Health Insurance
The University of Texas System Board of Regents passed Regent Rule 50402, which as of Fall 2015, requires international students to have medical insurance compliant with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Student on an F-1 visa will be required to have this medical insurance coverage except, Mexican citizens or permanent residents students on F1, F2, and F3 (border commuter) visas attending UT System Border institutions residents.
Academic Health Plans administers the Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP) that is underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas. All international students (any student who is in the U.S. on a non-immigrant visa) are required to have UTSHIP. In addition, for future reference the UT System has established new criteria determining when an international student can request a waiver by providing alternate health insurance coverage. In order to be approved for the waiver, your alternate health coverage must meet or exceed the requirements set in the System regulation, be PPACA compliant and you will need to provide the required documentation.
If you plan submitting a waiver, you will have to apply here https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/waiver. If the provider determines that the alternate insurance policy submitted is approvable, the waiver will be granted. If the provider determines that the insurance policy submitted does not meet the minimum requirements, the waiver will be denied. For coverage information please go to: https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/
2021-2022 UT System Student Health Insurance Brochure
International students on F-1 and J-1 visas (except for Mexican Citizens or Permanent Residents) must have health insurance compliant with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Academic Health Plans administers the Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP) underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.
As per UT System requirements, the UT Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP) has been added to your tuition for the Summer I 2023 semester with an amount of $381 and/or Summer II 2023 semester with an amount of $454. The medical coverage for Summer I is from 06/01/2023 – 07/12/2023, and Summer II is from 07/13/2023 through 08/31/2022.
For coverage information, please visit: https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/
Exemptions
- You are enrolled in Distance learning from your home country under COVID-19 SEVP provisions (documentation required).
A UTRGV Handbook of Operating Procedures policy regarding this update for medical insurance is under development.
Health Insurance Waiver Process:
Students are required to submit a waiver each semester. An international student can request a waiver by providing alternate health insurance coverage. To be approved for the waiver, your alternate health coverage must meet or exceed the requirements set in the System regulation, be PPACA compliant, and will need to provide the required documentation.
For the insurance waiver requirements, please visit: https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/waiver
The Summer I or Summer II 2023 waiver is live from 04/01/2023 until 07/1/2023. If you plan on submitting a waiver, you will need to apply here https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/waiver and follow the steps below:
- If you meet the listed waiver criteria, select the "Click Here to Submit Your Waiver Request" link at the bottom of the waiver page. You will be sent to the waiver system login screen.
- If you have previously set up a waiver account, use your UT Rio Grande Valley student ID and password previously chosen.
- If this is a new account, you will select the 'New Student Registration link and be taken to a form to enter your information.
- Once the registration page 'Register' button is selected (and all required fields are entered), you are taken to the waiver system home page (student dashboard). Your waiver submission has not yet been completed.
- Next, select the Waiver button from the “I Already Have Insurance.” section.
- Once selected, you are taken to the waiver form, where you will enter your current alternate insurance information. You will be required to attach an electronic copy of the front and back of your alternate insurance ID card, policy benefit document, and proof of medical evacuation and repatriation coverage (if available).
- After selecting the 'Submit Waiver' button, the waiver system will send an auto-generated Submitted email advising that you have successfully completed the waiver submission and to allow a reasonable time for the review of your submission.
Be sure to submit your alternate insurance coverage no later than 07/1/2023 for the Summer I or Summer II 2023 waiver deadline. The waiver will be granted if the provider determines that the alternate insurance policy submitted is approvable. The waiver will be denied if the provider determines that the insurance policy submitted does not meet the minimum requirements.
NOTE: You must submit a new waiver for every semester.
International students on F-1 and J-1 visas (except for Mexican Citizens or Permanent Residents) must have health insurance compliant with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Academic Health Plans administers the Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP) underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.
The UT Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP) has been added to your tuition for the Spring 2023 semester in the amount of $1,371. The medical coverage is from 01/01/2023 – 05/31/2023. For coverage information, please visit: https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/
Insurance Waiver Process:
An international student can request a waiver by providing alternate health insurance coverage. To be approved for the waiver, your alternate health coverage must meet or exceed the requirements set in the System regulation, be PPACA compliant, and will need to provide the required documentation.
For the insurance waiver requirements, please visit: https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/waiver
The Spring 2023 waiver is live from 11/01/2022 until 01/27/2023. If you plan on submitting a waiver, you will need to apply here https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/waiver and follow the steps below:
- If you meet the listed waiver criteria, select the "Click Here…" link at the bottom of the page. You will be sent to the waiver login screen.
- If you have previously set up a waiver account, use your UT Rio Grande Valley student ID and password previously chosen.
- If this is a new account, you will select the New Student Registration link and be taken to a form to enter your information.
- Once the registration page 'Register' button is selected (and all required fields are entered), you are taken to the waiver system home page (student dashboard). Your waiver submission has not yet been completed.
- Next, select the red Waiver button from the "No, I do not want the insurance." section.
- Once selected, you are taken to the waiver form, where you will enter your current alternate insurance information. You will be required to attach a scanned copy of the front and back of your alternate insurance ID card, policy benefit document, and proof of medical evacuation and repatriation coverage (if available).
- After selecting the 'Submit Waiver' button, the waiver system will send an auto-generated Submitted email advising that you have successfully completed the waiver submission.
Be sure to submit your alternate insurance coverage no later than the 01/27/2023 waiver deadline date. The waiver will be granted if the provider determines that the alternate insurance policy submitted is approvable. If the provider determines that the insurance policy submitted does not meet the minimum requirements, the waiver will be denied.
NOTE: You must submit a new waiver for every semester.
Health Insurance Cards:
All health insurance cards will be mailed out to students' personal addresses; please take time to ensure that your contact information is up to date with our office and ASSIST to ensure your cards' arrival.
For those who need immediate access to their insurance cards and cannot wait for them to arrive by mail, please review the attached guide. Once you have an account, you'll be able to access a letter confirming your coverage.
Additional Resources:
COVID-19 Insurance Resources: Your health, safety, and well-being are our top priorities. We’re here to help you stay informed about COVID-19 and to access the care and coverage you need. For more information, visit https://www.bcbstx.com/covid-19
Optional Vision Coverage: You may purchase this coverage on your own at an additional rate. For more information, visit https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/enrollment
Optional Dental Coverage: You may purchase this coverage on your own at an additional rate. For more information, visit https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/enrollment
International students on F-1 and J-1 visas (except for Mexican Citizens or Permanent Residents) must have health insurance compliant with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Academic Health Plans administers the Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP) underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.
The UT Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP) has been added to your tuition for the Fall 2022 semester with an amount of $1,384 if you are a new international student. The medical coverage is from 08/01/2022 - 12/31/2022. If you are a current international student, your amount is $1,107 from 9/1/2022 - 12/31/2022. For coverage information, please visit: https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/
Insurance Waiver Process:
An international student can request a waiver by providing alternate health insurance coverage. To be approved for the waiver, your alternate health coverage must meet or exceed the requirements set in the System regulation and be PPACA compliant. It will need to provide the required documentation.
For the insurance waiver requirements, please visit: https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/waiver
The Fall 2022 waiver is live from 07/15/2022 - 09/17/2022 If you plan on submitting a waiver, you will need to apply here https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/waiver and follow the steps below:
- If you meet the listed waiver criteria, select the "Click Here…" link at the bottom of the page. You will be sent to the waiver login screen.
- If you have previously set up a waiver account, use your UT Rio Grande Valley student ID and password previously chosen.
- If this is a new account, you will select the 'New Student Registration link and be taken to a form to enter your information.
- Once the registration page 'Register' button is selected (and all required fields are entered), you are taken to the waiver system home page (student dashboard). Your waiver submission has not yet been completed.
- Next, select the red Waiver button from the "No, I do not want the insurance." section.
- Once selected, you are taken to the waiver form, where you will enter your current alternate insurance information. You will be required to attach a scanned copy of the front and back of your alternate insurance ID card, policy benefit document, and proof of medical evacuation and repatriation coverage (if available).
- After selecting the 'Submit Waiver' button, the waiver system will send an auto-generated Submitted email advising that you have successfully completed the waiver submission.
Be sure to submit your alternate insurance coverage no later than the 09/17/2022 waiver deadline. The waiver will be granted if the provider determines that the alternate insurance policy submitted is approvable. If the provider determines that the insurance policy submitted does not meet the minimum requirements, the waiver will be denied.
NOTE: You must submit a new waiver for every semester.
Health Insurance Cards:
All health insurance cards will be mailed out to students' personal addresses; please take time to ensure that your contact information is up to date with our office and ASSIST in ensuring your cards' arrival.
Please review the attached guide for those who need immediate access to their insurance cards and cannot wait for them to arrive by mail. Once you have an account, you'll be able to access a letter confirming your coverage.
Additional Resources:
COVID-19 Insurance Resources: Your health, safety and well-being are our top priorities. We're here to help you stay informed about COVID-19 and to access the care and coverage you need. For more information, visit https://www.bcbstx.com/covid-19
Optional Vision Coverage: You may purchase this coverage on your own at an additional rate. For more information, visit https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/enrollment
Optional Dental Coverage: You may purchase this coverage on your own at an additional rate. For more information, visit https://utrgv.myahpcare.com/enrollment
To check what are the current medical insurance costs for each semester, please click on the link below:
Medical Insurance Continuation Coverage (Students that Graduated)
Click here to enroll in Continuation Coverage.
Optional Vision Coverage
This service is not administered by Academic HealthPlans.
Optional Dental Coverage
Online Secure Access - Find doctors, get an ID card, view claims and more
How to Register/Login for Blue Access for Members (BAM) -
Change Address, Phone or Email
It is very important to make sure that your address, phone number, and email address on file at the school are current and accurate. If not, ID cards, explanation of benefits and other notifications about your student health insurance plan may not get to you. If you have moved or your contact information has changed, please make sure you update your contact information with your school.
Additionally, please refer to help.myahpcare.com to learn how you may update your address in our records as well.
To request a waiver, the alternate insurance must meet the following criteria:
- Provides the Essential Minimum Benefits required by the PPACA with no annual limits.
- Contains no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
- Covers 100% of Preventive Care as defined by the PPACA.
- Imposes a deductible that does not exceed $500 per year (this includes employer plans).
- Imposes no provisions for co-insurance that exceed 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness.
- Is underwritten by an insurance carrier that meets the requirement of 22 CFR 62.14(d)(1) or offered or underwritten by a federally qualified HMO or competitive Medical Plan as determined by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
- Proof of Repatriation expenses in the amount of no less than $25,000.
- Proof of expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the insured to the insured's home country of no less than $50,000.
Notes
The carrier letter for a U.S. Individual Plan must include a signed, official letter on letterhead stating:
- Plan holder name and date of birth
- Insurance carrier and plan name
- Start date and end date of coverage
- Metal tier of Plan (i.e.: Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum)
- Confirmation that the plan is certified for sale as a Qualified Health Plan (QHP)
What does the student health insurance cover?
The University of Texas System Student Health Insurance Plan covers Injury and Sickness. Some of the benefits include, but are not limited to, Inpatient Hospitalization, Outpatient doctor’s visits, x-rays, laboratory charges, surgery and emergency care. There are limitations and maximums that may apply.
Dental Insurance
Dental coverage is available to students and dependents and can be purchased separately on the Academic Health Plans website. If the student chooses to purchase dental coverage for the Dependent, it must be purchased at the same time as the student coverage. The Dependent must have the same coverage as the student. To enroll, complete the Enrollment Form associated with your program and send the form directly to Academic Health Plans along with payment. For assistance, contact Academic Health Plans at help.ahpcare.com .
How do I add dependents during the open enrollment period?
You can enroll your family using the online enrollment form found here. Submit the form and your payment directly to Academic Health Plans. For assistance, contact Academic Health Plans at help.ahpcare.com .
What do I do when a life event has occurred (turning 26, new child, loss of coverage, etc.) and I need to add myself and/or my dependents to the School’s insurance plan outside of the open enrollment period?
You will need to complete an online Qualifying Event Form and submit it and your payment directly to Academic Health Plans. You’ll find the Qualifying Event Form listed on the AHP enrollment website HERE. For assistance, contact Academic Health Plans at help.ahpcare.com .
What is my policy number?
You must create your account on the AHP Website, and you can access all your account information.
How do I update my contact information?
It is very important to ensure that your address, phone number, and email address on file is current and accurate. If not, ID cards, explanation of benefits, and other notifications about your student health insurance plan may not get to you. If you have moved or your contact information has changed, please update your contact in your student center. Additionally, please contact AHP at (855) 247-2273 or help.ahpcare.com so they can update their records.
When will I get my insurance cards?
You will receive an insurance card in the mail to the home address in ASSIST; therefore it is important for the student to maintain the correct home address. If a student needs medical attention before they receive their insurance card, they will need to send an e-mail to international@utrgv.edu
For students who enroll directly with Academic Health Plans, you should receive an ID card a few weeks after your enrollment. If you lose your card or need a temporary ID, please contact Academic Health Plans at (855) 247-2273 or help.ahpcare.com .
Doctors and Hospitals
The University of Texas System Student Health Insurance Plan uses BlueChoice PPO Network for its Network Provider. The network consists of facilities and doctors that have joined together to offer services at reduced rates. Expenses may be less in the preferred provider network than would be charged from non-preferred providers.
I am Graduating– Can I extend my coverage?
Graduating students currently enrolled in the Student Health Insurance plan are eligible for continued coverage for themselves and dependents for up to 3 months. To enroll during the 2021-2022 academic year, complete the online form HERE and submit the form and payment to Academic Health Plans.
If I have questions, who do I contact?
If you have questions regarding enrollment, premium or claims and benefits contact Academic HealthPlans at 1-(855)- 247-7587 or help.ahpcare.com .