Health Insurance & Immunizations

Insurance Requirements

Medical services in the United States are privatized. That means that the government does not provide medical treatment, and the patient is responsible for all costs. Medical treatment can be very expensive, so many Americans carry medical insurance to subsidize medical costs.

International students at all Texas A&M University campuses are required to carry medical, evacuation and repatriation insurance during all periods of enrollment.

Medical insurance pays a percentage of the cost of medical treatment for injuries and illness. Evacuation insurance helps pay for medical transportation, should a student become so seriously ill as to require hospitalization and want to be transported to his or her home country. Repatriation insurance provides money for transportation and related services if a student dies. No one wants to think about such difficult circumstances but being financially prepared for emergencies will help the student and the student's family avoid unnecessary distress and debt.

Forms

International Student Health Insurance

Registration Holds

Students who fail to provide proof of insurance to the International Office may have a hold placed on their registration. This means you will not be able to register for any of your classes until you have provided proof of insurance.

A&M Insurance

International students are covered by the Texas A&M University System International Student Insurance Plan. The fee for your insurance coverage is combined with the tuition and fees you pay as an international student at TAMUCT. Failure to pay your tuition bill in a timely manner could result in an interruption of medical coverage, which could in turn result in a hold being placed on your records.

Graduate students who are employed as graduate assistants are eligible for insurance coverage through the university department of Human Resources. This is a highly economical option as the university pays part of the cost of the policy. Visit Human Resources in person to enroll in this plan.

How to File an Insurance Claim

When you visit a clinic or hospital you will be asked for proof of insurance. You must present the card issued by the insurance company that states your policy number, your name, coverage dates and other information. If you have insurance coverage through A&M system, the card can be found on the front page of your policy brochure or you can print one online from the online brochure The Texas A&M University System International Student Insurance Plan.

After you have received treatment, the doctor's office or hospital may tell you that they will file a claim for you. That means that they will send a bill in your name to the insurance company. When you receive a statement or a bill from the doctor's office or hospital, you must personally contact your insurance company for assistance and instructions. Questions regarding your claims must be directly answered by your insurance company. The Office of International Programs is not allowed to handle or negotiate the claim for you.

Important Note: Most insurance companies will not pay 100% of your bill. You are responsible to pay the deductible amount and some portion of your bill.

Seeking Medical Care Locally

Unless you have an emergency condition, you will typically not go to the hospital. In America, it is standard to go a private care physician for routine medical situations.

In the Yellow Pages of the phone directory, look under Medical Centers, Clinics, or Physicians & Surgeons-M.D. for a list of local places you can go for medical assistance.

Meningitis Information

All entering students to TAMUCT are required by state law to show evidence of bacterial meningitis vaccination. Visit Undergraduate Admissions for more information about these requirements

24-hour Emergency Services

For 24-hour Emergency Services, you should use Metroplex Hospital .

911

For extreme emergency situations, you can call 911. Key features of 911 are:

• Calls are allowed from any phone, including pay phones without coin
• Calls are routed to the proper local emergency agency
• The caller's location and phone number are displayed for quick response

Special Note: Health Insurance is Required.

Please note that dental treatment is not covered by health insurance and is also expensive in the U.S. It would be advisable to check with your dentist at home in time to have any needed treatment completed before you travel.

If you are using a particular medication, you might want to bring enough to get you through the first few weeks here. Medicine is expensive in the U.S. Some medicines, which are sold over the counter in your home country, require a prescription in the U.S. If you bring prescription medication into the U.S., bring a letter from your physician stating the name of the medication, the quantity being carried, and the medical condition being treated. Some medications used in other countries are illegal in the U.S. If you have any questions concerning this, you may contact the U.S. embassy or U.S. Consulate in your country.