University of Texas at Arlington

Cost if you take SHIP

The 2026-27 premium for the UT System Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP) - AcademicBlue, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (administered by Academic HealthPlans) is $3,707 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.

Sum of Fall (8/15-12/31/2026) $1,412 + Spring/Summer (1/1-8/14/2027) $2,295; the domestic voluntary rate is the same. Optional dental is excluded.

Waiver deadline

Fall 2026: Jul 14 - Sep 1, 2026; Spring/Summer 2027 (international): Dec 1, 2026 - Jan 27, 2027; Summer 2027: May 1 - Jun 21, 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 University of Texas at Arlington, your alternative plan must meet these criteria (summarised — the official list is binding):

• ACA-compliant plan with essential benefits and no annual limits
• No pre-existing condition exclusions; 100% ACA preventive care
• Deductible of $500 or less per accident or illness
• Coinsurance no higher than 25%
• Repatriation of at least $25,000 and medical evacuation of at least $50,000
• Short-term plans and plans made for international students are not accepted

Visit the University of Texas at Arlington 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 University of Texas at Arlington SHIP premium ($3,707 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.