Texas Student Health Insurance Options

If you’re heading off to a college or university in the Lone Star State, have you made plans for health insurance? Maybe you’re wondering why you need insurance if you’re young and healthy. But even as a student, it’s important to understand your choices for health insurance in Texas. Learn more about available options and how to enroll.

What to Consider When Searching for Student Health Coverage in Texas

Here are the key factors for students in Texas:

• Are you a resident? In-state students may find it easier to remain on their parents’ plan.
• Dependent status? If claimed as a dependent, you can stay on your parents’ plan until age 26. If you’re turning 26 soon, you may want to find your own health insurance coverage.
• Stay on parents’ plan or get your own? Staying may save money, but you only qualify for ACA subsidies if you buy your own plan.
• Cost vs. coverage tradeoff? Choose a plan that fits your healthcare needs—more benefits usually mean higher premiums.
• Skip insurance? Risky—lack of coverage could result in overwhelming medical bills.

How Do You Get Covered Under Your Parents’ Plan?

If you’re under 26, you can stay on your parents’ plan—whether you’re studying in-state or out-of-state.

• Check your provider network: Make sure Texas-based doctors and hospitals are in-network to avoid out-of-pocket costs.
• Enrollment rules:
  • ACA Marketplace plans: You can be added during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period.
  • Employer-sponsored plans: Follow your parent’s employer’s enrollment period for adding dependents.

How Do You Get Covered Through Your School in Texas?

Many Texas colleges require students to have health insurance and offer Student Health Insurance Plans (SHIPs). These often meet minimum coverage standards and include affordable premiums.

Examples of Texas Schools Offering SHIP Coverage:

• University of Texas at Austin: Offers a SHIP with 100% coverage at the Student Health Center, and in-/out-of-network benefits for off-campus care.
• Texas A&M University: Does not require insurance for all students but provides a SHIP; students can also use personal insurance. Charges not covered are added to student accounts.
• Baylor University: Encourages coverage and offers SHIP; campus health services are available to all, but unpaid bills go on your account.
• University of Houston: Accepts only SHIP for billing; students without SHIP pay at the time of service and can request reimbursement from outside plans.

ACA Health Plans in Texas

The Affordable Care Act allows individuals and families to purchase comprehensive health insurance on the federal Marketplace at healthcare.gov.

ACA plans include:

• Essential health benefits
• Free preventive care
• Preexisting condition protection

You may qualify for subsidies based on your income—check your eligibility using our ACA Subsidy Calculator.

ACA metal tier options:

• Bronze: Lowest monthly premiums, high out-of-pocket costs
• Silver: Moderate costs; eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs)
• Gold: Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs
• Platinum: Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket expenses (if available)

Medicaid or CHIP in Texas

Medicaid provides free or low-cost insurance for eligible low-income individuals. In Texas, Medicaid covers:

• Pregnant women
• Children and young adults
• Disabled individuals
• Former foster youth
• Certain low-income families

CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) in Texas covers children up to age 18 who don’t qualify for Medicaid but can’t afford private insurance.

Apply through:

• Texas Health and Human Services website
• Local Department of Health or Human Services

Other Options for Coverage in Texas

1. Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health insurance offers temporary coverage for students between jobs or waiting for ACA coverage to begin.

Benefits:

• Fast enrollment and next-day coverage
• Low-cost options
• Telehealth and urgent care access
• Prescription discounts

2. Supplemental Health Plans

Supplemental insurance helps cover out-of-pocket costs from accidents or major illness.

Types:

• Accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity, cancer coverage
• Year-round enrollment
• Reimbursement for daily costs during recovery

3. Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Bundling dental and vision coverage can help manage costs and detect health issues early.

Key features:

• Preventive and major dental care
• Vision services including exams, glasses, and LASIK discounts

4. Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs

These faith-based healthcare alternatives allow members to share medical costs.

Key benefits:

• Lower monthly costs (“shares”)
• Christian values-based community
• Not technically insurance, but offers financial support

5. Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance

Fixed benefit medical insurance pays set amounts per service.

Top features:

• No deductibles
• Payments made directly to you or your provider
• Works well with low-cost or high-deductible plans

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

Know the following terms before selecting a plan:

• Premium: Monthly fee to keep your coverage active
• Deductible: Amount you pay before coverage kicks in
• Copayment (Copay): Flat fee per visit or service
• Coinsurance: Percentage of costs you share after deductible
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The max you pay in a year for covered services
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: In-network providers are usually cheaper

Need help decoding health insurance jargon? Visit our full health insurance glossary.

Next Steps

If you’ve decided you need health insurance, compare plans and sign up before the semester starts. Evaluate:

• Premiums and out-of-pocket costs
• Provider networks
• Benefits like mental health, prescriptions, and preventive care

Explore all your options and ensure you’re covered while you focus on school. It’s one less thing to worry about—and one of the smartest decisions you can make for your future.