Best Health Insurance for College Students
Don’t be surprised if your child gets sick while in school. Increased social interaction, high stress, lack of sleep, and poor diet often contribute to various health problems ranging from the common flu to more serious lifestyle-related conditions. Naturally, your child will need some type of health insurance coverage to pay for healthcare costs.
Many public universities require college students to have an approved health insurance coverage plan whether they live on campus or are enrolled in classes but live off-campus. Some universities offer health insurance plans that may allow students to opt-out and choose coverage from the provider of their choice. If you are looking for health insurance for your child as they head off to college, below are some tips for finding the best plans out there.
What Options Do College Students Have for health Insurance?
There are essentially five main options that college students have for enrolling in a health insurance plan:
- Parent’s insurance plan
- School-sponsored health plan
- Marketplace health plans
- Medicaid (CHIP)
- Private health insurance companies
Parent’s Health Insurance Plan
In most states, a child can stay under your umbrella health insurance plan until the age of 26. For most students, this gives them coverage throughout their entire college career. As a parent, you can provide the same benefits to your child that you have for yourself. Your rates may change as your child gets older, depending on your healthcare needs.
Student Health Plans
If your school offers a student health plan, it can be an easy and affordable way to get basic insurance coverage. However, not all student health plans are affordable. Many plans can be more expensive than what you or your child are paying for insurance right now. The good news is that most student plans are comprehensive. They fall under the equivalent of a top-tier or gold plan. So, you can feel confident that your child has solid coverage.
Marketplace Health Plans
As of November 1, 2016, your child can enroll in a Marketplace health insurance plan covering essential health benefits and other benefits while they are in college. If they are under 30, they can buy a catastrophic health plan for protection from worst-case scenarios, such as severe illness or injury.
Medicaid
Medicaid or the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offers plans for college students who qualify for the program. When your child applies for coverage through the Marketplace, they will find out if they qualify for Medicaid or CHIP. If they qualify, coverage begins immediately, any time of year. So, there is no open enrollment period.
Private Insurance
Your child may explore options outside of the Marketplace. By going through a health insurance broker or agent, they may be able to secure a good plan without paying ACA insurance rates. Private insurance offers the same types of coverage as Marketplace insurance with extended healthcare networks. To find out more about what private insurance is available, contact your Insurance Enterprise health insurance broker.
What to Look for in a Health Insurance Plan
When it comes to finding insurance for your child, you will look for the same features you would if you were looking for individual, family, or group health insurance. Try to find a plan with some or all of the following advantages:
- Lower premiums and low copay/coinsurance options
- Comprehensive coverage options
- Premium subsidies (premium assistance or reduced rates)
- Free preventative care, primary care visits, and $0 virtual care
- Financial protection for medical emergencies
- Free-look period
- Multiple coverage period maximums
- Multiple add-ons and riders
- Prescription drug coverage
- Premiums payable through financial aid
- Coverage available for us at on-campus health centers
Which Health Insurance Provides are Available for College Students?
You may be wondering which health insurance company is the best for your child? When choosing a plan, you first need to assess your child’s personal healthcare needs, look at all your options, and choose a health insurance plan that fits your budget. How do you determine which health insurance is best? Ask yourself these questions:
- How often does your child visit your doctor?
- What type of treatment does your child need in the next 12 months?
- What prescription drugs does your child currently take?
- Which healthcare providers/physicians does your child prefer?
Once you decide your child’s healthcare needs, you can narrow your search to health insurance companies in your state. Some of the health insurance providers that Insurance Enterprise works with include:
A More Personalized Approach to Health Insurance
Affordable Insurance Plans
You can save up to 50 percent on insurance premiums throughout the year. You don’t have to pay top dollar for quality health insurance.
Straightforward Underwriting Process
We match your individual, family, or group health insurance needs with the right insurance plan. Our underwriting process is simple and straightforward
Quality Customer Service
We are here during the moments when you need us the most. From enrollment to processing your claims, you can count on our reliable customer service.
Critical Illness Coverage
We can help ease the financial pressure of medical costs by providing a lump sum cash benefit directly to you during diagnosis or treatment
Simple Comparison Shopping
Comparing insurance companies should not have to be so difficult. To make it easy, we compare health insurance options to find a policy that meets your needs.
Automatic Re-Enrollment
We automatically re-enroll you annually to ensure that you have the insurance coverage you need. You receive a notification to review and approve the renewal.
Contact Insurance Enterprise for Premier Health Insurance
If you have questions about group or individual health insurance and need health insurance quotes, contact Insurance Enterprise at 888-350-6605. Speak to a licensed agent and find out more about how you can get an affordable health insurance plan.