What Is the Purpose of Mandatory Student Health Insurance?

More universities across America are requiring students to either purchase health insurance or enroll in university sponsored insurance programs. Some argue that young people need health insurance to pay for everything from preventative care to inevitable trips to the emergency room. Others respond that mandatory insurance results in increased expenses for young adults, many of whom already struggle to pay ever-rising tuition costs.

Number of Universities Requiring Insurance

• USA Today cited a 2008 study from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) reporting that 30 percent of universities required students to carry health insurance. ABC News cited a 2008 study from the American College Health Association (ACHA) reporting an even higher percentage of schools with mandatory insurance policies. According to that survey, 38 percent of four-year universities require students to maintain health insurance.

Reasons for Mandatory Coverage

• Most universities typically offer the same explanations for requiring health insurance for students. Southern Methodist University is "very concerned" about the health of its students. The University of Maryland worries that unexpected illnesses can "derail" a student's progress towards a degree. Students and staff at the University of South Florida are debating a mandatory health insurance plan for students starting in 2013. One of the "pros" of the plan explains that fewer students will drop out of school because of health problems.

Medical Risks for College Students

• The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advise college students to get routine check-ups to identify and prevent future medical problems. The Centers also recommend that college students receive vaccinations for meningitis, human papillomavirus (HPV), tetanus and flu. Both the check-ups and vaccinations will result in increased out-of-pocket costs for uninsured students. Students are also advised to visit with health professionals if they feel symptoms of depression, which most frequently starts with young people between the age of 15 and 30.

Arguments Against Mandatory Insurance

• Students at the University of South Florida (USF) recognize the negative aspects of a mandatory insurance plan. They realize that such plans will increase student costs and student debt for those students taking out loans to cover the insurance. Studies show that such a plan would increase college costs for Florida residents by 7 to 9 percent. The USF debate also recognizes that minority students would be more likely to be uninsured and thus more likely to be forced into buying insurance.