The importance of health insurance for college students

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 where your university is located. Short-term health insurance plans are not eligible for any government subsidies, but ACA-compliant major medical plans can be very affordable with government subsidies for those who qualify.

Individual health insurance for young people may also offer plans that give students access to bigger networks of doctors and specialists than many family or employer plans.

Explore Student Health Insurance Options by Age

Students under the age of 26

If you are a dependent under the age of 26 and living in the same state as your parents, you can be included in your parent's application and added during the Open Enrollment period. Losing student health insurance may qualify you for a special enrollment period.

If you are a dependent under the age of 26 and living in a different state from your parents, you have two options:

• You can apply for coverage with your parent or stay on their plan.
• You can apply yourself in the state where you are attending 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.

Students over the age of 26

If you are a dependent over 26, you have the same options above, however, you may be required to choose a separate plan because you are over 26. If you are looking for health insurance after turning 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.

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.