Individual or short-term health insurance plans are an easy and affordable way for college students to get basic medical coverage. Learn about health insurance options in college and find the right student plan for your needs!
College students can get health insurance in the following ways:
Many students opt to stay on a parent’s plan or enroll in their own individual health insurance plan rather than selecting a school-sponsored plan. Applying for your own major medical or short-term health insurance plan will generally ensure you have the most flexibility and can still use your coverage when away from campus or your parent.
College students can get health insurance in the following ways:
Many students opt to stay on a parent’s plan or enroll in their own individual health insurance plan rather than selecting a school-sponsored plan. Applying for your own major medical or short-term health insurance plan will generally ensure you have the most flexibility and can still use your coverage when away from campus or your parent.
College students can get health insurance in the following ways:
Many students opt to stay on a parent’s plan or enroll in their own individual health insurance plan rather than selecting a school-sponsored plan. Applying for your own major medical or short-term health insurance plan will generally ensure you have the most flexibility and can still use your coverage when away from campus or your parent.
Students are generally required to have health insurance coverage. Students can shop for short-term coverage or for a major medical plan depending on their coverage needs. Short-term plans can offer temporary health coverage for a single semester or even the whole school year, but these plans generally only cover accidents and unexpected illnesses, not preventive care or items such as mental health or pregnancy, and they tend to have more limitations than major medical plans. A major medical plan offers more comprehensive, long-term health insurance for students. Both can be great options for college students as the plans may cost less than staying on a family plan. Always check the plan coverage details carefully to make sure you understand what is or is not covered by any plan you are considering.
In addition, an individual health insurance plan may provide better benefits. Since college students tend to be healthy young people, premiums & deductibles are often low. Getting an individual health insurance plan in college can also give you more flexibility with services and guarantees that you’ll have access to doctors in the area that your university is located. Individual health insurance plans may also give students access to bigger networks of doctors and specialists than many family or employer plans.
Deductibles & premiums can be less expensive than a having a dependent on a family or employer plan
More flexibility for health benefits most needed by students
Deductibles & premiums can be less expensive than a having a dependent on a family or employer plan
More flexibility for health benefits most needed by students
Students can get short-term coverage with low premiums, or stay on a parent's plan depending on your coverage needs
If you're going to school somewhere that your existing plan doesn't offer coverage, a short-term health insurance plan can help you bridge the gap.
Short-term plans can offer quick approval so that you can get coverage when you need it most with no waiting period.
Short-term plans offer coverage for flexible time periods (up to a maximum number of months depending on the state).
Student health insurance for dependents under 26:
If you are under 26 and living in the same state as your parents, you can stay on or be added to your parents’ health insurance or you can enroll in your own health insurance plan, either through your school or outside of your school. Some students may be able to apply for Medicaid or MediCal depending on family income.
If you are under 26 and attending college in a different state from your parents, you may still stay on your parents’ health insurance plan but you must review the coverage documents to ensure that the insurer’s provider network extends to the area you will be living.
In both situations, it is a good idea to compare your family’s coverage vs. other health insurance options for students when it comes to local provider options, cost, and which plan provides benefits that the student is most likely to need.
Student health insurance over 26:
If you are over 26, you are no longer covered on your parent’s plan and you must choose your own health insurance. Once you turn 26, you qualify for a special enrollment period and may enroll in a health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
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How do I get health insurance in college?
