Texas Tech University

Health Insurance Information

Starting August 1st, 2025, all students will be changing from Aetna to BlueCross Blue Shield. Updates will be sent to students via TTU email. Please watch for important changes to your insurance coverage. 

Healthcare insurance in America can be confusing. Terms like co-pay, deductible, in-network provider, and others can be difficult to understand for young adults and students from countries with different healthcare systems.

Students who subscribe to Academic HealthPlans (AHP) enjoy great health coverage compared to other insurance policies across the nation. AHP provides access to Student Health Services, where 100% of the services you may receive are covered by your AHP plan. 

AHP logo

Texas Tech University requires non-immigrant students to maintain the health, evacuation, and repatriation insurance offered through the university.

About Academic HealthPlans (AHP)

My AHP Plan Portal

https://www.aetnastudenthealth.com/en/school/686161/index.html

Find information about Academic HealthPlans (AHP), the insurance your school provides. Visit this page to access your Insurance Portal and Insurance Card.

Access my Insurance Card

Insurance Card

Be sure to enter your full R#, including the R

Access TeleHealth & Behavioral Health

Telehealth button

24/7 access to healthcare and medical advice by phone, video or app.

Find a Doctor

Find a doctor

Browse the directory of AHP's health care professionals

Medical Terms & How-To's

doctor how tos

Learn about common terms, phrases, and general medical instructions.

 

Video Library

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Quick tips for getting the most out of your health insurance.

Insurance Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Why does TTU require international students to have health insurance?

The US Government has certain requirements for all persons applying for a non-immigrant visa to enter the United States. These include certain financial qualifications such as being able to meet all personal financial liabilities and not becoming a "public charge" while in the US.

Given the extraordinarily high cost of medical care in the US, TTU requires that all non-immigrant students have health insurance coverage as a condition of enrollment. This ensures non-immigrant students comply with the US Government's financial responsibility requirements cited above.

What's the difference between AHP and BCBS?

Academic HealthPlans (AHP) is your plan administrator.

AHP provides the following services:

  • Website
  • Plan Materials
  • Waiver
  • Enrollment
  • Billing
  • Customer Care for Enrollment
  • On-campus Support

BlueCross Blue Shield Insurance Company is your actual insurance carrier.

BCBS provides the following services:

  • Claims Administration
  • Claims Customer Service
  • Distribution of ID Cards
  • Access to a Large Network of Providers

What are the dates of coverage?

Fall Semester: August 1st to December 31st

Spring & Summer Semester: January 1st to July 31st

I need a doctor! What do I do?

The best place to seek medical assistance is at the Student Health Center on campus.

Students can also access a doctor outside the health center by logging into ttu.myahpcare.com. Make sure to find an in-network doctor (a doctor who accepts your insurance). View a list of eligible doctors.

For urgent care, please follow the instructions to find an Urgent Care Clinic.

*Note: The Student Insurance plan pays for prescription medicines.

Do I need to pay the Student Health and Wellness Fee to be eligible for medical care at Student Health Services?

Yes.

What is the difference between the TTU Employer (RA/GA/TA) Plan and the Student Plan?

The Employer Plan is administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield and has some higher benefits. The plan does not include medical evacuation and repatriation.

The Student Plan does not have as much coverage as the Employer Plan, but it meets the needs of most students and includes medical evacuation and repatriation. It's also less expensive than the employer plan.

TTU Health Insurance Policy Information

Can I lose my insurance if I have a change of status?

Possibly. While we cannot make a statement on this subject, it is recommended that you contact your insurance provider before changing statuses. Your insurance provider can further discuss what will happen to your plan and alternative plans for changing your visa status.

Vision and Dental Insurance

In the USA, vision and dental insurance are separate from general health insurance. This means you have to pay additionally for vision & dental insurance. While Blue Cross Blue Shield does provide this option to students at TTU, it is not required like the general health insurance.


Apply for or learn more about Dental and vision insurance - https://ttuintl.myahpcare.com/products

Affordable Vision and Dental Services in Lubbock

Lubbock Community Health Center

Dental Care - Adult & Chldren

Services:
Exams
X-rays
Cleanings
Periodontal (Gum) treatment
Sealants
Fluoride treatments
Fillings
Extractions

Book an appointment: https://www.chclubbock.org/dental-care/

Vision Care:

In collaboration with Texas Tech Health Sciences Center, The John Buseller Clinic – Community Health Center of Lubbock provides diagnostic and treatment options.

Optometry patients have access to affordable treatments, including:

  • General Eye exams.
  • Diagnosis of eye diseases such as diabetic retinopathy, and more.

Services:
General Eye Evaluation
Eye Exams
Prescription For Glasses

Book an appointment - https://www.chclubbock.org/eye-care/


Common Questions:

Does Community Health Center of Lubbock accept insurance?

We accept most insurance carriers. Ask one of our staff members to check if you are covered.

Do you accept uninsured patients?

You do not have to have insurance to receive care at CHCL
Services will not be denied due to inability to pay.

Sliding Fee Scale:
Discounts are available on a sliding fee scale. (based on your annual income)

Community Health Center of Lubbock - Affordable Care options

CHCL has been a low-cost provider of quality primary and preventative healthcare services to those in need in this region. Since opening in 1992 and as the need continued to be identified through community assessments, CHCL grew and now has eight clinics in Lubbock and two mobile units to provide medical, dental, behavioral health and vision services for all ages. CHCL serves the surrounding counties—Crosby, Garza, Lynn, and Terry—with our two mobile units.

Services Offered:

Behavioral and Mental Health
Dental Care
Eye Care
General Primary Medical Care
Lab
Pediatrics
Pharmacy
Rediology & X-Rays
Same Day Care
Virtual Care/Telehealth
Womens Health

Visit the website - https://www.chclubbock.org/services/

I have more questions!

For more questions regarding health insurance, please visit Student Health Services.

For questions about your Insurance coverage, please contact AHP Help