As mentioned in an earlier e-mail sent to all international students in the Fall 2007 semester, Texas A&M University has developed a process for billing students who do not show proof of health insurance. The process was first implemented for Fall 2007 and will continue to be used for Spring 2008 semester. 
 

What happens if I don’t show proof of insurance coverage?

The consequences for not showing proof of health insurance are very serious. Texas A&M University will bill international students’ health insurance coverage cost that do not show proof of insurance.  Students that fail to pay insurance costs or fail to show proof of alternative insurance will have their enrollment at TAMU dropped. This process implemented to have the automated billing system in place as a way to prevent students who may have forgotten to take care of this process from being dropped from enrollment and losing their legal status in the United States.  Remember that enrollment information feeds automatically into the federal database known as SEVIS. Once the federal government has a record of a student not being enrolled, the student will have to stop any employment and undergo reinstatement processing, which can take months and may not be approved by the federal government. 
 

How does automated billing work?

Non-US citizen and non-US permanent resident students who do not show proof of health insurance by December 21, 2007 for Spring 2008 semester, will receive a new charge on their tuition and fee statement for $379.  This is the premium cost for one semester of the new Texas A&M University System Student health insurance plan:  the Basic Plan.  Due to feedback from the international student population and many other students regarding the concern of high cost in premiums, the Basic Plan, a less expensive option, is currently available to purchase.  International Student Services encourages you to go online at http://www.TAMUINSURANCE.com and view the benefits and reduced premium rate. 
 

What if I get billed for the insurance automatically and don’t want it?

Students who receive the charge on their tuition and fee bill can choose to accept the Basic Student Approved Plan by paying their tuition and fee bill.  If they don’t want the charge and prefer some other health insurance coverage, a student can show proof of alternative insurance to International Student Services prior to January 30, 2008.  International Students Services will then have the fee removed from the student’s statement.  We urge all students to take care of their insurance obligations as soon as possible.
 

Where can I read the Texas A&M University System health insurance regulation? 

Showing proof of health insurance coverage for non-US citizens and non-US permanent residents is required by Texas A&M University System policy to be enrolled.  This regulation is explained in the following link: 26.99.01 Student Health Insurance. It is ultimately the students’ responsibility to show proof of insurance.  
 

How can I show proof of health insurance for the Spring 2007 semester right now when the ISS office isn’t so busy?

Further information on the required benefits including coverage dates and how to verify health insurance can be found at: http://international.tamu.edu/iss/insurance/requirements.asp

If you have any questions or concerns including need for financial assistance, please contact ISS Health Insurance at 979-845-6409 or by email at HealthInsurance@tamu.edu.

Important Dates

December 21, 2007-Last day to show proof of Insurance to not have a charge to appear on tuition and bill statement.

January 14, 2008-First day of class and the starting date of insurance.

January 30, 2008-Last day to show proof of alternative insurance to International Student Services.