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Student Health Insurance Plan Information for the English for International Students and Scholars (EISS) Summer Program

Health Insurance is Required

Because of the high cost of medical care, it is Cornell University policy that all participants in the English for International Students and Scholars (EISS) Summer Program enroll in the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP).

We hope that you will have a successful and healthy experience at Cornell this summer. Having quality health insurance will give you the peace of mind that you will get the care you need in the event of unanticipated illness or injury.

Cornell’s health center, Gannett Health Services, will provide your primary medical care and counseling needs while you are enrolled in the EISS Summer Program.


Cornell's Student Health Insurance Plan

The Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is designed with the special needs of students in mind. This includes the significant population of students who are on campus participating in summer programs. For a modest investment, you can make sure you have adequate coverage while away from home.


Features of the SHIP

The SHIP is an accident and sickness policy that:

  • meets all of Cornell’s requirements for health insurance
  • provides extensive coverage at a reasonable cost for most on- or off-campus medical care
  • guards against catastrophic expenses
  • covers preexisting medical conditions
  • provides coverage twenty-four hours a day, anywhere in the world and, most importantly, in the Ithaca area (care in Ithaca and at Cornell may be considered “out-of-network" for many managed care programs)
  • provides medical evacuation/repatriation coverage
  • provides convenient insurance assistance, close to campus in Collegetown

International students should know that the SHIP is Visa compliant, meeting and exceeding U.S. Customs requirements for student visas.


Detailed SHIP Information

The SHIP Member's Guide (pdf) provides many more details about SHIP benefits. As you look through it, you will realize pretty quickly that the guide was written primarily for Cornell students who are on campus full-time during the academic-year. (For instance, the premium and eligibility information in the Member's Guide does not apply to the EISS Summer Program.)

However, several items detailed on this website do apply to the EISS Summer Program—and to you.

  • information about the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) itself
  • the chart detailing SHIP benefits and coverage
  • the description of Gannett Health Services and health care provided for students
  • contact information for the Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) and Gannett Health Services.

We apologize for your inconvenience in having to sort through what does and does not apply to you, but we believe you will find it well worth the effort to read this material.  It will help familiarize you with the benefits and healthcare available in case of illness or injury while at Cornell this summer.


Plan Premium for EISS Summer Program Students

For a premium of $358.50, the Student Health Insurance Plan will provide coverage for you from June 23 to August 1, 2008. Insurance is also available at an additional cost of $787.25 for a spouse and an additional cost of $485.75 for one or more children.


SHIP Enrollment Form

All participants in the English for International Students and Scholars (EISS) Summer Program are required to complete this form:

English for International Students and Scholars (EISS) (pdf)

The form and payment are due no later than June 9, 2008. Payment must be in the form of a check or money order (in U.S. currency).Do not send cash. Send the completed form and payment to:

Summer English for International Students and Scholars 
B20 Day Hall
Cornell University 
Ithaca, NY 14853