Paying More, Getting Less? A Smarter Health‑Insurance Option for International Students.
Why this session matters 📌
UC SHIP math doesn’t add up. Undergrads now pay $4,858 a year at minimum, yet still face a $450 deductible and an out‑of‑pocket max that can climb to $9,000.
You must secure a campus referral before seeing most specialists—miss that step and the bill is 100 % yours.
Meanwhile, the wider U.S. system devours $13,432 per person—nearly double peer nations—yet only 44 % of Americans call the care “good” or “excellent.”
No surprise students feel exposed: 45 % of insured adults have been hit with an unexpected bill, and 1 in 5 marketplace claims are flat‑out denied.
Introducing Gradly's Student Health Insurance Plans for UC Berkeley. View our plans here: insurance.gradly.us/berkeley
Here’s a brief overview of how we compare:
• UC SHIP charges high premiums and a $700 deductible
→ Gradly offers ~30% lower premiums and $0 outpatient deductible
• UC SHIP requires campus referrals to see most specialists
→ Gradly lets you see any provider in our network—no referrals needed
• UC SHIP can leave you with surprise out-of-network bills
→ Gradly offers transparent pricing and global coverage
• UC SHIP often means slow reimbursements and confusing claims
→ Gradly has a tap-to-claim app with <24hr average payout
- UC SHIP offers no medical concierge, virtual primary care provider and international coverage for study abroad
-> Gradly provides all three in a bundled, easy to use mobile on the nationwide CIGNA PPO network
• (All figures based on our 2025 benefit design; full SBC shared during the webinar.)
What you’ll walk away with 🎒
A clear cost‑breakdown of university plans vs. our alternative (real numbers, not marketing fluff). Gradly exceeds all UC Berkeley coverage requirements.
The three biggest billing traps international students face—and exactly how we eliminate them.
A live walkthrough of our “tap‑to‑claim” app and multilingual concierge.
A downloadable cheat sheet: “How to Navigate U.S. Healthcare Without Going Broke.”
Open Q&A with our founders and licensed benefits advisors.
Who should attend
Current & incoming international students (F‑1/J‑1)
Parents or sponsors footing the bill
University advisors who want better options for their students
Seats are limited. Reserve your spot, bring your toughest questions, and leave with an option that finally treats international students—and their wallets—with respect.
We look forward to seeing you there! 🌎🩺