General Information Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

Lone Star College (LSC) requires that all F-1 visa international students, with a Lone Star College (LSC) issued I-20, maintain health insurance coverage as a condition of enrollment. F1 visa international students have the following options to fulfill this requirement:

1. Purchase the LSC Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) managed and administered, for Lone Star College, by Academic Health Plans (AHP); or
2. Request a waiver if you have an alternative health insurance plan that meets the following LSC waiver criteria:
   • Student is sponsored by a foreign government recognized by the United States or certain international, government-sponsored or non-governmental organizations, and covered under a health plan that is compliant with the Affordable Care Act (ACA). If the health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation, coverage may be purchased from Academic HealthPlans to supplement the provided health plan; or
   • Student is enrolled in an employer-provided group health plan that is compliant with the ACA. If the health plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation, coverage may be purchased from Academic HealthPlans to supplement the employer provided health plan.
   • Additonal Requirements:
     • Policy provides the Minimum Essential Benefits required by the PPACA with no annual limits.
     • Contains no exclusions for pre-existing conditions
     • Covers 100% of Preventative Care as defined by the PPACA
     • Proof of Repatriation expenses in the amount of no less than U.S. $7,500.
     • Proof of expenses associated with the medical evacuation of the insured to the insured's home country no less than U.S. $10,000.
     • Please note: Academic HealthPlans will review ALL waiver requests.
3. Medical Insurance Requirement Exemption. The following groups are exempt from purchasing the insurance, but must provide supporting documentation:
   • Concurrently Enrolled (Co-Enrolled) F-1 Students
   • Students Pending a Change of Status (COS) to F-1

2023 - 2024 Enrollment Dates Student Health Insurance Plan

Summer 2023

Fall 2023

Spring/Summer 2024

Summer 2023

Waiver Deadlines

Student Resources

• 2019-2020 F1 Visa Insurance Presentation
• AHP_Summer_Refund_Form
• F-1 Insurance Premium Adjustment Request Form

Waiver Process

• AHP Waiver Process
• AHP Waiver System Student Training
• Waiver Submission Quick Reference Card

What documentation is required to request a waiver?

• A scanned copy of the front and back of your current insurance ID card with student name.
• A scanned copy of complete policy including exclusions, limitations along with deductibles and copays.
• Lone Star College Student ID number available.

Once your waiver is submitted and valid proof of documentation is received by AHP, you will be notified via email within 5-7 business days of the status of your waiver request.

Voluntary Enrollment for F1 Visa Student Dependents

Dependent enrollment must take place at the time of student enrollment, with the exception of newborn or adopted children. Dependent coverage is available only if the student is also insured. Academic Health Plans (AHP) provides program management and administrative services for insured student dependents.

For questions or additional information about the health insurance plan, please call Academic Health Plans at 855.825.3980 (Toll Free).