INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
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.
Note: International students taking online classes from outside the us are not affected by this requirement.
Registration Holds
Registration hold from the International Student Services Office (ISSO) is placed on all international student accounts prior to registration every semester to monitor students' compliance with the university insurance requirement. ISSO staff can manually "waive" the hold each semester when students provide proof of insurance coverage for that semester.
After international students complete one semester at TAMU-Commerce, the same hold returns for the following semester. Proof of insurance is required again prior to registration. Example, if in October (fall semester) a student wants to early register for classes that begin in January (spring semester), he/she must first purchase insurance for the entire spring semester and provide that proof to the ISSO. This can be done by email, fax or in person. ISSO staff will then waive the hold and the student can register for classes. Please email your proof of insurance to intl_stu@tamu-commerce.edu or fax to 903-468-3200. Students who have submitted proof of insurance for the entire academic year will still be required to provide the proof of insurance again before the hold will be waived.
Purchasing A&M Insurance
International students have the option to purchase The Texas A&M University System International Student Insurance Plan through A&M system or purchase a comparable alternative coverage through another company in the USA. See the following section for choosing alternative insurance.
Graduate students who are employed as graduate assistants (GA) are eligible to purchase insurance coverage through the university Human Resources Department. This is a highly economical option as the university pays part of the cost of the policy. Be aware that there is a waiting period before the GA insurance is valid, and international students may be required to purchase separate medical, repatriation, and evacuation insurance until the GA insurance is valid. Please contact Pat Kropp in Human Resources in person to enroll in this plan.
For new students medical, repatriation, and evacuation insurance is required during check-in with an international advisor and will need to be purchased prior to check-in and orientation to avoid a delay in course registration. You may purchase the A&M website with a debit/ credit card by visiting www.tamuinsurance.com. To purchase insurance other than A&M Insurance please see below.
Using Alternative Insurance
If a student chooses to use an insurance provider other than the A&M System insurance, it is the student’s responsibility and not the ISSO to prove the alternate insurance meets the A&M System insurance requirements. Please realize the use of alternative insurance will delay your ability to register for courses until you can confirmation that it meets the minimum requirements. To use coverage purchased from an alternative company, you must:
- Verify that your policy meets coverage minimums. Coverage must be pre-paid for the entire semester of enrollment. Monthly installment plans are not acceptable.
- Present the following to an International Student Services adviser:
- Proof of coverage (card/letter with policyholder name and coverage dates)
- Policy information (highlighting coverage amounts that meet minimums) If the adviser determines that your coverage is inadequate, you will be required to purchase the A&M insurance before registering for classes.
- If you have an acceptable medical coverage that does not include repatriation and medical evacuation, you must purchase a supplemental coverage. A stand alone repatriation and medical evacuation policy is available at a nominal cost.
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.
After you had 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 ISSO are 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.
