Health Insurance Requirements
Health Insurance Requirement for F-1 and J-1 Students
Students holding an F-1 or J-1 visa are required to maintain approved health insurance coverage continuously while enrolled at any Texas A&M University System institution. These students will be automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan and billed through the bursar’s office.
If a waiver is not submitted and approved during the designated waiver period, the cost of the Student Health Insurance Plan will be automatically added to the student’s tuition and fees.
Waiver Option
F-1 and J-1 students may request to opt-out of the Student Health Insurance Plan by submitting a waiver. Waivers are only accepted during specific periods prior to the start of each fall and spring semester.
Click here for details on Waiver Periods
Click here for Cost of Health Insurance per term
F-1/J-1 Mandatory Insurance Definitions and Coverage (Texas A&M System Health Insurance Waiver Criteria):
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Repatriation coverage - a benefit which provides payment in the event of death for preparation and transportation of the remains to the student's home country
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Medical Evacuation coverage - a benefit which provides for transportation to the student's home country in the event of serious medical illness which requires extensive medical care
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Minimum Plan Benefit coverage - a package of health insurance benefits, subject to reasonable deductible amounts and co-pays:
- Medical evacuation coverage amount must be no less than $50,000.
- Repatriation coverage amount must be no less than $25,000.
- Medical/preventative care benefits must be equivalent to the TAMUS-endorsed Student Health Insurance Plan with no annual limits.
- Coverage must contain no exclusions for pre-existing conditions.
- Coverage imposes no provisions for co-insurance that exceed 25% of the covered benefits.
International students that are subject to this policy must have health and medical evacuation/repatriation coverage that meet or exceed the following SHIP coverage period:
- Fall: August 1st - December 31st
- Spring/Summer: January 1st - August 31st
- Summer Only: June 1st - August 31st
International J Student Visa Holders must have a policy whose deductible does not exceed $500 annually.
International F Student Visa Holders must have a policy whose deductible does not exceed $1,500 (individual)/$3,000 (family) annually.
Individual plans, travel plans, or plans that require individuals to pay for treatment before being reimbursed will NOT be accepted for waiver approval.
Health Insurance Waiver Criteria, Instructions, and Deadlines
Students may submit the health insurance waiver if their plan meets the above coverage requirements and/or if the students meet the following criteria:
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The student is sponsored by the U.S. government. The government of the student's home country is recognized by the U.S. or by certain international, government-sponsored, or non-governmental organizations. If the student's government sponsor has provided a plan equivalent to the Student Health Insurance Plan or a letter guaranteeing payment of all health care expenses, the student may apply for the health insurance waiver.
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The student is enrolled in an employer-provided group health plan which is equivalent to the Student Health Insurance Plan.
If your alternate coverage meets the above minimum requirements, use the link below to submit electronic copies of the following documents with your online waiver request:
- A scanned copy of the front and back of your health insurance ID card indicating the student as a covered member.
- A scanned copy of your complete policy, including coverage amounts, exclusions, and limitations in English using US dollars.
- A scanned copy of your medical evacuation and repatriation coverage.
Submission of the health insurance waiver will not automatically grant you the waiver. It must be approved in order to be granted. Insurance waiver is reviewed and approved by the SHIP insurance organization. A&M-Victoria and Texas A&M System will not have any control over the waiver process.
Waiver Decisions
Notification of acceptance or rejection of this request will be sent to your University student email directly from Academic Health Plans. Late submissions will not be accepted.
Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
Students on F-1 or J-1 visas are required to maintain approved health insurance coverage continuously while enrolled at any Texas A&M University System institution. These students are automatically enrolled in the Student Health Insurance Plan and billed through the bursar’s office.
The cost of the Student Health Insurance Plan for the current semester is posted on the My Academic Health Plan. Coverage begins on the first day of class each fall and spring semester and ends the day before the next term begins.
This requirement ensures that international students have the financial means to reside in the U.S. during their studies in the event of unexpected illness or injury.
Health Insurance for Athletes
All F-1 and J-1 international athletes must have insurance coverage. Student-athletes must have health insurance that includes coverage for training, competition, and any injuries sustained while participating in athletic activities. Specific insurance requirements and coverage details will be provided by the Athletics Department.