SAN ANTONIO — When you're just starting college you have a lot on your plate. Meeting new friends, signing up for and attending class, extra curricular activities. But there is one potentially life-saving task many students overlook.
THE QUESTION
Is it true that health insurance is included with tuition, room and board for most colleges in Texas?
THE SOURCES
- Dr. Rhonda Gottlieb, the University of the Incarnate Word Director of Clinical Health
- University of Texas at San Antonio
THE ANSWER
No, it is false. Health insurance is not included with tuition, room and board for most colleges in Texas.
WHAT WE FOUND
Dr. Gottlieb says UIW does offer insurance like most other colleges in Texas.
"Students have the option to keep the student health insurance plan that UIW offers. If they have their own health insurance, like their Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, Medicaid, and it's an Affordable Care Act compliant plan, they're able to waive that insurance," Gottlieb said.
Dr. Gottlieb also says most universities offer supplemental health insuance plans for their students.
"It's widely beneficial for the students because they're generally in new locations and they do tend to get sick and hurt. So having health insurance really helps decrease the cost to the student," said Gottlieb.
On the UTSA website health insurance is offered but does come at an additional cost.
Their Wellbeing Services page reads, "The student-focused plan protects students at school, at home, and while traveling or studying abroad. For more information about the plan, enrollment and process, visit the AcademicBlue plan's website.
So no, it is false. Health insurance is not included with tuition, room and board for most colleges in Texas.
Dr. Gottlieb also told us at UIW they have an insurance broker at orientation so thhe student is made aware of the options they have.