Health Insurance FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Student Health Services Center at UTSA?
Wellness 360 is located in the Recreation Wellness Center (RWC) on the Main Campus. View on Map
How can I obtain additional information regarding the student health insurance plan?
Information is available through the Academic Health Plans website.
How do I enroll in the student health insurance plan (SHIP)?
International students are automatically enrolled in the UT SHIP after registering for classes and the health insurance charge is automatically added to your student account.
What if I need to see a doctor before I receive my insurance card?
Students who are ill and referred by Wellness 360 to see a physician should contact International Services (GSR 2.116) to obtain a temporary insurance card. You can come by our office (GSR 2.116), call 210-458-7202, or email insurance.advisor@utsa.edu for assistance.
I am a continuing student and will be traveling back to the United States. How can I receive an updated I-20 with a travel signature?
Before requesting your I-20 with travel signature, check the second page of your current I-20 to determine if a new signature is needed. If the signature is more than 12 months old, then please continue with the travel signature request process. I-20s with a signature less than 12 months old do not need an updated signature to re-enter the United States.
Request your I-20 through our International Student Request Portal: international.utsa.edu
I-20s will be distributed electronically and signed with an electronic signature. Students who prefer to have the original document mailed, please notify ISSS for additional instructions.
Make sure to print the I-20 in color, sign, and date with blue ink. A printout of the I-20 will be required to enter the United States.
How do I obtain my insurance card?
Your insurance card will be mailed by the insurance company to the address listed on your myUTSA Account. If you move, please update your address with 1) International Services, 2) on myUTSA Account, and 3) with AHP. Continuing students do not receive new cards each semester. Continuing students are able to use their current card for as long as they are enrolled at UTSA.
I lost my insurance card. How do I request a replacement card?
If you have not yet done so, please register your Blue Access for Members account. Once you have registered your account, you can request a new/replacement card online. If you are having difficulty requesting a new/replacement card, please contact International Services for assistance, call 210-458-7202, or email insurance.advisor@utsa.edu
Can my insurance charge be paid in installments?
No, unfortunately the insurance fee must be paid in full. If you are enrolled in the three-part installment plan with Fiscal Services, your payments will not apply to the insurance fee. Please add additional funds to each installment payment to cover the insurance expense.
I am participating in a Study Abroad program. Am I required to maintain student health insurance?
Yes, you are required to maintain active insurance at all times while pursuing your degree at UTSA. Continuing students must have insurance throughout the year, including summer semesters. Students on an official Study Abroad program may waive the insurance. Contact Insurance.Advisor@utsa.edu for assistance.
How do I find a provider (doctors, hospitals, etc.) in my area who accepts student insurance plans?
Please remember you do have access to the on-campus Student Health Services Center. If you will to seek care outside of the university, you can go to the AHP website and click on “find a doctor”. You can also refer to the instructions on the “selecting a physician” page.
How do I login to my Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) account?
You can access your health insurance account by registering via Blue Access for Members (BAM). If you have not received your insurance card, you can locate your BCBS Member ID and Group number to register for BAM by visiting the AHP website.
How do I enroll in dental coverage?
Students must contact Academic Health Plans directly to add the dental coverage each semester. The dental coverage request must be completed within the Open Enrollment period.
I already have a health insurance plan. Can I waive the AHP student health insurance plan at UTSA?
Visit the Health Insurance Waiver page for more information about the insurance requirements and the process to waive the student health insurance plan. It is important to note that waivers are only available during select times. Please check the UTSA website and review emails for current dates.
What do I need to know in order to qualify for a waiver?
Your comparable insurance plan must meet or exceed the below requirements:
- Affordable Care Act Compliant (ACA)
- Plan must be in English
- Plan must cover entire coverage period
- Plan must be in United States dollars (USD)
- Travel plans are not accepted
- No life time limitations
- No preexisting limitations
Do I need medical insurance?
The Board of Regents of the University of Texas System requires all students holding an F-1 or J-1 non-immigrant visa have health insurance coverage while enrolled at institutions of the University of Texas. This coverage may be with the system-sponsored insurance plan or comparable coverage from another provider. This includes continuing students who are not enrolled in summer classes. Learn more about health insurance requirements.
I am a government sponsored student with an approved government sponsored insurance plan. Am I required to maintain the UTSA student health insurance plan?
Government sponsored students with government sponsored insurance plans and a current valid ‘Financial Guarantee’ that covers the duration of academic study will have the UTSA insurance plan charge automatically waived. If your charge has not been waived, please consult the Insurance Advisor.
I received a waiver of the medical portion of the student health insurance plan, but I was charged for AES coverage. What is AES coverage?
AES coverage refers to ‘Academic Emergency Services’ which provides you with coverage if you are over 100 miles from home or you are outside your home country. If your waiver was approved but your existing plan did not include evacuation/repatriation coverage, you will automatically be enrolled into AES. Evacuation/repatriation is a federal requirement for F and J visa holding students.
Can I keep the student health insurance plan after I graduate?
Yes. In order to keep the student health insurance plan, you will need to submit a Continuation of Enrollment request to AHP along with payment no longer than 30 days of your coverage termination date. Coverage can be extended for up to 3 months.
I am a new student and I was charged for a supplemental insurance fee. What is this fee and why am I charged for additional coverage?
F-1/J-1 students are required to maintain continuous health insurance coverage at all times. The supplemental insurance covers the gap in coverage of the summer and fall insurance policy start dates determined by UT System and Academic Health Plans.
Example: Fall classes start in the middle of August, however, the fall insurance policy is not effective until September 1st. Therefore, ‘supplemental’ or ‘gap’ insurance is necessary to cover the lapse in coverage.
What happens if I withdraw from UTSA in the middle of the semester? Will my insurance be refunded?
No refunds can be issued for students withdrawing during the semester. Only option for refund is for students who decide to withdraw before the semester begins.
