Student Health Insurance 101

Student health insurance plans are designed to provide health insurance coverage to college and university students. Many colleges and universities require that students have some type of health insurance. Student health insurance is an option for students not covered by their parents' health insurance or other health insurance.



The plans are available through private insurance companies, plus many colleges and universities sponsor plans for their students. The costs and coverage of student health insurance varies widely.

Coverage

• In evaluating a student health insurance plan, the first thing to look at is coverage. What conditions or medical procedures does the plan exclude from coverage? Does the plan cover prescription drugs? Does the plan have a lifetime maximum? (Look for one with at least a $1 million lifetime maximum.) What are the deductibles, copayments and coinsurance? If the student has a pre-existing condition, will it be covered?

Advantage

• One advantage that many student insurance plans have over other health insurance plans is that they offer mental health benefits. Because stress and depression are epidemic among college students, these benefits can be particularly important.

Other Questions

• Does the plan provide coverage during the summer or if the student takes a semester off from school? Are participating providers available for the student to see when away from school?

Standards

• The American College Health Association sets standards for student health insurance programs. Ask if the plan meets these standards.

Considerations

• In the past, children covered on their parents' health insurance often lost coverage at age 19 (sometimes older for full-time students). With the enactment of the Affordable Care Act in 2010, parents can keep their children on their health insurance until age 26. This provision means that fewer students are likely to need to buy student health insurance.