Health Insurance
The University of Texas System Board of Regents passed Regent Rule 50402. This rule requires international students to have medical insurance compliant with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Academic Health Plans administers the Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP). This in turn is provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.
Who must enroll?
- Students in the U.S. on an F-1, F-2, or J-1 visa must have UT SHIP.
Waiver Option (using other insurance)
You may request a waiver if you have your own insurance plan. To be approved your plan must:
- Meet or exceed UT System requirements
- Be compliant with PPACA
- Include all required documentation
Apply through the AHP WAIVER Portal.
- If your plan meets the requirements, your waiver will be approved.
- If it does not, your waiver will be denied.
For more details, visit the AHP website.
Exemption
- Mexican citizens and Mexican permanent residents do not need UT SHIP.
How to access your insurance:
Follow these steps:
Step 1: Create your AHP account
Step 2: Create BCBSTX Account: Blue Cross Log In
- Select “Register Now” if you are new
Step 3: Obtain your Digital Member ID Card
International students on F-1 and J-1 visas must have health insurance. This requirement follows the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Academic Health Plans administers the Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP). This in turn is provided by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.
This requirement does not apply to:
- Mexican citizens
- Mexican permanent residents
Your Spring 2026 Insurance Enrollment
As per UT System requirements, UT SHIP has been added to your tuition for the Spring 2026 semester.
- You will be covered from January 1, 2026 till May 31, 2026 at an amount of $1428. Again, this charge has already been covered by your tuition.
Exemptions
You may not need UT SHIP if:
- You are enrolled in Distance learning from your home country (documentation required), OR
- You are not enrolled but outside of the country (travel confirmation are required)
Health Insurance Waiver
You must submit a waiver every semester if you want to use your own insurance.
Your alternate insurance must:
- Meet or exceed UT System requirements
- Be compliant with PPACA
- Include all required documentation
To apply, visit the AHP WAIVER Portal
- Deadline: February 6, 2026
How to Submit a Waiver:
Follow these steps:
- Go to the AHP WAIVER Portal
- Select “Click Here to Submit Your Waiver Request”
- Log in:
- Returning users: Use your UTRGV student ID and password
- New users: Select the “New Student Registration” link and create an account
- Complete registration to access your student dashboard
- Note: Your waiver is not submitted yet
- Select the Waiver button from the “I Already Have Insurance” section
- Fill out the waiver form with your insurance details
- Upload the required documents:
- Front and back of your insurance ID card
- Policy benefits document
- Proof of medical evacuation and repatriation coverage (if available)
- Click “Submit Waiver”
You will receive a confirmation email after submission.
What happens next?
- Your waiver will be approved if your plan meets all requirements
- Your waiver will be denied if it does not meet minimum standards
REMINDER: You must submit a new waiver EACH semester.
To check what are the current medical insurance costs for each semester, please click on the link below:
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
Please make sure your contact information is correct and up to date. This includes your:
- Address
- Phone number
- Email address
If your information is not current, you may miss important updates. These may include:
- ID cards
- Explanation of Benefits (EOBs)
- Other insurance notices
If you have moved or your contact information has changed, please update your contact information with your school.
Visit the Academic HealthPlans help page for instructions on how to update your info.
To request a waiver, the alternate insurance must meet the following criteria:
- Provides the Essential Minimum Benefits required by the PPACA
- And have no annual limits
- Have no exclusions for pre-existing conditions
- Cover 100% of Preventive Care as defined by the PPACA.
- Have a deductible of $500 or less per year (including employer plans)
- Have co-insurance of 25% or less per accident or illness
Your plan must also be:
- Underwritten by a provider that meets 22 CFR 62.14(d)(1) requirements, OR
- Offered by a federally qualified HMO or a medical plan approved by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
You must also provide proof of:
- Repatriation coverage of at least $25,000
- Medical evacuation coverage of at least $50,000
Required Documentation
If you are using a U.S. individual plan, you must submit a carrier letter. This letter must be:
- Signed on official letterhead
It must include:
- Plan holder’s name and date of birth
- Insurance carrier and plan name
- Coverage start and end dates
- Plan metal tier (i.e.: Bronze, Silver, Gold, or Platinum)
- Confirmation that the plan is certified for sale as a Qualified Health Plan (QHP)
What does the student health insurance cover?
The UT System Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP) covers both injury and illness. Common benefits include, but not limited to:
- Hospital stays (inpatient care)
- Doctor visits (outpatient care)
- X-rays and lab tests
- Surgery
- Emergency care
Some limits and maximums may apply depending on the service.
Dental Insurance?
Dental coverage is optional and must be purchased separately through Academic Health Plans. Important notes:
- Coverage is available for students and dependents
- If you add a dependent, you must enroll them at the same time
- Dependents must have the same dental plan as the student
To enroll:
- Complete the Enrollment Form associated with your program
- Submit the form and payment directly to Academic Health Plans
For assistance, contact Academic Health Plans at Academic HealthPlans help page.
How do I add dependents during the open enrollment period?
You can add family members during open enrollment.
- First, complete the online form on the UTRGV Enrollment page
- Then, Submit the form and payment to Academic Health Plans
For assistance, contact Academic Health Plans at Academic HealthPlans help page.
What do I do when a life event has occurred (turning 26, new child, loss of coverage, etc.)? Do I need to add myself and/or my dependents to the School’s insurance plan outside the open enrollment period?
You can add yourself or your dependents outside open enrollment if you have a qualifying life event.
- First, complete the Qualifying Event Form
- You’ll find the Qualifying Event Form listed on the AHP enrollment website UTRGV Enrollment page.
- Then, submit the form and payment to Academic Health Plans
For assistance, contact Academic Health Plans at Academic HealthPlans help page.
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?
Make sure your contact details are always up to date. This includes:
- Address
- Phone number
If your information is incorrect, you may miss:
- ID cards
- Explanation of Benefits (EOBs)
- Important insurance updates
To update your information:
- Update your details in your student center
- Contact Academic Health Plans at (855) 247-2273
- Or visit the Academic HealthPlans help page
When will I get my insurance cards?
Your insurance card will be mailed to your home address on file in ASSIST. Make sure your address is correct in ASSIST. If you need care before your card arrives send an e-mail to: international@utrgv.edu
For students who enroll directly with Academic Health Plans, your card should arrive within a few weeks.
If you lose your card or need a temporary one:
- Contact Academic Health Plans at (855) 247-2273
- Or visit the Academic HealthPlans help page
Doctors and Hospitals?
The University of Texas System Student Health Insurance Plan uses BlueChoice PPO Network for its Network Provider. This network includes doctors and facilities that offer reduced rates.
- You usually pay less when using in-network providers
- You may pay more if you go outside the network
I am graduating, can I extend my coverage?
Yes. Graduating students may extend coverage for up to 3 months.
To enroll during the 2025-2026 academic year:
- Complete the online form UTRGV Enrollment page
- 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 the Academic HealthPlans help page
Continuation of Coverage allows you to keep your student health insurance for a short time after you graduate or lose eligibility.
Who is eligible?
- You may qualify if:
- You are no longer eligible for the UT System plan at UTRGV
- You were enrolled in the plan for at least 6 continuous months
Important Deadline
- Your premium must be received by Academic Health Plans within 30 days after your coverage ends
- Payment must be submitted to Academic Health Plans
How long can I keep my coverage?
- You can extend coverage for up to 3 months total
- Per AHP, continuation of coverage is only available once and cannot be renewed
- For Example: If you choose a 1-month extension, you cannot add more months afterward
Contact Academic Health Plans for more information, if needed.
Medical Insurance Continuation Coverage (Students that Graduated)
Visit the UTRGV Enrollment page to enroll in Continuation Coverage.
Students who are out of the U.S. during the summer may request to waive the insurance coverage. To do this, you must complete the required waiver form.
- Summer 1: June 1st to July 10
- Summer 2: July 11 to August 31
- If you return before August 1, you will be enrolled in Summer 2 coverage
- If you return on or after August 1, you will be enrolled in Early Fall (August 1 – August 31)