Health Insurance for College Students in New Jersey

College students in New Jersey may find health insurance through various options. Per the Affordable Care Act and New Jersey law, a dependent may stay on his parents' plan well into adulthood. Most colleges and universities have on-site health services, in addition to offering discounted student health insurance plans. Children under the age of 19 may qualify for state-sponsored health insurance plans, provided they meet appropriate financial requirements. Although it's more costly, students typically qualify for individual health insurance policies.

Affordable Care Act and New Jersey Law

• Per the Affordable Care Act, effective as of 2010, dependents under the age of 26 may stay on their parents' health insurance policy if they are not eligible for their own health insurance offered through an employer. New Jersey law currently extends this age to 31, if the dependent is unmarried and has no dependents of his own. New Jersey students may remain on their parents' plans until age 31, regardless of whether they can obtain insurance elsewhere. The student does not need to be full-time or unmarried under the Affordable Care Act and New Jersey law.

School Sponsored Insurance Plans

• New Jersey colleges and universities often offer school-sponsored health insurance plans. Both Princeton University and Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, partner with Aetna Student Health to provide affordable health insurance to university students. Schools may also sponsor dental and vision insurance plans and the option to purchase additional medical coverage. Universities are equipped with student health centers, where students utilize medical services and can find more information about available insurance options.

NJ Family Care Programs

• Financially needy students in New Jersey under age 19 may qualify for NJ Family Care or NJ Family Care Advantage. Both programs provide health insurance to children who do not have or cannot afford private or group health insurance. These plans are no or low cost, and provide full coverage health care services for emergencies and illnesses. To apply for these programs, administered by Horizon-Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, apply online at the NJ Family Care website or call 800-701-0710 for the NJ Family Care program, or 800-637-2997 for the NJ Family Care Advantage program.

Private Health Insurance

• If you are a healthy college student, you can purchase a private health insurance policy. Insurers such as Horizon-Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Aetna and United Healthcare offer individual policies with a variety of options. Other carriers offer plans designed for students. Health Maintenance Organizations, or HMOs, generally provide minimal out-of-pocket and premium charges; Preferred Provider Organizations, or PPOs, offer greater flexibility to see the provider of your choice.