Texas State University Students: Medical Insurance Options Explored

Texas State University offers a Student Health Insurance Plan for all domestic students who are currently enrolled, with the option to enrol in the Texas State Domestic Student Health Insurance Plan. The university also offers a separate health insurance plan for international students with F-1 and J-1 visa classifications. Students with urgent medical needs who cannot pay will not be refused treatment, and Texas State students can set up a payment plan or have their balance transferred to their student account.

Domestic student health insurance plans

Texas State University offers a Student Health Insurance Plan for all domestic students who are currently enrolled. For the 2024-2025 plan year, the insurance carrier is Aetna. This decision was made based on the benefit needs of students, provider access, and costs.

To be eligible to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan, domestic graduate students must be enrolled in 6 or more hours (3 or more for the summer), with at least 50% of classes being face-to-face. Domestic undergraduate students must be enrolled in 9 or more hours (3 or more for the summer), again with at least 50% of classes being face-to-face. Students in the final semester of their degree program who fall below the above credit hour requirement but were enrolled in the student health insurance plan the previous semester are also eligible.

Students with urgent medical needs will not be refused treatment, even if they cannot pay. However, the cost of services provided by the Student Health Center is the responsibility of the patient, regardless of whether they use health insurance or not. Payment is required at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made. Texas State students can set up a payment plan or have their balance transferred to their student account if they are unable to pay at the time of service.

It is the student's responsibility to provide the Student Health Center with accurate insurance information before their visit. By providing this information, the student authorizes the Student Health Center to submit a claim to their insurance company. If a student does not want the Student Health Center to file a claim, they must notify the Student Health Center Cashier Office at the time of their visit and pay in full for any charges incurred.

International student health insurance plans

Texas State University does offer health insurance plans to its students, although it is unclear whether these plans are available to international students. The university's health insurance carrier for the 2024-2025 plan year is Aetna, chosen based on the benefit needs of students, provider access, and costs.

There are also several third-party providers of international student health insurance plans. These plans are designed to meet visa requirements and provide coverage that schools want, such as mental health, sports, and maternity. Here are some of the options available:

ISO International Student Health Insurance

ISO International Student Health Insurance is a leading provider of insurance plans for international students. They offer affordable plan options, and students can access their accounts online.

International Student Insurance (ISI)

ISI offers reliable and affordable international student insurance plans with a 5-star customer service rating. Their plans are comprehensive and designed to provide health insurance for international students, meeting school and country requirements. Plans start at $29/month and include mental health, sports, and maternity coverage.

GeoBlue International Student Health Insurance

GeoBlue is a leader in providing international students with access to Blue Cross Blue Shield health insurance coverage. They offer a mobile app that allows users to manage their health by searching for healthcare providers, requesting appointments, setting up direct billing, and providing proof of coverage. The app also includes a translation tool to assist with scheduling doctor visits and understanding medication dosages.

It is important to carefully review the different insurance plans and their coverage details to determine which plan best meets your specific needs and budget.

Student health centre charges

The Student Health Center at Texas State University does charge for services including office visits, labs, x-rays, procedures, immunizations, and other services. The cost of services provided by the Student Health Center is the responsibility of the patient, regardless of whether they are using health insurance or not.

Payment is required at the time of service unless other arrangements have been made. Texas State students can set up a payment plan or have their balance transferred to their student account if they are unable to pay at the time of service. Students with urgent medical needs who cannot pay will not be refused necessary treatments. Self-pay patients have the right to a Good Faith Estimate if they schedule at least three business days in advance or by request. If students have questions about their bill or want to dispute it, they can contact the Student Health Center Billing Department at 512.245.2161.

The Student Health Center will provide an estimate of charges no later than the 10th business day after the date of the request. The actual charges for the services or supplies will vary based on the patient's medical condition and other factors associated with the performance of the services. The Student Health Center will provide a patient with an itemized statement of the charges for services or supplies within 10 business days.

If a student's health insurance does not pay for any part of their charges, or if they are not using health insurance, the Student Health Center will send a Balance Due Notification email. If the balance is not paid in full or other payment arrangements are not made with the Cashier Supervisor by the due date, the balance will be transferred to the student's Texas State student account, where late fees may accrue, or a hold may be placed on the account. Students can discuss payment options or questions about their bill by stopping by the Student Health Center Cashier or calling 512.245.2161, option 4.

Uninsured or out-of-network students will be considered self-pay and will be offered prompt pay discounted prices to keep healthcare costs affordable. Students who do not have insurance, have an out-of-network plan, or choose not to use insurance for privacy or personal reasons may be eligible for a discounted Prompt Pay rate for some services.

Payment plans

Texas State University offers a range of payment plans and insurance options for its students. These include options for domestic and international students, with some plans requiring students to pay a premium in a single lump sum.

Texas State students can set up a payment plan or have their balance transferred to their student account if they are unable to pay at the time of service. The Student Health Center can file claims with in-network health plans. Payment plans are available, and students can discuss payment options or questions about their bill by contacting the Student Health Center.

Domestic Students

Texas State University offers a Student Health Insurance Plan for all domestic students who are currently enrolled. For the 2024-2025 Plan year, Aetna is the insurance carrier. Domestic graduate students must be enrolled in 6 or more hours (3 or more for Summer), with at least 50% face-to-face classes, to be eligible to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan coverage. Domestic undergraduate students must be enrolled in 9 or more hours (3 or more for Summer), with at least 50% face-to-face classes, to be eligible for the insurance coverage. Students in their last semester of the degree program who fall below the credit hour requirement but were enrolled in the student health insurance plan the previous semester are eligible.

International Students

Texas State University requires all enrolled international students with non-immigrant, F-1 and J-1 visa classifications to purchase coverage under the designated international student health insurance policy as a condition of enrollment. Students must maintain continuous health insurance coverage from enrollment to the completion of their degree. Students whose insurance policy does not include Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation must purchase Academic Emergency Services (AES) through the AHP portal. Students with a US or foreign government-sponsored plan are exempt from this requirement.

Eligibility requirements

Texas State University offers a Student Health Insurance Plan for all domestic students who are currently enrolled. The insurance carrier for the 2024-2025 Plan year is Aetna. This decision was based on the benefit needs of students, provider access, and costs.

To be eligible to purchase the Student Health Insurance Plan coverage, domestic graduate students must be enrolled in 6 or more hours (3 or more for Summer), with at least 50% of classes being face-to-face. Domestic undergraduate students must be enrolled in 9 or more hours (3 or more for Summer), again with at least 50% of classes being face-to-face. Students in the last semester of their degree program who fall below the above credit hour requirement but were enrolled in the student health insurance plan the previous semester are also eligible.

International students with non-immigrant, F-1 and J-1 visa classifications are required to purchase coverage under the designated international student health insurance policy as a condition of enrollment. Students must maintain continuous health insurance coverage from the time of enrollment to the time of completion of their degree program at Texas State. If a student's insurance policy does not include Emergency Medical Evacuation and Repatriation, they must purchase Academic Emergency Services (AES) through the AHP portal.

Students who are not eligible for the Texas State University Student Health Insurance Plan may be able to stay on their parent's insurance plan. Federal Health Reform Law states that children are allowed to stay on their parents' insurance plan until age 26, whether or not they are enrolled in school. Alternatively, students can purchase an individual health plan.

Frequently asked questions