Health Insurance Articles
Three Different Health Insurance Coverage Options For College Students And Their Benefits
2010-05-18
When you are headed off to college, you are on top of the world, on top of your game, with thoughts of success and seeing the world on your mind. The last thing you want to think about is the possibility of getting sick or injured while you are having your college experience. However, the need for health coverage, just like the probability that at some point you will get sick or injured while away at college, is a fact of life no less real than the need to get your degree to succeed in meeting your goals in life. Once you are away at school your time will be limited, so do your homework now to investigate health insurance coverage options and needs and choose the plan with benefits that are right for you. There are three different options that you will want to consider before making your final decision - each with its relative benefits and drawbacks.
First, if you are currently on your parents' health insurance coverage plan, find out how long you are eligible to remain on their policy as a college student, and stay on it as long as you can. Even if it is necessary to work out a percentage payment plan with your parents, your coverage is likely to be more comprehensive, and more importantly, uninterrupted, as you transition from living at home to the college environment. While all insurers are now required to allow dependents who are attending college to be covered under a parent's plan through the age of 26, some plans, specifically health management organizations or HMO's, will only offer coverage if the dependent does not travel out of the coverage region or area.
Next, inquire with your employer if applicable or at your university or college about the availability of health insurance coverage for students. Many universities and colleges offer one or more levels of a student health care plan as an extra value added service. Charges are usually assessed on a semester or annual basis. Investigate any pre-requisites to being approved, including a health care waiting period and health status. Also ensure that the level of coverage is adequate to your medical needs. If you are an international student, chances are good that you will be required to either show proof of health insurance or sign up for the university's health care plan prior to being admitted.
Finally, if neither of these two approaches is viable, there is always the option to obtain independent health insurance coverage. To avoid any lapses in coverage, be sure to inquire about the health care waiting period and time cessation of current coverage with enrollment in your new plan.
