There are two ways to waive the SSHIP fee. The first is by enrolling in the Graduate Student Employee plan call Grad Plan. To learn more about that process please go the “Grad Plan” section below. If you have U.S. health insurance from another source proceed to read this section.
F-1 and J-1 students wishing to waive SSHIP coverage will need to submit proof of equivalent coverage along with their health insurance waiver request.
ISSS is not involved in the waiver decision making process. Our office cannot approve or deny waiver request applications, nor does this office set the waiver eligibility criteria. Questions about your waiver status should be directed to AHP at support@ahpcare.com or 1-877-624-7911.
There are strict deadlines for applying for a waiver. Late applications cannot be accepted after the deadline and students will be responsible for SSHIP fees.
Important! The waiver process must be completed at the beginning of each coverage period, typically early August to early September for the Fall period, and early December to early February for the Spring/Summer coverage period. The most accurate list of dates for upcoming waiver periods can be found at the waiver portal
F-1 and J-1 students wishing to waive SSHIP coverage will need to submit proof of equivalent coverage along with their health insurance waiver request.
ISSS is not involved in the waiver decision making process. Our office cannot approve or deny waiver request applications, nor does this office set the waiver eligibility criteria. Questions about your waiver status should be directed to AHP at support@ahpcare.com or 1-877-624-7911.
Deadlines
There are strict deadlines for applying for a waiver. Late applications cannot be accepted after the deadline and students will be responsible for SSHIP fees.
Important! The waiver process must be completed at the beginning of each coverage period, typically early August to early September for the Fall period, and early December to early February for the Spring/Summer coverage period. The most accurate list of dates for upcoming waiver periods can be found at the waiver portal
Waiver Process
How to Apply
Step-by-step Instructions on how to submit your waiver application can be found at the waiver portal
Required Documents
- Copy of the front and back of your insurance card
- Copy of the insurance policy (must meet the minimum waiver criteria listed below)
- Benefits Section
- Limitations and Exclusions Section
Processing Timeline
AHP will process the waiver application within 7-10 business days. If it has been less than 10 business days, please wait for AHP to process the application. If 10 business days have elapsed contact AHP at support@ahpcare.com or 1-877-624-7911. ISSS does not process applications and cannot answer questions about the status of your waiver.Note!
ISSS does not handle the waiver application process. We cannot check the status of your waiver request. Please allow up to 10 business days for AHP to process your application.
Approval/Denial of Waiver
If your waiver application is approved, your SSHIP fee should be removed within 7-10 business days. If it does not contact ISSS at isss@tamu.edu. Please include your full name and your UIN in your message along with any details relevant to your case.If your claim of equivalent alternate coverage is found to be insufficient for waiver due to a lack of medical evacuation and repatriation coverage only, you will be able to purchase supplemental AES coverage. In this case, students should receive information on how to purchase supplemental AES coverage from AHP.
If your waiver application is denied, you will be responsible for SSHIP fees.
Waiver Criteria
Insurance plans submitted for a health insurance waiver application will only be approved if:
They meet ONE (1) of the following criteria:
- The plan is a sponsored plan of a US or foreign government, or embassy.
- The plan is an employer provided group health plan.
- The plan is provided by intercollegiate athletics and coverage for all medical insurance is provided through a policy as part of the current sports accident medical policy approved by System Risk Management.
AND all of the Essential Minimum Benefits required by the ACA with no annual limits. (See below for a list of required benefits).
- Ambulatory patient services
- Emergency services
- Hospitalization (such as surgery)
- Pregnancy, maternity, and newborn care (care for a mother and baby before and after the baby is born)
- Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment, counseling and psychotherapy
- Prescription drugs
- Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
- Laboratory services
- Preventive and wellness services and chronic disease management
- Pediatric Vision and Dental Care
AND all of the following:
- The policy covers the entire coverage period for which it is submitted.
- The policy annual deductible is no more than $500 (except for employer plans).
- The policy contains no exclusions for pre-existing conditions
- The policy covers 100% of preventative care as defined by the ACA.
- The policy covers repatriation expenses of at least $25,000*
- The policy covers medical evacuation expenses of at least $50,000*
Note:
Many employer-sponsored health insurance plans will not meet the medical evacuation and repatriation requirements. If your employer health insurance coverage otherwise meets all criteria, you may meet this requirement by purchasing Academic Emergency Services Supplemental Coverage separately.
In such a case, once a student buys such coverage, they will be granted a waiver. If you are not sure if medical evacuation and repatriation is covered, you may submit a waiver application and AHP will contact you to purchase AES if necessary.