About the Benefits of Student Health Insurance
Student health insurance is available to many individuals away from home attending school. Most students who attend school are covered by their parent's health insurance policy until they graduate. However, students not covered by their parents policy should purchase a student health insurance policy while they are attending school. Student health insurance is available in many types from a variety of insurance companies in most states.
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Plan Benefits
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Most student health insurance plans provide coverage for a full year. This means that coverage is available when a student is not attending school. Another plan benefit includes being able to choose a primary doctor and hospital. Student health insurance plans will also provide coverage when a student travels anywhere in the United States. Once a student has been accepted into a health plan coverage he is guaranteed renewable as long as the premiums are paid on time.
Available Features
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Many student health plans have features similar to other types of health plans. One feature is the availability of a 24-hour nurse help line that can be used whenever a student has a question or requires assistance. Another feature is access to an online provider directory so students can find a local provider in a particular area. Student health plans also may have a secure member website to view claims and other account information.
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Extension of Benefits
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Student health insurance policies may provide an extension of benefits in certain situations. One such situation is when a student has been admitted to a hospital and remains there on the date the policy expires. When this occurs coverage may be extended up to a maximum of 12 months if an injury that resulted in the hospital stay occurred while the policy was currently in force.
Requirements
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Student health insurance is required for students in a few states and is required by public colleges and universities in others. Data from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) shows that during the 2007 to 2008 school year 30 percent of schools required health insurance for students. Specific states that require student health insurance include New Jersey and Massachusetts. States with public colleges and universities that require student heath insurance include Florida, Maryland, Maine, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Utah.
Facts
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Students who have health insurance coverage required by a college or university are typically in better health than students who have the option to purchase health insurance. Data form the GAO shows that approximately 4.5 million to 5.5 million students who attend a college or university are uninsured from a total of about 18 million students. Data also shows that about 1 out of every 10 young adults that are uninsured require medical services for a chronic health condition.
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