Paul Sanchez
The University of Pennsylvania requires all full- and part-time students to have adequate health insurance and remain up-to-date on their immunizations. Students can either enroll in the Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP) or waive it if they have their own insurance coverage that meets the University's criteria. PSIP is sponsored by the Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee (SHIAC) and is reviewed and evaluated annually to ensure it meets the needs of the students. The plan includes a vision allowance and students can also enroll their spouse/partner and unmarried dependent children under 26. PSIP has been praised by alumni for its affordability and ease of use, with a $10 copay for therapy sessions.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Penn Student Insurance Plan PSIP |
| Provider | Aetna Student Health |
| Contact | [email protected] or 215-746-0808 |
| Enrollment | All full-time and dissertation-status students, exchange students, and their dependents must enroll or waive PSIP annually. |
| Enrollment Period | The PSIP portal opens on July 1 for students enrolled in the Fall semester. |
| Enrollment Requirements | Students must have comprehensive health insurance and be up-to-date on their immunizations. |
| Enrollment Fee | $375 for the month of July |
| Coverage | PSIP includes a vision allowance of $125 in 2025-2026. |
| Therapy | CAPS Referral Coordinator can provide a list of possible in-network providers in Philly. The copay for therapy is $10. |
| Customer Service | PSIP has been praised for its responsiveness and helpfulness by students. |
| Alternatives | Students can waive PSIP if they have their own insurance coverage that meets the University's criteria. PSI is an alternative for international students. |
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What You'll Learn
PSIP's $10 therapy copay
The Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP) is a student health insurance plan offered by the University of Pennsylvania. It is sponsored by the Provost of the University and aims to provide the best possible health insurance to meet the needs of the students and the University. The plan is reviewed, evaluated, and renewed annually by the Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee (SHIAC), which comprises students, faculty, and staff.
PSIP offers a $10 copay for therapy sessions, which is significantly lower than the usual cost of over $250 per session. This makes it an attractive option for students seeking affordable mental health support. To find a therapist, students can reach out to the CAPS Referral Coordinator and specify any preferences, such as gender or race. The coordinator will then provide a list of possible in-network providers, and students can contact them directly to inquire about availability.
PSIP also offers a voluntary dental plan, the Aetna Student Dental Plan, which can be used nationwide. Additionally, students can opt into the Vital Savings Discount Program, which is not insurance but provides discounts. For the 2025-2026 academic year, students can also enrol themselves and their dependents in the Aetna Vision Preferred Plan, which includes a $125 vision allowance.
PSIP is highly regarded by students, with some alumni considering it the "best insurance I ever had". The plan provides good coverage and affordable access to therapy, making it a valuable option for students at the University of Pennsylvania.
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PSIP's vision allowance
The Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP) is a comprehensive health insurance plan offered to students at the University of Pennsylvania. It is sponsored by the University and provides coverage for a wide range of health services, including vision care.
The PSIP vision allowance is a benefit included in the plan that provides students with financial assistance for eye care. In the 2025-2026 academic year, the PSIP vision allowance is $125, which students can use for the purchase of eyeglasses and/or contact lenses. This allowance can be used to offset the cost of frames and lenses, which can be expensive.
The process of enrolling in the PSIP is straightforward. Students must enrol or waive the PSIP every year. If a student chooses to waive the PSIP, they must submit their existing health insurance information for verification that it meets the University's requirements. The University audits waiver requests and may contact the insurance company to ensure the plan meets the necessary criteria.
The PSIP is designed to provide students with access to quality healthcare at an affordable cost. In addition to the vision allowance, the PSIP offers coverage for various other health services, including therapy, where the copay is only $10 per session, compared to the typical cost of over $250. The plan also includes access to the Aetna Student Dental Plan, which can be used nationwide, and the Vital Savings Discount Program, which offers voluntary discounts on healthcare services.
Overall, the PSIP vision allowance is a valuable benefit for students who require financial assistance with their eye care needs. By providing a $125 allowance, the PSIP helps to ensure that students can maintain their eye health and correct their vision if needed, without incurring excessive financial burden. This benefit is just one aspect of the comprehensive PSIP, which aims to promote the overall health and well-being of students at the University of Pennsylvania.
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PSIP enrolment for spouses/dependents
The Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP) is provided by Aetna Insurance and is available for all students, as well as their dependents (spouses, domestic partners, and unmarried children under the age of 26). Students are automatically enrolled in the PSIP unless proof of acceptable alternative coverage is provided by the deadline. However, dependents are not automatically enrolled; students must enrol them through the online system. Students must be enrolled in PSIP before they can enrol spouses or dependents.
For the academic year 2025-2026, students may voluntarily enrol themselves and their dependents in the Aetna Vision Preferred Plan. This plan is open to all students, and enrolment in the PSIP insurance plan is not mandatory. Additionally, PSIP includes a vision allowance of $125 in 2025-2026. Students can apply this allowance to eyeglasses and/or contacts.
Students can also enrol themselves and their dependents in the Penn Student Dental Plan or the Aetna Student Dental Plan. It should be noted that the Penn Dental Family Practice does not accept the Vital Savings Discount Program.
PhD students may be eligible for grants to assist with purchasing selected plans, and graduate students starting University programs in July may enrol in the summer plan at a prorated premium for the month of July.
The Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee (SHIAC) is sponsored by the Provost of the University of Pennsylvania. It comprises students, faculty, and staff from across the campus and is chaired by the Vice Provost for Education. The committee reviews, evaluates, and negotiates the renewal of the PSIP on an annual basis.
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PSIP's annual renewal
The Provost of the University of Pennsylvania sponsors the Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee (SHIAC). SHIAC is responsible for reviewing, evaluating, and negotiating the renewal of the Penn Student Health Insurance Plan (PSIP) on an annual basis. The committee comprises students, faculty, and staff from across the campus and is chaired by the Vice Provost for Education.
SHIAC works to ensure that the insurance plan is priced appropriately and has a rich benefit structure. The committee also serves as a forum for discussing issues relevant to providing the best possible health insurance plan to meet the needs of the students and the University.
Students must enrol in or waive PSIP every year. If a student chooses to waive PSIP, they will be asked to submit their health insurance for verification that it meets the University's requirements. The University audits waiver requests and may contact the insurance company to verify that the plan meets the necessary criteria.
PSIP is offered through Aetna Student Health and meets Penn's insurance requirement. Students enrolled in PSIP can print their insurance card by going to the Aetna Student Health website. PSIP includes a vision allowance, which students can apply to eyeglasses and/or contacts. Additionally, students do not need to be enrolled in PSIP to enrol in the Aetna Student Dental Plan, which can be used nationwide.
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PSIP alternatives
The Penn Student Insurance Plan (PSIP) is offered through Aetna Student Health and meets the University of Pennsylvania's insurance requirement. However, some students may be looking for alternatives to PSIP due to cost or other factors. Here are some options for PSIP alternatives:
Obamacare
Obamacare, also known as the Affordable Care Act, is a federal program that provides health insurance to individuals who meet certain eligibility requirements. It may be an option for US citizens who are not enrolled in PSIP, but it is important to note that there may be an open enrollment period that must be considered.
ISO and PSI
International students at the University of Pennsylvania can consider ISO (International Student Office) and PSI (Penn Student Insurance) as alternatives to PSIP. These plans are specifically designed for international students and may offer more affordable coverage.
Private Health Insurance Options
Students can explore private health insurance options outside of PSIP. These plans may offer different levels of coverage and pricing, so it is important to review the acceptable alternate coverage requirements and guidelines provided by the Student Health Insurance website. The Pennsylvania Insurance Department website also provides information on private health insurance options, including plans for low-income families.
Aetna Student Dental Plan and Vision Plan
Aetna, the provider of PSIP, also offers separate dental and vision plans that students can enrol in voluntarily. These plans are not dependent on enrolment in PSIP and can be used nationwide.
It is important to note that students are required to have acceptable health insurance coverage, either through PSIP or an alternative plan, to meet the University of Pennsylvania's insurance requirement. Students should carefully review the requirements and ensure that their chosen alternative provides adequate coverage.
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Frequently asked questions
PSIP stands for Penn Student Insurance Plan, which is a health insurance plan for students at the University of Pennsylvania.
The Student Health Insurance Advisory Committee (SHIAC) reviews, evaluates, and negotiates the renewal of the PSIP annually to ensure it is appropriately priced and has a rich benefit structure. PSIP includes a vision allowance, and the copay for therapy is only $10.
Students must enrol in or waive PSIP every year. Students can enrol in PSIP through the Penn Insurance Portal using their PennKey and password.
