Health Insurance for Students

Health Insurance covers an individual for medical expenses when he/she has an injury, illness, or other health condition. It helps protect individuals and their parents/guardians from high cost medical expenses.

Typically, most insurance plans do not pay 100% of healthcare expenses except for specific preventive care services. The amount of coverage depends on the type of policy. There are plans for individuals and plans that are offered by employers - HMO (Health Maintenance Organization), PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) and high deductible plans. Each type of plan has specific coverage, benefits, exclusions, and limitations, so it is important to understand how your policy works for you.

College students can stay on their parents’ health insurance plans until they’re 26 years old –even after they graduate. Those who are not already covered by their parents’ insurance can be added during open or special enrollment periods. Parents/guardians who currently have a student dependent on their health insurance plan are highly encouraged to compare the costs, coverage and benefits of their respective health insurance with the TAMUS Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). For healthcare services obtained outside of the student health center, the University-sponsored plan offers in-network and out-of-network coverage.

“ACADEMIC BLUE” SYSTEM STUDENT HEALTH INSURANCE PLAN (SSHIP) brought to you by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

Texas A&M University-Kingsville students who are enrolled in at least nine (9) hours are eligible to enroll in the University Sponsored plan. Students who are enrolled in special classes and are taking less than nine (9) credit/contact hours will be determined eligible to enroll in the University Sponsored plan if the coursework meets the criteria for the completion of a degree plan or international program as defined and approved by The Texas A&M University System. Graduate students taking at least five (5) credit hours of classes are eligible to enroll in this insurance plan. Eligibility information for domestic and international students can be found here: https://www.tamuk.edu/academicaffairssupport/oisss/current_students/Insurance.html

The System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP) includes emergency services and benefits to help you and your family with expenses that you may not consider until faced with an emergency. Visit the Academic Emergency Services portal to view benefits and services.

IMPORTANT NOTE: It is very important to make sure that your address, phone number, and email address on file at TAMUK is current and accurate. For specific details on the System Student Health Insurance Plan (SSHIP) and other insurance related questions, please visit the ACADEMIC Blue website by clicking on:  tamuk.myahpcare.com.