| Although there are more colleges than ever offering | | | | plan available, could get coverage via their employer if |
| health insurance, most college students between the | | | | they are in full-time employment. Failing this, they can |
| ages of 18 and 23 prefer to have their coverage | | | | go the usual route, that is, buy a health insurance plan |
| under an outside source, usually their parents'. This | | | | from a reputable insurance company. The major |
| ensures that they do not suffer from limitations, | | | | difference between a college plan and a private one is |
| interruption and changes in benefits associated with | | | | the stringent questioning pertaining to the student's |
| college plans. | | | | eligibility provided by the private company. Like anyone |
| However, The Commonwealth Fund has issued a | | | | else, students will be refused coverage by most |
| report stating that approximately 60 percent of group | | | | insurance companies if they have had a previous |
| health insurance plans sponsored by employers had a | | | | medical illness. |
| stipulation requiring all enrolled students to be studying | | | | Nonetheless, there are always companies willing to |
| full-time courses, otherwise they would not be covered | | | | insure you in this instance. It pays to shop around also, |
| as a dependent. In effect, if a student is not enrolled | | | | as prices are certain to vary from company to |
| for a certain number of credit hours, they could lose | | | | company. Certain states like Minnesota, offer a |
| their health coverage. It is important for every student | | | | program specifically for clients considered to be |
| to realize, that one day, they will no longer be covered | | | | insurance risks by private companies. This is known as |
| by their parents' health plan. Once they graduate, or | | | | a 'state-sponsored risk pool'. Though health insurance |
| get married, they will no longer be eligible. | | | | policies may look the same, insurance companies |
| Going solo | | | | always have certain slight alterations within them, so |
| Any students that are no longer covered by their | | | | carefully read any policy before signing it. |
| parents' health plan, or else have no college-sponsored | | | | |