| You've done all you could to prepare your child for | | | | if you buy a student policy from a private insurer. |
| college. You've set rules, stated guidelines and | | | | Other student health plans are available through |
| communicated your expectations. You've done your | | | | student-help organizations like the American College |
| best; you've covered all the bases. Or have you? | | | | Student Association (ACSA). Organizations like ACSA |
| Identifying Misconceptions | | | | specialize in short-term health insurance and study |
| When it comes to sending their child off to college, | | | | abroad coverage, which is especially appealing to |
| many parents make the all too common mistake of | | | | students wishing to travel. |
| assuming that their child will be covered under their | | | | Tips to Remember |
| health policy--and that their coverages and benefits will | | | | Making sure the student in your life has adequate |
| be the same while they're away at college. | | | | health insurance is important. As you ask questions |
| Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Many | | | | and shop for health plans, consider the following tips: |
| insurers still cover dependents until age 23, but many | | | | Know the student's needs. Does the student have |
| are terminating dependent coverage sooner--some as | | | | allergies? A need for travel vaccines? Knowing what |
| young as age 18. Furthermore, college students that | | | | your student needs ahead of time will help narrow |
| attend school out-of-state may not receive all their | | | | your policy options. |
| benefits or may be charged additional fees for seeing | | | | Know how long the student needs the coverage. |
| physicians out of the insurer's network. | | | | Many insurers allow you to purchase policies that last |
| So what's a parent to do? | | | | anywhere from three months to a year--determine |
| The Good News | | | | how long the student will need the policy to avoid |
| Fortunately, if a student isn't fully covered on a parent's | | | | paying for extra coverage. |
| health insurance plan, there are affordable alternatives. | | | | Compare multiple policies. More health insurance |
| Generally speaking, college students and their parents | | | | options mean more options to save. Don't forget to |
| tend to seek health plans from one of three places: | | | | compare policy benefits, deductibles and limitations |
| the student's college, a private health insurer or other | | | | while searching for cheap health insurance. |
| student organizations. | | | | Don't skimp on major medical. Before buying a student |
| The majority of colleges and universities now offer | | | | health policy, make sure it covers major medical |
| student health insurance for their attendants, which | | | | expenses. The cheapest policy in the world won't |
| often consist of two or three policy options. While | | | | save you money if it doesn't cover major medical |
| traditionally less expensive, the costs and coverages | | | | expenses! |
| of university-sponsored health plans tend to be more | | | | Lessons Learned |
| fixed, which may not meet needs of students with | | | | Whether you're a student yourself, or a parent seeking |
| pre-existing conditions. | | | | health insurance for a student, it's important to |
| Surprisingly, private health insurance for students is | | | | understand that health insurance is an important part of |
| fairly inexpensive. Private health insurance is an | | | | staying healthy in college. Use the tips above to help |
| especially attractive option for parents and students | | | | you find the best--and the cheapest--student health |
| because it typically covers a wider range of benefits. | | | | insurance policy! |
| Your chances of snagging discounts are also greater | | | | |