Health Insurance For Students

There are a number of things that must be kept in mind when setting off for college: bedding, computer, meals, and innumerable other items. Amidst all of the excitement and frenzy, all too often health insurance is forgotten and neglected. However, health insurance for students is just as important as health insurance during any other time of life.

Students that live in close quarters, such as dorms, fraternities, and sororities, are particularly susceptible to contracting contagious diseases such as meningitis, athlete's foot, colds, flu, and more. While there usually is a student health clinic to address any of these problems, services and medication are not included as part of one's college tuition.

In addition, any medical issues that require additional testing or a visit to a specialist will require a visit to a traditional hospital in the area, where medical costs will also be accrued, generally at a higher rate than at the student health center. Due to the costs of essentially any medical care, health insurance should be an essential part of any college student's life.

Recent reports have indicated that almost 1.7 million college students are currently uninsured in the United States, an alarming statistic due to likelihood of illness and injury in this population. In addition, in 2005, non-injury related medical expenses of uninsured individuals reached up to $255 million. Due to the apparent high cost of medical treatment, studies estimate that 2/3 of young adults (college-age individuals) fail to seek necessary treatment when needed.

In an effort to address this issue, many colleges are now requiring proof of health insurance as a condition of enrollment. Also, a number of institutions of higher learning (60%) are offering their own student health insurance plans that are designed to address the specific needs of this population at an affordable cost.

College students that may otherwise have difficulty obtaining approval and an affordable individual health insurance policy are often guaranteed coverage as a full time student. Some colleges even offer the option of continuing the policy for a maximum period of time following graduation.

As with any type of insurance policy, it is necessary to compare all options before making a decision. A proper comparison of policies involves much more than simply the price of the policy, whether it be paid monthly, quarterly, or annually.

Often college health plans provide excellent coverage for any care obtained at the official student health center, but external coverage for specialists or hospitals is often limited. In addition, most student health centers are staffed primarily by nurse practitioners. While nurse practitioners certainly have their place in the medical profession, many employed in this manner lack the knowledge and experience to deal with anyone with significant or serious conditions, particularly those that require long-term care.

Determining what physicians and hospital services are covered is important, as well as how the plan works. Some operate based on co-pays, while others require full up-front payment and later reimburse the cost.

Regardless of what plan is best for any one person, health insurance clearly must be a part of every student's college financial plan.

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