If you are going off to college, you need student health insurance. Going to college is one of the most important things you can do to secure your future so you need make sure you stay well during the process.
You may be in excellent condition, but accidents happen and life can be unexpected. Do not be without insurance and left with a catastrophic bill that you definitely cannot afford.
If your parents carry you on their policy, try to stay on it as long as you can so you do not have to worry about it. The new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act that was passed in 2010 allows you to stay on your parent's plan until the age of 26 unless you are eligible for employer coverage.
Make sure you read into the details of the policy you are on. For instance, if your parents' coverage is a health maintenance organization (HMO), full coverage may only be available in the area where they live.
Some HMOs have reciprocal arrangements that allow for full coverage in areas outside their local base. This, however, is something that you should investigate before you select this option.
Similar problems can arise with parental insurance that is based on a preferred provider organization (PPO). It typically requires you to get treatment from a medical provider within a predetermined network to get the best rates, and you may not find one if your school is out if state.
Because of this, you may have to return home for any doctor's appointments or pharmacy runs so that you get the lowest copayments and coinsurance. In the case of a medical emergency, your parents' plan is required to cover services from any provider or facility that provides immediate care.
If you have recently left a job that provided you with group health plan, a federal law called COBRA allows you to stay on that plan for at least 18 months as long as you pay the full premiums. If you are over 26 and still attending college, you may lose the plan coverage that your parents have been providing.
You may, however, be eligible for COBRA continuation coverage for some period of time. Your parents, who have been carrying the policy for you, will need to check with their agent or benefits manager at work to make sure that you are eligible.
Many colleges and universities offer low-cost plans for their students through contracts with private health insurance companies. Check with your admissions office to see if your school does, and if so, what sort of coverage you can get.
Your school may offer several types of student policies ranging from a simple accident policy to one that covers major medical needs. It is probably a good idea for you to purchase a comprehensive medical policy that will cover visits to the student health service, specialists, medically-necessary procedures, and diagnostic tests.
If your school does not offer a low-cost plan, you may want to consider buying an individual policy through a broker or agent. Individual policies can be expensive, and the plan will evaluate your condition before making a decision to provide you with coverage.
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, a company plan may either refuse to cover you or impose a pre-existing condition exclusion period. However, effective January 1, 2014, health plans will no longer be allowed to impose a pre-existing condition waiting period or refuse insurance to anyone with such a condition.
Many states have special plans for residents who do not qualify for Medicaid, cannot afford health insurance, or have been denied coverage from a private insurance company. If you currently do not have a policy but need treatment, try looking for a federally-qualified community medical center near your college.
Community medical centers can be found in most cities and many rural areas of the country. These health care facilities provide care to people without insurance and have sliding fee scales based on income.
Community medical centers provide checkups, treatment of illness, prenatal care, immunizations and care for your children, and treatment of mental health and substance abuse problems. Many medical centers also have dental clinics and pharmacies in their buildings.
Author Resource:-
Jack R. Landry is an expert in the Medical Insurance Industry, helping businesses, families and individuals find affordable health insurance for over 15 years. He recommends http://www.comparemedcosts.com for compare medical insurance quotes.
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