  2. Spring Term: March 1
  3. Summer Term: June 15

In the case of a Qualifying Life Event, students have 30 days from the event date to enroll new dependents. For questions about enrolling dependents, contact directly.

Coverage Dates & Costs per Semester

Students are not responsible for the cost of coverage per semester. Costs are covered by the funding source designated in your appointment letter initiated by your graduate coordinator each semester. Below is the breakdown of dates and costs:

  • Fall 2026 ($2,182.00): August 25, 2026 – January 4, 2027
  • Spring & Summer 2027 ($3,806.00): January 5, 2027 – August 24, 2027
  • Summer 2027 Only ($1,640.00): May 17, 2027 – August 24, 2027
Best First Stop for Care: Student Health & Counseling Center

UAF Student Health & Counseling Center (SHCC)

  • $0 copay for covered visits
  • $0 deductible
  • Many standard primary care and counseling services covered at 100%
Common Costs & Out-of-Pocket Breakdown
  • Primary Care: $50 copay
  • Specialists: $50 copay
  • Urgent Care: $65 copay
  • Emergency Room: $200 copay (waived if admitted) + 20% coinsurance
  • Prescriptions:
    • Tier 1: $50
    • Tier 2: $100
    • Tier 3: $200
    • $50 prescription drug deductible
  • Annual Deductible: $400 in-network
  • Out-of-Pocket Maximum: $3,000 in-network
  • Coinsurance: You pay 20%; insurance pays 80% after deductible is met
  • Student Health & Counseling Center: 100% covered (no deductible or copay)
  • Preventive Care: 100% covered in-network (no deductible, copay, or coinsurance)
Free 24/7 Telehealth Access

Available through :

  • Talk to a licensed doctor anytime via phone or video
  • $0 consultation fee
  • Prescriptions issued directly to local pharmacies when appropriate
Need More Info? Contacts & Official Downloads

Don't Have Health Insurance? Here Are Your Options:

UAF Student Health & Counseling Center (SHCC)

If you are not enrolled in health insurance, you can still access physical & mental health care through the Student Health & Counseling Center. Standard fee schedules apply:

  • Medical or Counseling Appointment: $25
  • Vaccine Fees: $15 – $25
  • Medication Fees: Prices vary
  • Lab Draw Fee: $20
  • Physical Exam Fees: Starting at $60
  • Summer Bridge Fee (if not taking summer classes): $100

Contact SHCC directly for additional information: 907-474-7043

ACA Marketplace Plans

Any student can purchase coverage through . Depending on household income, you may qualify for federal subsidies.

  • Insurers in Alaska: Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield of Alaska (statewide) and Moda Health Plan (regional).
  • Open Enrollment: November 1 – January 15 each year.
  • Special Enrollment: Applies if you lose qualifying coverage or experience a major life event.

This option is especially useful if:

  • You are 26 or older,
  • You are not claimed as a dependent, or
  • You require broader regional or national provider networks.
Staying on a Parent's Plan Until Age 26

Under federal law, if you are under age 26, you may remain on a parent's employer or Marketplace health plan even if you live out of state.

  • Verify that medical providers in Alaska are considered in-network to avoid high out-of-pocket costs.
  • You can only be added during Open Enrollment or through a Special Enrollment Period.
Additional Resources & Support
  • International Students: International students at UAF are automatically enrolled in LewerMark insurance if they lack other qualifying coverage.
  • Enrollment Assistance: provides free navigator assistance for ACA Marketplace enrollment.