TAMUS Student Health Insurance Policy
International students on an F1 or J1 visa/status are required to purchase the System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP) unless they have an alternate health insurance plan approved through the waiver process. J-2 dependents must be covered by health insurance as per the United States Department of State regulations.
International Student & Scholar Services does not set the cost of the SSHIP. The plan is reviewed by System Benefits Administration and the cost is established based on plan design, plan participation and claim experience. The SSHIP is the same for all 91AV;M University system universities. The System Policy (26.99.01 Student Health Policy) is located at:
Academic Health Plans (AHP) provides program management and administrative services for the student health plans of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas. You may access the AHP 91AV website here:
Here are some helpful links from the AHP TAMUK website:
TAMUS Student Health Insurance Plan includes and benefits to help you and your family with expenses that you may not consider until faced with an emergency. Visit the to view benefits and services.
The 91AV;M University System has established five circumstances in which an international student can request a waiver to the SSHIP and provide alternative health insurance coverage.
- Student is sponsored by the United States government
- Student is sponsored by a foreign government recognized by the United States or certain international, government-sponsored or non-governmental organizations, and covered under a health plan that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If the health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation, a rider must be purchased providing coverage at equal limits to the SSHIP;
- Student is enrolled in an employer-provided group health plan that is compliant with the ACA. If the health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation, a rider must be purchased providing coverage at equal limits to the SSHIP;
- Student is enrolled in only distance learning programs and not in Active F-1/J-1 status; or
- Student is involved in 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.
International Student Services cannot review alternative health insurance plans for students. Academic Health Plans will review ALL waiver requests.
- A copy of your insurance policy with schedule of benefits and exclusion of benefits.
- Enrollment Proof (front and back of insurance ID card, along with start and end date of policy.
Once the waiver and proof of documentation is received by AHP, you will be notified via email within 7-10 business days of the status of your waiver request. It may take up to 10-20 business days once the waiver is approved to process a refund to your student account, if needed. If your tuition bill is due before your waiver application is processed, please be sure to pay the fee. If your waiver is approved, the refund will be processed at a later date.
- Have a scanned copy of your insurance card and benefit policy including exclusions, as well as your Student ID ready.
- Go to .
- Review the waiver criteria and if your plan meets the criteria, click the big button at the bottom of the page to login to your existing account or to create a new waiver account.
- If you previously used this waiver system login by using your student ID # and your previous password. If you did not change your password, it may be your date of birth in the format of MMDDYYYY.
- If you are new to this waiver system select the ‘New Student Registration’ link and provide the information requested. Click the ‘Register’ button.
- Click on the waiver link found under “Submit Waiver” on the waiver Home Page.
- Enter all information and attach the scanned copies of your documents. Click the ‘Submit’ button.
Once your waiver and your proof documents are received by AHP, you will be notified via email within 5-10 business days with the status of your waiver request. If approved, it may take up to 10-14 business days to process the adjustment to your tuition and fees.
For additional information or assistance please contact Academic HealthPlans Customer Service at 877-624-7911.
- Current Graduate Student Employees - If you are a current graduate student employee and you are currently enrolled in the graduate student health plan and your assistantship will continue for Fall semester, your coverage will continue automatically for the Spring semester. You are not required to apply for a waiver of SSHIP.
- Current Graduate Student Employees with effective date of coverage after 9/1 – If your benefits begin after January, you will be charged for the SSHIP for Fall semester. If it has been determined that you are due a refund, AHP will process these in the form of a check. You may update your address online through Academic HealthPlans. Refunds will be issued at the end of the policy term, (December 31).
Q: How do I know if my GradPlan coverage will continue through the current term?
A: First, speak with your on-campus employer to verify whether your assistantship will continue for the current semester. Once your employer confirms continuation of your assistantship, you may contact HR to ask whether your GradPlan benefits will continue through the semester as well, or if there will be a break in coverage.
If your GradPlan coverage will continue through the current term without a break in coverage, you will automatically be waived from the SSHIP. If there is a break in your GradPlan coverage, you will be enrolled and charged for the SSHIP, and possibly refunded at the end of the term by Academic HealthPlans, (not the university.)
Q: How long does the automatic waiver process take?
A: The waiver process can take up to 4 weeks after school begins. Students who believe they will be waived for Fall may enroll in a payment plan with the Business Office to ensure that they are not dropped for non-payment.
Q: How can I find out more about my refund?
A: Near the end of the semester, you may e-mail Academic HealthPlans at support@ahpcare.com to ask when you might expect to receive a refund check, and provide a good mailing address. Please be sure to provide your full name, KID, and Employee UIN so they can pull up your student and employee information.
Academic HealthPlans Contact Info:
877-624-7911 [Toll Free Customer Service Number]
Academic HealthPlans, Inc.
PO Box 1605
Colleyville, TX 76034