LIVING IN AUSTIN
Apart from academics, figuring out life in Austin can be difficult. What happens if I get sick? Do I need a driver’s license to get around? How will I find friends? We hope the following information will help guide you as you go beyond the boundaries of UT Austin and broaden your experience in the United States.
HEALTH INSURANCE INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS The UT System Board of Regents requires that all international students in F or J status maintain health insurance for the full duration of their academic program, including summers. The student insurance fee is added automatically to your tuition and fee bill twice yearly. You can get information about the insurance requirements at GLOBAL.UTEXAS.EDU/ISSS/ADVISING-SERVICES/ INSURANCE WAIVING THE INSURANCE REQUIREMENT
Students that present evidence of alternate medical insurance may be eligible for a waiver of the student insurance fees. In order to determine your eligibility and deadlines and download the appropriate waiver form, please visit GLOBAL.UTEXAS.EDU/ISSS/ADVISING-SERVICES/ INSURANCE/WAIVERS
Graduate students who have a 20-hour per week, benefits-eligible assignment as a TA, GRA, or AI will qualify for a waiver. However, the waiver doesn’t include the mandatory, onemonth supplemental early-arrival coverage (for new students only) or the repatriation/medical evacuation insurance for all students. The waiver for graduate students with a benefits-eligible assignment can be processed prior to deadline at GLOBAL.UTEXAS.EDU/ISSS/ADVISING-SERVICES/ INSURANCE/WAIVERS
THE STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN
1. Newly admitted students in the fall and summer are charged a one-time supplemental insurance fee that begins August 1 for the fall or May 1 for the summer. Students and dependents arriving before this period should have their own private insurance. 2. The student insurance plan provider is BlueCross/BlueShield of Texas, administered by Academic HealthPlans. To view and download the student insurance plan, go to UTEXAS.MYAHPCARE.COM/BENEFITS INSURANCE ID CARDS
1. You should always carry your insurance card with you and present it when you seek medical care. 2. Annual insurance ID cards are mailed to students’ local addresses after the 12th day of fall classes. New spring admits will also receive their cards after the 12th class day, and new summer admits will receive their cards after the 4th class day. 3. Upon receiving your card, register your BlueCross/BlueShield of Texas member account at BCBSTX.COM/MEMBER 4. If you need to seek medical care before receiving your insurance ID card and need to request a temporary ID card, please email the insurance coordinator at INTLINSURANCE@AUSTIN.UTEXAS.EDU SEEKING MEDICAL CARE
The most affordable medical care for UT students is through University Health Services (UHS), located in the Student Services Building on Dean Keeton Street. For more information about UHS, visit HEALTHYHORNS.UTEXAS.EDU. Note: dependents are not eligible to use UHS. A complete, searchable list of medical providers in the BlueCross/BlueShield network is available through your online account found at BCBSTX.COM/MEMBERS
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