Insurance Frequently Asked Questions

General

What do I do if I have a medical emergency?

If your condition is life-threatening or if you are in severe pain, call 9-1-1 and request emergency assistance.

If it is a true emergency that requires immediate medical attention, but you are able to transport yourself (or if a friend can transport you), seek care at a hospital. To find in-network hospitals, search in-network providers online. Select “Blue Choice PPO” for Network Type. 

For conditions or injuries that can be treated outside of an emergency room but require prompt attention, use the UHS Urgent Care Center during open hours or a local urgent care clinic. Some common reasons to use these clinics include:

  • Wounds that require stitches
  • Allergic reactions that are not life-threatening
  • Sprains and minor fractures

If you are a new student and you do not yet have your insurance card, you can still seek emergency care. Once you are physically able to do so, please notify the Texas Global Insurance Team that you sought emergency medical treatment. They can work with AHP to obtain proof of insurance coverage, which you can provide to the medical facility for them to submit a claim through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Alternatively, you can pay in full and personally submit a claim through Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Who should I contact if I have questions about my insurance?

Questions about purchasing AcademicBlue UT student health insurance for a dependent or scholar and questions about insurance waivers can be directed to the insurance advisor.

If you hold the AcademicBlue UT System Student Health Insurance Plan (UTSHIP), questions about claims and benefits can be directed to AHP or BlueCross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX).

UT Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP)

How do I use my medical insurance?

Keep your insurance card with you at all times. You will need to present this card whenever you seek medical attention.

When you are not using University Health Services, you can search for local providers in the Blue Cross Blue Shield network.

Always review your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) for errors or uncovered expenses.

  • An EOB is a description of payments issued by the insurance company after a claim has been processed.
  • The EOB will also state the remaining amount that may be owed by the policyholder to the medical provider. Note: this is not a bill, but an explanation of covered expenses.
How do I obtain my insurance card?

You can access your ID card by first going to the AHP website to Find Group and Member ID using your EID and date of birth. Once you have obtained your Group and Member ID, you can create an account within the Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Access for Members (BAM) system, which will allow you to:

• Click on the ID card icon on the left side 

• Download a digital copy to keep on your phone for instant access 

• You can also print a copy or order a new physical card. *

*If you would like to request a physical card, it is imperative that you first confirm or update your mailing address within the BAM system. You will also need to update your address with Texas Global. The default mailing address for all new international students is Texas Global; Texas Global cannot accept your insurance card on your behalf, so it will be destroyed upon receipt. 

How do I know what my insurance covers?

Holders of the AcademicBlue UT System Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP) can access the plan brochure on the Academic Health Plans benefits page. Specific questions about benefits are best directed to Blue Cross Blue Shield Customer Service at 800-521-2227.

How do I know if a doctor takes my insurance?

You can search in-network providers online. Select “Blue Choice PPO” for Network Type. Once you perform a search, you can narrow it down by language if desired. You can also call the doctor's office directly to inquire whether they are part of the Blue Choice PPO network.

Do I need a new insurance card each term?

No. Your insurance card will remain valid as long as you are enrolled in the UT Student Health Insurance Plan, and your member ID will remain the same each term.

Waivers

Am I required to purchase the AcademicBlue UT System Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP)?

All international students enrolled at UT in a visa status of F or J are required to purchase the AcademicBlue UT System Student Health Insurance Plan (UTSHIP). However, in some cases eligible students can apply for a waiver of this requirement.

Please see the Waiving the Student Health Insurance Plan page for further waiver eligibility information.

How do I know if my waiver has been approved?

Waiver requests may take up to two weeks to be processed. You may check to see if your waiver request has been applied by viewing your tuition and fee bill. If you see insurance charges on your tuition and fee bill on the 11th class day (fall/spring) or 3rd class day (summer), contact the Insurance Advisor immediately.

I'm having difficulties with the AHP waiver submission website. How can I find assistance?

Please ensure that you have followed the AHP training https://www2.academichealthplans.com/training/.  If you continue to have problems, please contact AHP directly for assistance. Visit https://utaustin.myahpcare.com/ and click on the Chat icon to chat with an AHP representative and be prepared to provide a screenshot of your error with the website link in the screenshot.

Can I waive my insurance for the summer if I'm not enrolled in classes or if I leave the country, or if I graduate?

International students are required to maintain continuous coverage as long as their I-20 or DS-2019 is active, including summer months, even if not registered in classes and even if not physically in the United States.  As such, the insurance registration for the summer term is automatic, and is always charged on the spring tuition bill. The only exception to this requirement is for those who graduate at the end of the spring semester, or for those who secure employment (either through UT Austin or elsewhere) that provides insurance that meets minimum requirements. If either applies to you, you must submit a waiver request.

Please see the Waiving the Student Health Insurance Plan page for further waiver eligibility information. 

Please Note: insurance premiums are not automatically reversed for students who graduate without an approved waiver, and waiver requests must be signed by your academic department.

How do I get my refund if my waiver was approved but I already paid my tuition?

You should receive a refund from Texas One Stop after Official Day (the 12th class day of fall/spring or the 4th class day of summer). The refund will be issued via direct deposit if you have entered your bank account information into UT Direct. Otherwise, a check will be mailed to your local address listed in UT Direct. Contact Texas One Stop for questions regarding refunds.