Cost if you take SHIP
The 2026-27 premium for the AcademicBlue UT Student Health Insurance Plan (UT SHIP) is $3,893.40–$4,217.85 a year (student only). It is billed to your student account unless your waiver is approved.
Fall (Sep 1 - Dec 31, 2026) $1,297.80 + Spring+Summer (Jan 1 - Aug 31, 2027) $2,595.60 = $3,893.40. The page also lists 'New Student Fall' cover for Aug 1-31, 2026 at $324.45 (total $4,217.85). Amounts include evacuation/repatriation and a 5% administrative fee.
Waiver deadline
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 Austin, your alternative plan must meet these criteria (summarised — the official list is binding):
- Only in listed categories, e.g. US employer plan, individual US plan, assistantship
- PPACA-compliant plan from a US-based insurer
- Deductible no more than $500 (individual plans)
- Coinsurance no more than 25%
- Proof of medical evacuation and repatriation coverage
- Active for the full semester period
Visit the University of Texas at Austin 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
What a waiver can save
Your saving is the University of Texas at Austin SHIP premium ($3,893.40–$4,217.85 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.
- Premium: global.utexas.edu
- Waiver deadline: global.utexas.edu
- Waiver criteria: global.utexas.edu