Health Insurance Information

All students enrolled in F-1 or J-1 status are required by TAMU System policy to maintain health insurance at all times while maintaining status. This obligation is enforced through a fee at the beginning of each semester. J-1 students also have an obligation to maintain dependent coverage. Students who are not in F-1 or J-1 status do not have an obligation to have health insurance.

J-1 scholars and student interns also have a requirement to have health insurance for themselves and their J-2 dependents. If the insurance is not provided through TAMU, you can get insurance separately through other providers.

Info for Non-F-1/J-1 Students

Non-F-1/J-1 International Students & Health Insurance   

International students in any status other than F-1 or J-1 are not charged for or enrolled in the System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP) when they register for classes. They may enroll voluntarily in the SSHIP if they meet certain criteria as detailed below.  

While Texas A&M does not require that students attending in a visa status other than F-1 or J-1 have insurance, it is recommended that they do maintain coverage at all times. Healthcare can be extremely expensive and there are limited options to assist international students who find themselves facing the high cost of uninsured healthcare.  

Unpaid healthcare bills can affect your credit rating & background checks and can even result in wage garnishment.

Enrolling in SSHIP as a non-F-1/J-1 international student 

Students who want to voluntarily enroll in SSHIP generally have 2 options: Open Enrollment and Qualifying Life Event Enrollment. You can complete both kinds of enrollments at AHP's enrollment page.  

Open enrollment is a period when anyone who meets the eligibility criteria can enroll for a given coverage period. The open enrollment period generally opens a few weeks before the beginning of a coverage period and ends a few weeks after the coverage period begins. For example, if the fall coverage period begins on September 1, the application to enroll might open in July and close in late September. That means a student can complete their enrollment in July and the coverage will take effect in September. 

Please note that the dates are only an example for illustrative purposes. Actual dates may vary. Please consult the AHP enrollment page for the current dates and deadlines.  

A Qualifying Life Event is an opportunity to begin coverage between Open Enrollment Periods. The most common reason for this kind of enrollment is the loss of other health insurance coverage. For example, if you have lost employer provided coverage and want to enroll in SSHIP, you can complete the Qualifying Life Event enrollment to begin SSHIP coverage based on the date your employer coverage terminates. You can find more information on this process at AHP's enrollment page. You will also find guidance on what other situations are considered a Qualifying Life Event. 

Eligibility Criteria 

You can enroll in SSHIP if you meet one of the following criteria: 

Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least nine (9) credit hours of classes that are a part of the student's degree plan each fall and spring semester and be in a degree-seeking program.

Graduate Students (non-employed) must be enrolled in at least five (5) credit hours of classes that are part of the student's degree plan each fall and spring semester.

There are several exceptions to the criteria above that may allow you to enroll even if you do not meet either one.  

Undeclared undergraduate students classified as freshman or sophomore enrolled in at least nine (9) credit hours of classes.

Reduced hours due to final semester of degree program/graduating (this exception can only be used once)

Student is participating in an internship/residency as part of their degree program.

Individual is a Ph.D. student, has completed all coursework and is in the dissertation phase (ABD) of degree program as verified by the University Registrar

Classes for degree plan are not available in current semester.

A Leave of Absence for a single semester approved by your school (not medically related)

A Leave of Absence approved by your school's University Registrar, due to medical reasons, not to exceed one year.

Students enrolled in a stand-alone graduate certificate program that is approved to receive financial aid (semester credit hour enrollment requirement still applies)

Your eligibility may be confirmed with the Office of the Registrar by AHP. 

F-1/J-1 Students

Scholars & Interns

Dependents

Waivers

Know Your Benefits

Glossary of Insurance Terms

U.S. Health Insurance Basics

What Is Health Insurance and Why Do I Need It?

Health Insurance coverage is a practical necessity in the U.S. where healthcare costs can be extraordinarily expensive. Paying for all services personally is not feasible for most people making health insurance necessary.

Students pay a set amount of money each semester/month in exchange for the health insurance benefits outlined in their policy. These benefits include coverage for some or all the student’s medical expenses for routine and non-routine care.

Employees of the university or TAMU system will be given insurance as part of their employee benefits. The payment will be deducted from their biweekly or monthly paycheck.

All F-1 and J-1 students and J-2 dependents are required by A&M to have health insurance coverage. J-1 and J-2 visa holders are required by Department of State regulations to have health insurance coverage.

When are the Coverage Periods and Who Is Covered?

J-1 Scholars and Student Interns

You should receive a Summary of Coverage and Benefits that will explain the dates of insurance coverage. You can also request to add your J-2 dependents to your insurance coverage. Click here for more information.

If you do not receive insurance benefits from TAMU or TAMU system, then you should check with your specific insurance provider for coverage information.

Students

Coverage Periods:

Below are the coverage periods for each semester. You will be charged the appropriate fee at the beginning of each semester via your tuition bill.

Early Arrival Coverage Period: 08/01 to 08/31*
Fall Coverage Period: 09/01 to 12/31
Spring/Summer Coverage Period: 01/01 to 08/31
Summer Coverage Period: 05/17 to 08/31**

*This fee is only charged to newly admitted international students to cover them from the time they may enter the U.S. until the Fall coverage period begins.

** This fee is only charged to students who were not enrolled in the spring/summer coverage period and who are enrolled in summer courses.

Who is Covered?

All F-1 and J-1 students and J-2 dependents are required to have health insurance coverage. F-1 and J-1 students are typically considered the “primary” insurance holders, while any F-2 or J-2 dependents on their insurance would be considered “dependents.” In some cases, an F-1 or J-1 student may be listed under another person’s insurance, in which case the international student would be the dependent of the primary insured person.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I find out more about my benefits?

What is Academic Emergency Services (AES) and how do I purchase it?

Is dental covered? How do I get coverage?

Is vision covered?

How do I get an insurance card?

Students:

You can request your ID card through logging in to Blue Access for Members at http://www.bcbstx.com/member and using the BAM Login information.

Your Member ID is your Student Specific UIN. You may be required to place the letters “ZGP” prior to your UIN. (example: ZGP120034567)

J-1 Employees eligible for TAMU/System insurance:

The BlueCross BlueShield cards are sent through the mail to the address you provided in Workday or to your HR representative. You can also request your ID card through logging in to Blue Access for Members at http://www.bcbstx.com/member and using the BAM Login information.

Your Member ID is your UIN. You may be required to place the letters “TXW” prior to your UIN. (example: TXW120034567)

J-1s not eligible TAMU/System insurance:

Contact your specific insurance provider for information.

If I must pay out-of-pocket for a covered expense, how do I get a reimbursement?

Why did I receive dental insurance card if I did not buy the dental insurance plan?

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