International Students and Health Insurance

The University of Texas System Board of Regents requires that all international students have medical insurance compliant with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). All international students holding nonimmigrant visa status are required, except under certain circumstances as outlined by The University of Texas Board of Regents, to purchase and maintain the UT System-approved comprehensive Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP) while enrolled at UTSA. International students are automatically enrolled in the UT SHIP at the time of course registration. The charge for the insurance coverage appears as a required fee on the student fee bill. The policy, recommended under the UT System, offers unlimited maximum benefits per covered person, per policy year in major medical/hospitalization for each illness, accident, and injury, with a deductible. Medical evacuation and repatriation benefits are also provided. It is necessary for students to have comprehensive health insurance to ensure that they have the best possible health care and to protect them from unexpected financial crises.

The UT System has established criteria in which an international student can request a waiver to the student health insurance plan by providing alternate health insurance coverage. In order to be approved for a waiver, the alternate health coverage must meet or exceed the requirements as set in the UT System regulation. Students can apply for a waiver during designated periods each fall, spring, and summer semester. An approved waiver does not automatically carry over to future semesters. Students are required to apply for the health insurance waiver each semester they wish to remove the charge. Students may apply for a waiver by submitting a request to Academic Health Plans.

International students classified as Texas residents for tuition purposes must still enroll in the UT System Health Insurance Plan unless approved for a waiver according to the UT System's established criteria.