Health insurance can be confusing because it uses words you may not know. To help you better understand health insurance, here are two lists of the most commonly used health care terms and definitions.

• BlueCross Blue Shield of Texas glossary of health care terms
• HealthCare.gov glossary of health care terms

Always keep your insurance card with you and present it when you seek medical care. You will only be required to pay your part of the medical bill with insurance applied. The remaining balance will be billed directly to insurance by your medical provider. BlueCross/BlueShield of Texas is the provider for the AcademicBlue UT Student Health Insurance Plan.

Where To Go For Care

Nurse Advice Lines:

• This is a great resource if you are not sure if you should be seen or how soon you should be seen by a healthcare provider.
• You can call a nurse advice line first for advice.
• Nurse Advice Lines are staffed 24/7 and provide advice about caring for an illness at home or seeing a healthcare provider.
• University Health Services Nurse Advice:(512) 475-6877
• BlueCross/BlueShield Nurse Advice: number on the back of your insurance ID card. 

University Health Services:

• University Health Services (UHS) is the on-campus clinic available to students who purchased UT health insurance.
• Location:Student Services Building (SSB)
• 100 West Dean Keeton Street
• ELC students must call to make an appointment, 512-471-4955
• UHS offers a variety of services and specialties. View these services online. Note that there are different hours and days of operation for some services.
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5 pm
• Treatments include:
  • Routine Medical Care
  • Prescriptions
  • Urgent Care
  • Women’s Health
  • Allergy & Immunizations
• Appointment Required? YES
• Cost: $

Urgent Care Clinic:

• For urgent conditions that can be treated outside of a hospital but require prompt attention. Like sprained ankles, fevers, minor injuries, flu symptoms, severe cough with fever, vomiting or diarrhea.
• University Health Services Urgent Care
  • Location:Student Services Building (SSB)
  • 100 West Dean Keeton Street
  • Appointment is not required, but you must call first.
  • ELC students must call first, 512-471-4955
  • Cost: $
  • Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 am – 5:00 pm
• CareNow Urgent Care
  • Location: 3906 North Lamar Blvd. Suite 100
  • Contact: (512) 861-8040
  • Appointment required? NO
  • Cost: $$
  • Hours:
    • • Monday – Friday, 8 am – 8 pm
      • Saturday, 8 am – 7 pm
      • Sunday, 8 am – 5 pm

Emergency Room:

• Call 9-1-1 to request emergency assistance if your condition is life-threatening or if you are in severe pain.
• Seek care at a hospital if it is a true emergency that requires immediate medical attention, but you are able to transport yourself or if a friend can transport you.
• Very severe or life-threatening issues. Like sever chest pain, difficulty breathing, paralysis, severe pain, sever physical trauma.
• Locations:
  • St. David’s Hospitals
  • Seton Hospitals
• Appointment required? NO
• Cost: $$$$
• Hours: 24 hours, 7 Days/Week
• Contact: dial 9-1-1 or walk-in

*Dialing the numbers “9-1-1” on any phone will call an ambulance to your location. Ambulances are often expensive but can be lifesaving in a serious medical emergency.