If you’re going to college in the fall, you may be wondering how you’ll pay for a doctor’s visit if you become ill. While many schools have free, student health clinics, some can only treat minor illnesses. Most college students don’t have hundreds of dollars to pay for medical bills and need healthcare coverage of some type. Here are five options that you have as a college student when it comes to healthcare coverage:
1. Parents’ Coverage
If you are able, staying on your parents’ health insurance plan is often the best way to ensure that you are adequately covered. With the passage of Obama’s new healthcare reform, dependent children are permitted to remain on their parents’ plan provided that the child is not eligible for employer healthcare coverage. Be sure that you and your parents read the fine print of their policy; some insurers only provide coverage in the region in which your parents live.
2. School Health Insurance
Many colleges and universities offer different medical insurance policies to their students. While requirements may vary, typical policies will provide coverage for student health services, diagnostic testing, specialists, and procedures. If your school offers different levels of health coverage, be sure that you understand how the different policies will protect you and choose accordingly.
3. COBRA
If you are a non-traditional student and recently out of work, you may be eligible for COBRA healthcare coverage. COBRA stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. COBRA coverage can be expensive and you’ll need to be able to afford the premiums, but it can be a great comprehensive plan. COBRA will normally provide coverage for up to 18 months if you have lost your job and were previously enrolled in your employer’s healthcare plan. If you choose to utilize COBRA insurance, understand that you will need to find new coverage when your policy expires.
4. Private Insurance
Every adult in the nation, including college students, has the option to purchase a private medical insurance policy. If you decide to purchase a private policy, be sure to shop around. While some policies can cost as little as $50 a month, others will cost closer to $200 a month. If you aren’t going to be able to pay your monthly premiums, it doesn’t make sense to sign up for a private policy. You should also be aware that pre-existing conditions can net you higher premiums, and deductibles and co-payments for medical services can be high. Compare private health insurance plans at eHealthInsurance.com.
5. Medicaid
If your family falls within the federal poverty guidelines, you may qualify for Medicaid. You can also qualify for Medicaid if you have a disability or your family is faced with exorbitant medical bills. If you aren’t sure if you qualify for Medicaid, you can contact your state’s insurance department or your local department of family services.
If you will be going to college this fall, you need to make sure that you are adequately protected when it comes to your medical needs. It’s not unusual for college students, especially freshmen, to fall ill due to stress, a lack of proper nutrition, and frequent sleepless nights. Look into the five healthcare options above and choose one; you’ll be happy that you did the first time you have to visit a doctor while you’re away from home.
