Although there are more colleges than ever offering health insurance, most college students between the ages of 18 and 23 prefer to have their coverage under an outside source, usually their parents'.
This ensures that they do not suffer from limitations, interruption and changes in benefits associated with college plans.
However, The Commonwealth Fund has issued a report stating that approximately 60 percent of group health insurance plans sponsored by employers had a stipulation requiring all enrolled students to be studying full-time courses, otherwise they would not be covered as a dependent.
In effect, if a student is not enrolled for a certain number of credit hours, they could lose their health coverage.
It is important for every student to realize, that one day, they will no longer be covered by their parents' health plan.
Once they graduate, or get married, they will no longer be eligible.
Going solo Any students that are no longer covered by their parents' health plan, or else have no college-sponsored plan available, could get coverage via their employer if they are in full-time employment.
Failing this, they can go the usual route, that is, buy a health insurance plan from a reputable insurance company.
The major difference between a college plan and a private one is the stringent questioning pertaining to the student's eligibility provided by the private company.
Like anyone else, students will be refused coverage by most insurance companies if they have had a previous medical illness.
Nonetheless, there are always companies willing to insure you in this instance.
It pays to shop around also, as prices are certain to vary from company to company.
Certain states like Minnesota, offer a program specifically for clients considered to be insurance risks by private companies.
This is known as a 'state-sponsored risk pool'.
Though health insurance policies may look the same, insurance companies always have certain slight alterations within them, so carefully read any policy before signing it.