Definition of Student Health Insurance

Student health insurance covers students while they are enrolled at school full-time. While many private and public universities offer their own insurance to students and provide on-campus clinics, students may opt to choose another option. Health insurance coverage may also come from family, private or employer-sponsored health insurance plans. Students must research each option to determine the best fit for them, as rates and benefits vary depending on the type of insurance and the provider.

School Student Health Insurance

• Students are eligible for their school's student health insurance, which is effective so long as school is in session and they're enrolled full-time. Benefits depend on the institution, but students typically find this coverage the easiest type to get. Students should consider then when they travel home or outside of the United States, they no longer receive that coverage and may need to seek a separate plan to cover that gap. Some plans extend beyond graduation.

Family Health Insurance

• Students can choose to join their family's health insurance plan (a type or group coverage), but will eventually be dropped from coverage. Effective Sept. 23, 2010, students may stay on their family's insurance plan until they turn 27. Health reform legislation also suggests that if students marry they may be dropped from coverage.

Individual Health Insurance

• Students may purchase their own plan through a health insurance provider. Private plans require screening to determine coverage eligibility. This option may require more shopping around for coverage plans, especially if a student has a preexisting condition. Preexisting medical conditions make students more likely to be denied coverage or to not have their condition covered.

Employer-Sponsored Health Insurance

• If a student works full-time, they may be eligible for insurance under their employer's health insurance plan, which is guaranteed issue--meaning, the rate cannot increase even with a preexisting condition. A employer's employees are all one group, but if one person has a serious medical condition, then that condition increases everyone's premiums.

Considerations

• While students will go uninsured because they cannot afford coverage, they should consider the risk they take. Although the student population is generally healthier than the rest of the adult population, they can't predict when a medical illness or injury will be sustained. If they are injured while in school and are not covered, they may not receive treatment for their injuries or illnesses as out-of-pocket treatment can be too expensive.