the front enterance of the Curry Health Center on a sunny day surrounded by tree

Curry Health Center

Explore the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

If you're taking 6 or more credits and paying the health service fee as part of your tuition, you’re required to have health insurance during the Fall and Spring semesters.

One easy way to meet this requirement is to sign up for AcademicBlue, the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) offered through Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana.

Most services at Curry Health Center are covered under SHIP, including prescription drugs, preventive care, well-child visits, diabetic education, in-network office visits, and urgent care, even before you meet your deductible.

Learn more about SHIP coverage:

View the Summary of Benefits and Coverage.

View the SHIP Member Guide.

Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

  • SHIP is a private insurance plan designed just for Montana University System students. It offers strong coverage (Gold-level or better) at a student-friendly price. Here’s what you should know:

    • You choose to purchase each semester (Fall and Spring).
    • Only registered students can enroll, it doesn’t cover spouses or dependents.
    • Everyone pays the same price for the same benefits over the same coverage period, no confusing tiers or levels.
    • Once you’re enrolled, you’re covered for the full semester. There’s no option to cancel early or pay less if you leave school.

    To learn more about the plan's benefit coverage, visit BlueCross BlueShield's dedicated UM web page.

  • Student health insurance plan rates for 2026–2027, showing total cost and coverage period based on whether coverage begins in Fall 2026 or Spring 2027
    When you enroll in SHIP Coverage Period Cost

    Students starting in Fall 2026 (and continuing through Spring 2027)

    Note: you must re-enroll each semester

    		 Aug 1, 2026 – July 31, 2027 $2,613 per semester
    New students starting in Spring 2027 only Jan 1, 2027 – July 31, 2027 $3,049 per semester
    Administrative fee of $40 is included in the cost.
    • Coverage is active to the end date, even if you graduate prior to it.
    • This plan is not employer-based, so the Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act (COBRA) doesn’t apply after graduation or if you’re no longer eligible for SHIP.
    • Need family coverage? Or need help finding insurance if you’re not eligible for SHIP? Resources are available. Please contact Dawn-Camara Clark for support.

Eligibility and Enrollment

Eligibility

  • SHIP is only available to actively registered students enrolled in 6 credits.
  • There is no family coverage available.
  • Taking 1–5 credits? You might still be eligible to petition for SHIP if you were enrolled last semester.
    To find out if you’re eligible to petition, email studentinsurance@mso.umt.edu.

Enrollment

  • When you register for classes, you’ll see a prompt to make a health insurance selection in GrizPortal. That’s when you can choose to enroll in SHIP.

Note: Your plan enrollment coverage only activates after you’ve finalized/paid your tuition bill. For questions about your tuition bill, email StudentAccounts@umontana.edu.

Using Financial Aid for SHIP

You may be able to use your educational funding to purchase SHIP. To inquire, contact Student Accounts at StudentAccounts@umontana.edu or 406-243-2223.

Access Your BCBS Account

Once you’ve enrolled in SHIP and your coverage is active (after your tuition bill is paid/registration is finalized), you can set up and log in to your Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana (BCBS) account. Use the guide below for step-by-step instructions to access your account, view your benefits, and manage your plan.

How to Access your BCBS Member Account

Questions?

Contact Dawn Camara-Clark, Student Insurance Advocate, at studentinsurance@mso.umt.edu or call 406-243-2844.