On occasion, a UCI faculty researcher may ask an admitted student if they would like to travel to UCI to do collaborative research in the faculty researcher's laboratory or special coursework during the summer before classes actually begin for the Fall Quarter. If you choose to arrive at UCI during the summer, before fall quarter, please understand that you will NOT be automatically enrolled in the university’s GSHIP plan until Fall quarter classes begin. Coverage for fall quarter GSHIP normally begins in late September for that fall. You can review the
full plan (medical, vision, & dental) benefits for specific details regarding the eligibility periods. These dates cannot be changed.
However, if you plan to come early during the summer, you are strongly encouraged to consider purchasing special insurance that will provide for your healthcare needs during the summer before fall quarter. You have several options for summer coverage. (1) You can enroll in a special First Summer GSHIP plan if you qualify,
complete the petition, and pay the requisite fee, or (2) You can get
online quotes from many insurance providers via the internet. For example, international students can purchase special
international student insurance, or (3) you can contact the insurance broker,
Garnett Powers & Associates, that UCI uses to secure academic year student health insurance for our students. Each year, many students travel outside of their home countries or states, and beyond the boundaries of their medical insurance. You need to be concerned with the potential out-of-pocket expenses that could result from an injury or sickness while away. The last thing you need to feel, is any uncertainty in the quality of your medical coverage. Summer insurance can provide you with medical coverage and emergency services to you and your family while away from home. So if you plan to come early during the summer, make arrangements for medical insurance months before you leave for the United States or from your home state. You will be glad you did.
As a registered graduate student at UCI, in the fall you will automatically be enrolled in UCI's Graduate Student Health Insurance Program, which is commonly referred to as GSHIP. This is an excellent plan that provides one of the best healthcare coverage plans offered to graduate students by any U.S. college or university. You can review
details of the GSHIP coverage that begins with the beginning of Fall Quarter (or the first quarter you enroll in classes excluding the summer quarter). You will also be covered during the summers after your first year of classes.
