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 the Fall 2007 semester and continues to be in use. International students must be covered by health insurance for the entire semester (from the first day of class until at least the final day of graduation for the 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 for the cost of health insurance coverage if they do not show proof of insurance.  Students who fail to pay insurance costs or fail to show proof of alternative insurance will have their enrollment at TAMU dropped. The automated billing system was implemented 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 registered for Fall 2009 who do not show proof of health insurance by Monday, August 24, 2009 will receive a new charge on their tuition and fee statement for $303.  This is the Fall 2009 premium cost for the Texas A&M University System student health insurance plan: The A&M Basic 50K Plan for International Students only. 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 enrolled in Fall 2009 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 Monday, August 24, 2009. 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 Fall 2009?

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 .

Monday, August 24, 2009: Last day for students registered for Fall 2009 to show proof of alternative insurance to International Student Services.

Friday, September 4, 2009: International Students who have neither paid the $303 insurance fee nor have shown proof of alternate insurance to ISS will be hard dropped from classes on this date.