Enrollment FAQs
General
How is the UT System (System) sponsored Student Health Insurance (SHI) vendor chosen?
The System drafts a request for proposal (RFP) to invite insurance companies to submit competitive bids to provide insurance to students and eligible dependents attending System institutions. System staff meets with the Student Advisory Council to discuss coverage and benefits to be offered under the plan. The various RFPs are systematically reviewed and a vendor is selected based upon specific criteria and the vendor’s ability to provide comprehensive care at an affordable cost.
What company provides SHI for the System’s students and eligible dependents?
Academic Health Plans provides the insurance.
As a student, am I required to have SHI?
The Board of Regents of The University of Texas System requires all international students holding nonimmigrant visas and living in the United States to maintain approved health insurance while enrolled at component institutions of The University of Texas.
In addition, every student at a System health-related institution is required to have health insurance coverage. This coverage may be with the System-sponsored plan or comparable coverage from another provider.
Do I have to enroll in the UT System sponsored SHI plan?
No, students who are required to be enrolled in an insurance plan (see above) do not have to enroll in the Academic Health Plans as long as proof of comparable coverage can be provided.
As a qualified student enrolled at a System institution, am I guaranteed coverage under the UT SHI plan?
Yes, students meeting the eligibility requirements are guaranteed to be accepted for coverage into the System SHI plan.
Contact and Enrollment
Who can I contact to request additional information regarding the Academic Health Plans?
Information is available through Academic Health Plans or by calling Academic Health Plans’ Customer Service at 1-800-521-2227.
How do I enroll in the System SHI plan?
Enrollment is processed online through Academic Health Plans.
Obtaining Services
Where is UT Southwestern’s Student Health Center?
Student Health is located on the 8th floor of the James W. Aston Ambulatory Care Center, South Campus. Phone: 214-645-8690
If I do not seek care from the Student Health Center at UT Southwestern, how do I find a provider (doctors, hospitals, etc.) in the area who accepts the SHI plan?
After creating an online account on Academic Health Plans, you will have access to the plan's network provider locator.
ID Cards
How do I obtain my insurance ID card?
After creating an online account, ID cards can be printed at Academic Health Plans.
If my ID card is lost, how do I get a replacement ID card?
Replacement ID cards can be printed at Academic Health Plans.
Medical Insurance 101
What is a deductible?
The portion of your health care that you pay before insurance starts covering it.
What is a copayment?
A fixed dollar amount you pay at the time services are rendered. Typical copays are for office visits, prescriptions, or hospitalizations.
What is co-insurance?
A specified percentage of the cost of treatment the insured is required to pay for all covered medical expenses remaining after the deductible has been met.