Supplemental Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

The Supplemental Health Insurance Program (SHIP) is a unique package of benefits developed by the UFT's Retired Teachers Chapter exclusively for its members. It is a supplement to the coverage available from regular health insurance benefits and is activated only after those providers have paid their benefits. Its wide-ranging supplemental benefits include ambulances, hearing aids, customized orthopedic shoes, surgical stockings and private-duty nursing. Retirees must enroll in SHIP within the first year of retirement.

For a modest monthly fee, SHIP will supplement certain payments provided by your New York City health coverage up to a maximum lifetime benefit of $100,000.

SHIP online enrollment

Retired members can now enroll in SHIP using our online application.

Please note: You must be a retiree and a member of the UFT Retired Teachers Chapter to be eligible for SHIP benefits. Please log in to the UFT website to enroll.

Enroll now

SHIP does not require a medical examination for enrollment.

SHIP is a supplemental program and, as a separate entity, requires those who enroll to apply for benefits only after primary payments have been satisfied and to notify SHIP separately of any changes such as a new address, a divorce or a death.

To learn more about SHIP, see our FAQ for answers to most common questions. Additional information is available by calling the SHIP office at 212-228-9060 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Supplemental Health Insurance Program (SHIP)

SHIP online enrollment

Retired members can now enroll in SHIP using our online application.

Guide on how to file a copay claim

Helpful links

Check your SHIP claims