Texas A&M University

Cost if you take SHIP

The 2026-27 premium for the Texas A&M University System Student Health Insurance Plan (AcademicBlue, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas; administered by Academic HealthPlans) is $3,146 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.

Sum of Fall (9/1/2026-12/31/2026) $1,051 + Spring/Summer (1/1/2027-8/31/2027) $2,095; same rate for F-1/J-1 and domestic. Optional Early Arrival coverage 8/1-8/31/2026 costs another $262.50.

Waiver deadline

Fall 2026: closed Sep 7, 2026; Spring/Summer 2027: Dec 7, 2026 - Feb 1, 2027

Submit your waiver request before the deadline above. Universities rarely accept late waivers — if you miss it, you are auto-enrolled in SHIP and billed the full premium.

Waiver requirements

According to Texas A&M University, your alternative plan must meet these criteria (summarised — the official list is binding):

• Government/embassy-sponsored plan or US employer ACA group plan only
• ACA essential health benefits with no annual limits
• Annual deductible of $500 or less (employer plans excepted)
• Repatriation of remains of at least $25,000
• Medical evacuation to home country of at least $50,000
• No pre-existing condition exclusions; 100% ACA preventive care

Visit the Texas A&M University health services portal →

Private plans you could submit

These private US student health plans are in our comparison. None is automatically accepted — check the policy maximum, deductible, claims address and the other points above against the plan's terms before you buy:

• ISO Student Health Insurance — from $33/month
• WorldTrips StudentSecure — from $40/month
• Compass Student Insurance — from $43/month
• IMG Patriot Exchange Program

Compare US student health insurance plans →

What a waiver can save

Your saving is the Texas A&M University SHIP premium ($3,146 a year) minus the price of a private plan the university accepts. Private plans in our comparison start at $33/month ($396/year) for the youngest age band; plans that meet strict waiver criteria usually cost more. Compare the real price of the plan you would submit before you decide.