Understanding how to use your UT student health insurance is an important part of taking care of yourself while studying in the United States. Whether you need routine medical care, have a question about a symptom, or face an emergency situation, knowing where to go and what your insurance covers will help you feel more confident and prepared.
Understanding Health Insurance
Health insurance can be confusing, especially if you are learning new terms for the first time. These two glossaries explain common vocabulary and can help you better understand how health coverage works:
Your Insurance ID Card
Always keep your insurance card with you and show it when you receive medical care. Once your insurance is applied, you will only be responsible for your portion of the bill. Your doctor or medical provider will bill the rest directly to the insurance company.
BlueCross BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX) is the insurance provider for the AcademicBlue UT Student Health Insurance Plan.
Your insurance card is important because:
- You need it when visiting a doctor, hospital, or pharmacy.
- It confirms that you have insurance.
- It helps medical providers check which services are covered.
Access Tips
Where can I find my member and group ID numbers?
Enter your UT EID and date of birth on the Academic Health Plan login page.
How do I get my insurance ID card?
- Need it today? Log into Blue Access for Members (BAM) to view or download a digital version.
- Need a physical copy? Order a card through BAM. It will arrive in about 2 weeks.
- On your phone? Download the BCBSTX app to add the card on your mobile device’s wallet for access at anytime.
Where to Go for Care
Nurse Advice Lines
If you are unsure whether you need medical care—or how quickly you should be seen—call a nurse advice line first. Nurses are available 24/7 to answer questions, offer guidance, and help you decide your next steps.
- Emergency care info on the HealthyHorns site
- HealthyHorns Nurse Line: (512) 475-6877
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Nurse Line: Find the number on the back of your insurance card.
University Health Services
University Health Services (UHS) is the on-campus clinic for students enrolled in UT health insurance. The clinic is located in the Student Services Building at 100 West Dean Keeton St.
- ELC students must call (512) 471-4955 to schedule an appointment with UHS.
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
UHS offers many types of care, including:
- Routine medical care
- Primary care
- Women’s health
- Allergy and immunizations
- Laboratory services
- Physical therapy
Urgent Care Clinics
Urgent care is appropriate for conditions that need prompt attention but are not life-threatening — for example: sprains, high fever, flu symptoms, persistent cough with fever, vomiting, or diarrhea.
For guidance on where to seek treatment for urgent medical care, visit the UHS Medical Emergencies website.
University Health Services Primary Care
- Location: Student Services Building
- Phone: (512) 471-4955 (ELC students are required to call first.)
- Link: https://www.healthyhorns.utexas.edu/uhs/primary-care.html
- Cost: $(low)
- Hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
CareNow Urgent Care
- Address: 3906 North Lamar Blvd., Suite 100
- Phone: (512) 861-8040
- Link: https://www.carenow.com/locations/austin/central-austin/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=business_listing&utm_campaign=ucc_gmb_appt
- No appointment needed.
- Cost: $$(medium)
- Hours:
Monday-Friday: 8 a.m.-8 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.-7 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
Emergency Room (ER)
Call 9-1-1 if your condition is life-threatening or if you are in severe pain. An ambulance will be sent to your location. Ambulances can be expensive, but they may save your life in a true emergency.
Go to the emergency (ER) for very serious or life-threatening issues, such as severe chest pain, difficulty breathing , paralysis , severe injury, or intense or worsening pain.
Emergency rooms are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and can be accessed by walking in or by calling 9-1-1 for immediate assistance. Costs are generally high ($$$$), but ERs are equipped to treat life-threatening or very severe medical conditions.
Hospitals in the Austin Area
Navigating the U.S. health care system takes time, but the more you learn, the easier it becomes. Keep your insurance card with you, ask questions when you are unsure, and use the resources available through UT to help you get the care you need.
By understanding your coverage and knowing where to seek medical attention, you’ll be better prepared to stay healthy throughout your time at the English Language Center.
This blog post was contributed by Jack Taylor, administrative associate of global engagement at the Texas Global English Language Center.
Thanks for sharing this information
You’re welcome. Thanks for reading, Harley.
This blog was really helpful for me because health insurance can be confusing, especially for students who are new to the system. I liked that it explains clearly how and when to use the insurance card, and also where to go depending on the situation. The part about the nurse advice line and urgent care made it easier to understand what to do if I get sick. Thanks for making the information simple and easy to follow.
Thank you so much for the comment, Gerson. I’m so glad you found it helpful!
Thank you for the great information! I just want to know more about how insurance system is working. I am not sure what is deductible, out of pocket, and claims. I hope there is a seminar for ELC students about how insurance works.
Thanks for your comment. The insurance system in the US is complicated, and you gave a few examples of the vocabulary that is confusing. At the top of the post, I included two links to “glossaries” of the most common healthcare terms. You can use the glossary to look up the terms you do not understand and find their definitions. The ELC does not currently offer a seminar about using health insurance in the US. I and my colleagues are here as a resource. Please feel free to email us at elc@austin.utexas.edu if you have any questions.
Thanks for sharing this information, it is useful for all students, specially for internationals.
Thanks, Ana. I’m glad you found it helpful!
This is one of the most important posts that international students should be aware of. I had a bad experience last year. I broke my wrist during Thanksgiving week, and thanks to this information, I knew where to go in my case. Anyone can have an accident, so I suggest getting information about emergency places and numbers during your stay in the country. (IS EXPENSIVE!!)
I’m so sorry that happened to you last year, Anthony. Thank you for sharing your story and explaining why knowing this information (ahead of time) is so important!