Special Health Insurance for College Students

Parents or prospective students may be wondering if there is special health insurance for college students. In all the excitement of preparing for the freshman year in college, it’s easy to forget about health coverage. For parents, a question that may come to mind is that since your son or daughter has likely been covered by your employee health insurance for many years — won’t they be able to continue using it? The answer is it that will depend on the provisions of your plan and where your child attends school.

College students may feel they are indestructible -- and at times it may seem like they really are. Many aspects of college life, however, are conducive to illness or injury. Some of the common health problems and injuries associated with college students include:

• Colds and flu being passed around through the dorm rooms or dining hall
• Injuries while playing varsity or intramural sports
• Developing stress-related illnesses from the rigors of tests and studying
• Getting into accidents as a result of unfamiliar surroundings, being silly, or from fatigue

While the cost of college is very high, sending your child away to college without insurance could be extremely expensive if something were to happen. You are likely to worry a lot already while they are gone — don’t add to it by sending your child to college uninsured.

There are three major health insurance options that can be considered for college students.

If a parent's child has been a dependent under an employer-sponsored health insurance plan, he or she may be able to continue receiving coverage. You will need to check with a representative of your plan to determine for certain whether coverage will extend beyond high school. Some things to ask or research for student health insurance include:

• What are the age limits? Some plans provide coverage into the early 20s, while others end at age 18 or 19.
• Does location matter? If your child is attending college in another state, coverage may not be provided or may be very limited.
• Does your son or daughter have to be full-time or part-time? Check to find out how many credits your child needs to be attempting each quarter or semester to be covered.

Many colleges and universities provide basic health insurance coverage for all enrolled students. Often it is included as a mandatory fee as part of the tuition bill. However, it may not provide adequate coverage all a college student's needs. Some things to consider include the following:

• Is there a deductible? How much is it?
• Are office visits covered, or only hospital visits?
• Are x-rays, lab work, physical therapy or prescriptions covered?
• How good are the medical facilities on campus?
• Is your student covered when they are on vacation?
• Are pre-existing conditions covered?

Special health insurance for college students is often available as individual health insurance plans which provide coverage specifically for your student. The disadvantage compared to employer or school plans is that it will often cost more, but it may be necessary for those who need coverage beyond what if offered by the college if other options are not available. The advantages can include:

• Year-round coverage
• Coverage continues even if your child transfers to a new college
• More choices in doctors
• May be able to add dental and vision coverage

If after evaluating your employee plan, and the plan offered by the college, you decide you want special health insurance, there are a few good Websites to receive a free quote.

• Insurance.com. This site allows you to receive individual, family and student quotes. For your son or daughter, make sure you check the box labeled “Full-time College Student?’’

• Assurant Health. Click on the “Get A Quote” link to get started. You’ll need to know in which state your child will be attending college.

• Champion Insurance. They specialize in offering student health insurance. You can apply online or call for a quote.

Take the time to explore health insurance options for before attending college. Not only will coverage be in place in case of accidental injury or illness, but parents and students alike can have peace of mind.

• Roadside Assistance Plans
• Full Coverage Dental Insurance
• Low Cost Motorcycle Insurance
• Car Accident Reports

• Free Medical Release Forms
• Sample Medical Release Form
• Guardian Dental Insurance
• Insurance Sample Cancellation Letter
• Sears Appliance Extended Warranty

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• Temporary Medical Insurance