It’s that time of year again. The kids are going back to school, including college students. While you might be checking off your to-do’s, like buying textbooks and furnishing apartments, there is one other thing to add to your list: health insurance for college students.
This might be the first time your college student has had to think about health insurance before. Fortunately, there are quite a few options available to them.
Options for Health Insurance for College Students
From the institution itself. Many universities and colleges offer health insurance plans to their students. This can be a great place to start looking. Pay particular attention to the type of coverage offered to ensure it’s sufficient for the student.
Parent’s plan. When the Affordable Care Act came into effect, one of the defining characteristics was the extended age limits a child could stay on their parent’s plan. Now under ACA, a student can be covered until the age of twenty-six. This means many traditional undergrads and even graduate students don’t have to worry about health insurance coverage while they’re focusing on school.
Health insurance exchange. Another aspect of the Affordable Care Act was the creation of the health insurance exchange. Through the exchange, a student purchases their own health insurance. There are helpful online tools to compare plans, coverage, and premiums.
Health Insurance vs Auto No-Fault Coverage
One final aspect of health insurance for college students that many people overlook is Michigan’s auto no-fault system. At its core, no-fault really is health insurance for those who’ve been in motor vehicle accidents. Even if your college student isn’t taking a car with them to campus, they’ll be riding with others or biking and walking around other vehicles. It’s important to make sure they’re covered under a no-fault policy.
If they’re in the unfortunate event of a car accident, no-fault is likely the best form of coverage they can get. Parents, make sure your student stays on your no-fault policy while away at school. Don’t figure it out too late. Add it to your to-do list as school ramps up this fall.
For more information, please visit sinasdramis.com.
