By the time your children toss their high school graduation caps into the air, they'll probably have already secured the college they will attend, their dorm room, and have their freshman year courses all picked out…But is their health insurance as securely in place as the rest of these issues?
Many times, a parent's medical plan will cover their children until they're 24 years old. If your health insurance plan does not cover college students, it would be beneficial to look into what college health plans are offered at your child's university.
College health insurance plans may be subsidized by tuition at some schools, though not subsidized by the student's spouses or dependents, and may ultimately save parents money. College health insurance plans are not free, and the benefits may vary from college to college. Health insurance companies meet with committees from different schools to design a plan, specifically tailored to that school's students. At times, the health insurance plans may limit preventative care, but free services may be offered at the health center.
On the average, there's no charge for office visits, but students may be charged for lab work, x-rays, physical therapy, prescriptions, and procedures such as treatment for a wound. Other services that may be covered include mental health, well-child care, newborn and infant care, routine pap and pelvic exams, routine AIDS/STD testing, as well as cholesterol screenings. Typically, benefits will pay 100% for covered services at the college health center, but for coverage outside, a deductible may be required and coverage could drop to 70%.
It should be noted that premiums and benefits vary from college to college, due to state laws and marketing factors.
Pre-existing conditions can create problems
In some states, health insurance companies can exclude pre-existing conditions from treatment. This is called "blanket disability." For example, under this law, health insurance companies won't cover asthma or any other pre-existing conditions that your college student may have. This is possible even if the state won't allow the exclusion on "group disability" products.
Many HMOs require referrals for visits to out-of-network providers. If your child chooses a college out of state, and you want them to get prompt medical care without having to call home for a physician's referral, it would be a good idea to consider the college health plan offered by their school.
Things to consider when evaluating a college health insurance policy
Several factors can make a crucial difference in timely care. Be sure to find out:
- Can the student use any provider, or is the plan an HMO?
- Is prior approval required for emergency room visits?
- In the event of an emergency, what steps need to be taken?
- If the student is on vacation, what kind of coverage do they have?
- If the student is not enrolled in classes (during summer or winter break) do they still have health insurance coverage?
- Are the most efficient treatment facilities at the college easily accessible?
- What are the low-cost or free services that are offered through the campus health clinic?
- Are any pre-existing conditions included?
If you are interested in getting a health insurance quote for your college bound student, log on to Insurance.com. Here you will be able to evaluate multiple rates from best-in-class health insurance providers - helping find the best health insurance coverage for your freshman.