International Student Health Insurance

Office of International Programs

International Student Insurance

The waiver period for the Spring/Summer 2025 term is open from December 15, 2024 - February 12, 2025. Learn how to submit a waiver below by selecting the title "Insurance Waiver Instructions" or by visiting the AHP website directly.

Health insurance coverage is a requirement for all international students at UT Tyler. The University of Texas System Rule 50402 requires all F and J student visa holders to be automatically enrolled in the U. T. System sponsored student health insurance plan titled U. T. System Student Health Insurance Program (UT SHIP). International students are automatically enrolled in the insurance plan for each term that they are enrolled in courses at UT Tyler. Upon completion of their academic program, students are no longer automatically enrolled in the UT SHIP insurance plan. Health insurance is OPTIONAL for any students who remain in the U.S. after graduation, and at this point it is the student's responsibility to enroll in an insurance plan of his or her choice.

Vision and dental are not included in the health insurance.

Insurance Fees

UT-SHIP 2024-2025 COSTS
International Students
	Fall 8/15/2024 - 12/31/2024		Spring & Summer* 1/1/2025- 8/14/2025		Summer 5/15/2025 - 8/14/2025
Student only	$1,306		$2,132		$864
Spouse	$1,306		$2,132		$864
Children	$2,094		$3,421		$1,386
IELI Students
	Fall 1 8/15/2024 - 10/16/2024	Fall 2 10/17/2024 - 12/31/2024	Spring 1 1/1/2025 - 3/15/2025	Spring 2 3/16/2025 - 5/26/2025	Summer 5/27/2025 - 8/14/2025
Student only	$591	$715	$704	$676	$752
Spouse	$591	$715	$704	$676	$752
Child	$949	$1,147	$1,129	$1,084	$1,206
*Spring & Summer coverage is billed as a single charge at the beginning of the Spring semester.

Insurance Waiver Instructions

While International students (F and J visa) are automatically enrolled in UT-SHIP and the fee added to their student accounts upon class enrollment, a student may receive authorization through AHP using their Waiver Process to use an alternative US insurance policy. It must meet all the insurance criteria and the correct documents must be filed during the waiver period.
The waiver period for the Spring/Summer 2025 term is open from December 15, 2024 - February 12, 2025. If approved by AHP for a waiver, your approval will be valid for the semester you applied for. International students must show proof of alternate adequate coverage each semester to AHP.

Follow the Instructions to Submit a Waiver:

Have a scanned copy of your insurance card and policy benefit pages including exclusions as well as your UT Tyler Patriots ID number ready.
Go to AHP's waiver page
Review the waiver criteria to check if your plan meets the criteria
Scroll to the bottom of the page to login and select “Login to Waive Coverage” to your existing account or to create a new waiver account.
- If you previously used this waiver system login by using your UT Tyler Patriots ID and the previous password set. 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 you would type in your birthdate (MMDDYYYY) for the password, but the student ID should be the same.
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, forward the approval email to OIP.

It may take up to 3-5 business days to process the adjustment to your tuition and fees.

Other Resources

Waiver Deadlines and Criteria

For students who received an email saying the status “pending,” please use the following links depending on the campus you attend: UT Tyler or UT HSC.

Plan Highlights

Plan Highlight Flyer - Eligibility, How to Enroll, Benefits, Premium and Dates
Brochure/ Master Policy
Dental Plan - A 12-month waiting period may apply
Vision Plan
Prescription Formulary
Preventive Services Member Flyer
Birth Control Covered at 100%
Academic Emergency Services - Services and Benefits for Travel Emergencies
Telehealth and Behavioral Health Services - For Medical/Urgent Care, Therapy, Nutrition, and Psychiatry
Summary of Benefit Coverage Glossary

Find a Provider

Account Information

Using Your Insurance

UT-SHIP Insurance: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas
Coverage: Benefits (Does not include vision or dental coverage except for students and their dependents under 19 years old.)
Cards: Mailed to students once per academic year, in the fall after classes begin unless the student's first semester is spring. Paper/digital versions are available through the Blue Cross/Blue Shield website.
To ask about Insurance Enrollment: 1.855.267.7587
To ask about Benefits or Claims: 1.855.267.0214
Free 24/7 Nurseline: 1.800.581.0368

How to use your policy:

You will be mailed an insurance card. Put it in your wallet or purse.
When you make a doctor’s appointment or visit a clinic, you will be asked what insurance you use and other information off the card.
When you arrive at the clinic, someone will ask to see your card. They will verify that the policy is active.
When you leave, the office will send a bill to the insurance company. The insurance company will pay a percentage of the bill (see benefits list for how much) and then you will be billed for the remainder OR you can pay the full price and send the bill to the insurance company yourself and have them reimburse you for their portion. This is called “filing a claim.”