Health Care Coverage Options for College Students

Many young people think that serious health issues could never happen to them. After all, college-aged students are in the prime of their life. Some college students are athletes while even more have never had a health incident in their two decades of life. Additionally, access to healthy food, on-campus gyms, and the occasional online CPR course are making it increasingly easy for students to maintain their health or make changes to live a healthier life.

 Unfortunately, you never know when an accident can occur. Even if you're relatively healthy, a sudden car accident or slip and fall injury could result in a hospital stay or a trip to an urgent care center. But even if an accident doesn't occur, there are a number of health issues that are common among college students, including depression, anxiety, STDs, and the flu. While it might not seem like you need a health care coverage plan at such a young age, talking to an insurance company or looking for a Medicare supplement plan can help protect you from the unexpected.

 Here are some of the top ways college students are getting the medical coverage that they need to live a healthier, safer life.

Rely on Your Parent's Insurance

As long as your parent has an insurance plan that covers dependents, you might be eligible to stay on your parent's insurance without paying out-of-pocket expenses. In fact, even young people who move out of state or choose to get married can often stay on their parent's insurance until they're 26 years of age. Best of all? This is cheaper than getting an insurance plan on your own since many young people have to pay high deductible costs.

 Talk to your parent(s) about the enrollment plan their insurance policy before you start looking elsewhere. If your parents are struggling financially, they might be able to opt into a Medicaid supplement plan to help get you the coverage you need.

Invest in Student Health Insurance

If you don't have the ability to get on—or stay on—your parent's health insurance, the next best option is investing in student health insurance. These types of policies are often available through the student's college of choice. After all, most universities demand insurance coverage to allow a student to attend. If this is your best option, you might even be able to rely on student financial aid services to help supplement the costs of your insurance plan.

Keep in mind, these student plans typically offer basic coverage. As such, factors like emergency surgeries might not be covered. Be sure to talk to your financial advisor about the ins and outs of your school's specific policy before signing the dotted line.

Get Medicaid

One of the best ways for a new college student to get insurance coverage is through Medicaid, particularly if the student is struggling financially or has a disability. As long as you meet Medicaid's eligibility requirements, the student will be able to choose from a range of plans, from basic coverage to more specific options. Keep in mind that your eligibility will also take into account your family's financial situation if they claim you as a dependent. However, if your family has Medicaid, you will likely be able to get coverage under this plan.

The financial burdens of college can seem overwhelming, especially when you have to consider insurance options. Even though few people want to think about the ins and outs of seeing their healthcare providers, basic insurance benefits are essential throughout your college experience. Your health is the most important thing. Even though you're young, getting coverage can help you stay healthy when you need it most. Consider these options when you're ready to invest in insurance before college.

Content Provided by Scholarship Media