While most undergraduate college students are covered under their parents' policy until the age of 25 or until they are no longer in school, many families still need health insurance for college students. Not all parents, for example, have family insurance coverage. In some cases, the issue is that the student worked for a while before starting college and is too old for family health coverage.
Students who are seeking post-graduate degrees may also be too old to be included in a family plan. Your child may be ineligible if s/he is married. In all of these cases, it is imperative that the student get health care coverage from some source as soon as possible. Many colleges and universities offer student health insurance, but it may be so basic as to exclude the option of using a physician of choice.
Health Insurance for College Students Online
You need to know what to look for when searching for student health insurance online. First, you want to be sure the coverage is renewable each year. You will need to know the minimum number of credit hours per semester for which your student must be enrolled in order to qualify. Ask whether the insurance covers your student year-round. It is also important to know how fast the policy goes into effect. Know whether there are exclusions for pre-existing conditions and whether your student can choose his/her own physician.
In most cases, you will be able to get the policy by simply filling out a short online questionnaire. Once you have indicated the state in which your student will be going to college and the pertinent personal information required, you will receive a quote, often within a few moments. Make sure you understand the policy benefits before you commit to it. You should also be certain you understand exactly what the out-of-pocket costs will be, including monthly premiums, deductibles, and co-pays.
