Many colleges and universities are pillars of the community. They provide jobs, resources, potential connections for life, and serve as a place to participate in quite a few activities as individuals also expand their horizons. Another fantastic part of schools is that they can serve as places that offer healthcare services and can offer healthcare coverage options as well.

A growing portion of these higher education institutions prioritize healthcare coverage to the extent that they may even require students to have a health insurance plan before they can attend classes. In addition, many of them offer their own school-sponsored health insurance plan.

However, if you are getting comparable or even better coverage under some other insurance plan, you may not choose to enroll in your school-sponsored health insurance plan. If you have thought, what is school insurance and want to know how does school insurance work for students, this brief guide will help.

What is a school-sponsored health insurance plan?

Certain colleges and universities require students to have health insurance coverage. Many schools offer a school-sponsored health insurance plan that the student can sign up for. A school-sponsored health insurance plan covers your health needs typically when you are on the school premises. 

If you have questions or concerns about your school-sponsored plan, it is a great idea to ask them early on. If you are fully aware of where the school-sponsored plan is applicable, you will find that you are not caught off guard if you must seek healthcare services outside of your campus.

Eligibility is another component to have full clarity on as some school-sponsored health insurance plans may stop coverage if students switch to being part time.

In many cases, if  students decline the school-sponsored health insurance plan, they must provide proof of comparable coverage under another health insurance plan. Students who choose not to enroll in a school-sponsored plan may find coverage under their parents’ plan or by purchasing their own individual health insurance plan.

How does a school-sponsored health insurance plan work?

Most of the full-time and some part-time students qualify for a school-sponsored health insurance plan. Once they enroll in the aforementioned plan, they get to take advantage of the following benefits:

• Convenient medical care as students are directed to on-campus or local health centers.
• The medical services provided in the affiliated health centers may have low co-pays and deductibles.

On the other hand, the potential downsides include:

• If you are away from the school on a break or an internship, the plan may not cover you.
• If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, it may not be not covered by the plan.
• There may be a cap on the amount of life coverage provided by the plan.

How do I sign up for my school’s health plan?

Students usually sign up for a school-sponsored health insurance plan upon admission or when they pay their tuition for the semester. Medical services are often rendered on campus, and the plan premium could be relatively affordable.

Contact your school’s student resources office to get more information on signing up for your school’s health plan. It’s important to look into all your health insurance options before signing up for a school-sponsored health insurance plan. There may be very affordable individual or student health insurance plans available in your area.

Can dependents be covered by school-sponsored insurance?

If you have dependents, you would want to make sure that they have the right level of coverage, too, while you are in school. In a growing number of schools, eligible students who obtain their school-sponsored health policies can also insure their dependents. 

It is important to note that many schools will require students to conduct this enrollment when the student enrolls themselves in their health plans. The coverage for your dependents will end when your coverage ends.

Is dental insurance available at schools?

Depending on the school and plan type, students may also take advantage of dental insurance plans for themselves and their dependents.

Again, it is a great idea to find out as much key information as possible when it comes to your school-sponsored health insurance plan to know if you need supplemental coverage options. To address general concerns or have an overview of common questions, refer to these student health insurance plan FAQs.

If you have further questions, you can reach out to your local Student Health Center, either in person, or by giving them a call.

What are my student health insurance options?

As a student, there are three health insurance options you would normally have:

1. Individual Health Insurance Plan: Acquired usually with their parents’ help. It is affordable and offers lifetime benefits, but is hard to get.
2. School-Sponsored Insurance Coverage: Provided by your school. It provides convenient medical care, is easy to qualify, and has low co-pays and deductibles. However, there is limited coverage and a cap on the amount of medical coverage.
3. Individually-Purchased “Student” Health Insurance Policy: Acquired independently from the school. It offers a mix of pros and cons from both the aforementioned plans.

What is a student health insurance waiver?

A student health insurance waiver is a document that when signed provides the option to opt-out of a health insurance plan that your school offers to you.

This document would be a type of form, containing information regarding your request to waive access to a health insurance plan that is being offered to you. It also includes your declaration that you have been offered a health insurance plan, however, you have chosen to refuse it.

How to waive school health insurance

Let us assume that you now have a better option for your health insurance and you want to waive your school health insurance. What are the next steps? Well, just follow the three basic steps outlined below.

1. Familiarize yourself with your school’s policy. Find out what you need to do for the waiver and the requirements expected of your own insurance plan.
2. Find and purchase a suitable health insurance plan. With the requirements of your school known, look for an insurance plan that is suitable for you.
3. Fill out the waiver form. As mentioned before, your school is likely to have a waiver form. Fill it out and submit it to the concerned authorities. Note that if there is a portion of it that needs to be filled out by your new insurance company, complete your part and have your company fill out the rest.

Stay on top of your school sponsored insurance

There are various affordable student health insurance coverage options when it comes to school health insurance, with three of the most common being an individual health plan (including potentially staying on your parents health insurance), a school-sponsored insurance coverage, and an individually-purchased “student” health insurance policy.

Make sure to understand the differences between the three to make the best decision on the affordable health insurance that is in line with your needs. You need to make an informed and timely decision to be able to register in your school and attend classes.

If you are interested in learning more about school sponsored insurance plans or need help with more resources related to your health insurance needs, reach out to our team at eHealth today. We are pleased to help you find an option that meets your health care needs.