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International Insurance Verification

NO EXCEPTIONS will be given after the closing date announced for each semester.

All F-1, F-2, J-1, or J-2 international students attending The University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth) on a non-immigrant visa status are required by the University of Texas (UT) System Board of Regents to have continuous medical insurance compliant with the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). Enrollment in the UT Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) is automatic at the time of registration. 

Attention students interested in waiving the UT SHIP: Effective July 2014, new health insurance waiver requirements and a new electronic waiver process for students holding an existing health insurance plan have been implemented. Insurance waivers granted in the past may not meet the new requirements of the federal PPACA.

A. You must meet one of the following criteria to submit a waiver request:

  1. Student is sponsored by the United States government
  2. Student is sponsored by a foreign government recognized by the United States or certain international government-sponsored or non-governmental organizations, and covered under a health plan that is compliant with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA).
  3. Student is enrolled in an employer-provided group health plan or individual plan that is compliant with the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA)
  4. Student is enrolled in the UT System Employee Group Health Plan
  5. Student is enrolled exclusively in distance learning class at the institution.
  6. Travel plans will not be accepted.

Please note: travel plans or plans that require you to pay for treatment yourself and then apply for reimbursement will NOT be acceptable for waiving the UT SHIP.

B. If you meet one of the above criteria, then your alternative health insurance coverage must meet the following minimum requirements:

  1. Provides the Essential Minimum Benefits required by the PPACA with no annual limits.
  2. Contains no exclusions or pre-existing conditions.
  3. Covers 100% of Preventive Care as defined by the PPACA.
  4. Imposes a deductible that does not exceed $500 per year.
  5. Imposes no provisions for co-insurance that exceed 25% of the covered benefits per accident or illness. 
  6. Is underwritten by an insurance carrier that meets the requirement of 22 CFR 62.14(d)(1) or offered or underwritten by a federally qualified HMO or competitive Medical Plan as determined by the US Department of Health and Human Services.
  7. Proof of Repatriation expenses in the amount of no less than $25,000
  8. Proof of expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the insured to the insured's home country of no less than $50,000.
  9. Dates of coverage must meet or exceed the semester dates.

On-Line Waiver Process

If you meet the waiver eligibility criteria listed above, and have an alternate health insurance plan, please follow these instructions to apply for the waiver of the UTHealth SHIP. Have an electronic copy your insurance card, Policy Benefits Document, and proof of Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage (if you have this coverage) available.

Follow the instructions below to submit evidence of your alternate health insurance coverage and apply for a waiver:

  1. Have an electronic copy of your current insurance card, Policy Document in English (including benefits and exclusions), and proof of Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage (if you have this coverage) available.
  2. Go to https://uthouston.myahpcare.com/
  3. Select the 'Waiver' tab.
  4. Verify you meet the waiver criteria, and if you do, select the link at the bottom to continue.
  5. If you have previously set up a waiver account, enter the following:
    1. Login - UTHealth Student ID# (student number from myUTH)
    2. Password - the password you previously chose
  6. If this is your initial waiver account setup select the 'New Student Registration' link to complete the registration form and then select the 'Register' button.
  7. Click on the red button found under "NO, I do not want the insurance." section on the waiver home page.
  8. Enter your insurance information and attach proof documents.
  9. Select the 'Submit Waiver' button at the bottom of the waiver form.

Please verify your home address listed in myUTH. The address listed is the address your card will be mailed to.
Global Emergency Services (AES)

If you are able to waive the UT SHIP insurance but your insurance plan does not cover AES, a semester fee will be added to your tuition for this coverage. This will cover you in the event of an emergency or in the event repatriation is required.

For questions or concerns contact:
Auxiliary Enterprises
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 713-500-8400