How To Get Medical Insurance For College Students ?

Answer 1

For many parents, sending their kids to college is a burdensome expense. Sometimes it seems like the college costs will never stop piling up. One expense that is often overlooked until the last minute is medical insurance. Although health insurance can be expensive, many universities require that students have some form of health coverage. Follow these tips to get medical insurance for college students without breaking the bank.

Find Out If The Student Qualifies For Parental Coverage

If one or both of the student's parents are insured by a group health plan through an employer, they should check to see if their student will still be covered on their plan. Although laws vary by state, some places mandate that insurance companies cover dependent students until they are in their early twenties. It is possible that your student is already covered by insurance. You might not need to purchase any additional coverage.

Purchase Insurance Through The Student's School

Buying insurance through your student's school might be your best option if your student is not covered as a dependent by a group health insurance policy. The insurance rates colleges and universities offer to students are generally affordable. Some universities have their own health center, which a student can use if they pay a yearly fee. Sometimes health center access is included with student insurance, but sometimes there is a separate charge. Once the fee is paid, many basic health services offered by the health center require no extra charge. Being able to access a student health center that is convenient to dorms and classes is a valuable amenity for busy students. Students with easy and affordable access to healthcare are more likely to get a problem checked out before it becomes a more serious medical issue.

Contact Local Insurance Agencies About Individual Plans

Although purchasing insurance through the student's school is often the cheapest option, it is always a good idea to compare rates and prices before you purchase any health insurance plan. Contact local insurance agencies and get quotes for an individual health plan for your student. You could cut costs by purchasing a plan that covers only catastrophic illnesses. Make sure that whatever plan you pick covers preventative services, such as yearly gynecological appointments for women. You want your college student to start taking responsibility for their own health, so encourage them to make routine appointments once they have insurance.