Austin Community College District encourages students to consider whether they have appropriate personal health insurance coverage before participating in academic programs, clinical experiences, internships, labs, travel, fieldwork, or other activities that may involve physical activity, specialized equipment, transportation, or off-campus participation.
Personal health insurance is the student’s responsibility. ACC does not sell, arrange, recommend, or endorse any specific health insurance plan, insurance company, broker, or marketplace product. The information below is provided only to help students begin their own research.
Why Personal Health Insurance May Be Important
Medical care can be expensive, even for a minor injury or unexpected illness. Personal health insurance may help students access medical care and reduce out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits, urgent care, emergency care, prescriptions, hospitalization, follow-up treatment, and other covered services.
Any accident coverage that may be available to students who are injured while participating in an ACC-related activity is limited to up to $25,000 for covered out-of-pocket medical expenses and is not a substitute for personal health insurance. Students may be personally responsible for medical costs that are not covered by the accident policy, exceed the policy limit, or are otherwise excluded. Students are encouraged to review their own health coverage carefully and ask questions before participating in activities where illness, injury, or medical expenses may occur.
Options Students May Want to Research
Students may wish to explore one or more of the following options.
Health Insurance Marketplace Plans
Students may be able to shop for individual health insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace. Depending on income, household size, and eligibility, some students may qualify for lower monthly premiums or other savings.
Learn more: HealthCare.gov – Health Care Coverage Options for College Students
Parent or Family Health Insurance Plans
Some students may be eligible to remain on a parent’s or family member’s health insurance plan, depending on age and plan rules.
Learn more: HealthCare.gov – Health Care Coverage Options for Young Adults
Medicaid or CHIP
Students with limited income, students with children, pregnant students, or students with certain circumstances may wish to review eligibility for Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program. Medicaid and CHIP eligibility rules vary by state.
Learn more: Texas Health and Human Services – Medicaid and CHIP
Private Individual Health Insurance
Students may also choose to research private individual health insurance plans directly through licensed insurance companies, brokers, or comparison tools. The Texas Department of Insurance provides consumer information to help Texans compare health plans and understand health insurance options.
Learn more: Texas Department of Insurance – Health Insurance
Before Purchasing a Plan
Before enrolling in any health insurance plan, students should carefully review:
- Monthly premium
- Deductible
- Copays and coinsurance
- Out-of-pocket maximum
- Covered services
- Prescription coverage
- Emergency care coverage
- In-network doctors, clinics, urgent care centers, and hospitals
- Whether coverage applies while traveling or participating in off-campus activities
- Exclusions, limitations, and preauthorization requirements
- Start date and end date of coverage
- Cancellation rules
Students should contact the insurance company, Marketplace, broker, or plan administrator directly with questions about eligibility, coverage, costs, claims, or whether a specific doctor, facility, or service is covered.
Proof of Insurance
Some academic programs, clinical sites, internships, travel activities, or third-party partners may require students to provide proof of personal health insurance before participation. Students are responsible for meeting any applicable program, site, or activity requirements by the required deadline.
Need Help Getting Started?
Students may begin their research through the following informational resources:
- HealthCare.gov – Federal Health Insurance Marketplace and student coverage information
- HealthCare.gov – College Students – Health coverage options for college students
- Texas Department of Insurance – Consumer information about health insurance in Texas
- Texas Health and Human Services – Medicaid and CHIP – Medicaid and CHIP information for Texas residents
Important Notice
This webpage is provided for general informational purposes only. ACC does not provide insurance, legal, medical, tax, or financial advice. ACC does not determine student eligibility for any insurance plan or public benefit program. Students are responsible for reviewing plan details, confirming eligibility, purchasing coverage if desired or required, and maintaining coverage during the applicable period of participation.
Contact Us
Office of Risk Management & Insurance
RFM Support Form
Risk Management: risk@austincc.edu
Fleet Management fleet@austincc.edu