Health Insurance Plans for Students
01/30/2010
As one prepares to go to college, parents will usually have basic things
on the checklist including, laptop, allowances, groceries and other things, but
one should never forget to include health insurance.
Students will be more secure knowing they have medical insurance
especially those who are more prone to catching illnesses like medicine
students who are exposed to infectious diseases, or those who are likely to get
injured from strenuous activities like athletes.
In selecting the most appropriate health insurance, it is important to
check out the available options and compare it with others. Information is the
best way to decide on the best coverage for anyone.
It would also help one sort out the best coverage by considering what
the maximum value would be that one would be covered for; if there is any
deductible; its cost and how it varies with different deductibles.
Deductibles should be one of the priorities when deciding on an
insurance plan. A physician’s professional courtesy does not always cover the
deductible and it’s something one cannot rely on.
Knowing whether there are any restrictions on which physicians to use, and
what is beyond the insurance’s coverage are also some things to consider.
There are many insurance providers that accommodate students, and
college student health insurance plans can be obtained in all states from a
host of providers. Also, health insurance coverage differs by state.
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01/30/2010
According to a report
recently released by the Government Accounting Office, nearly 1.7 million
college students are not insured. This is sad news because young Americans are
also among those who are most likely to have medical emergencies.
The report also showed
that back in 2005, the uncompensated, non-injury-related medical expenses
reached between $120 million to $255 million. Recent reports even show that
around two-thirds of uninsured young adults do not seek treatment because of
its high cost.
Fortunately, colleges are
willing to change these figures and recently, many colleges have done something
about this, such as requiring proof of health insurance prior to enrollment.
While some colleges ask
students for proof of health insurance when enrolling, there are also numerous
colleges that offer coverage options through student health insurance.
According to GAO, around 60% of colleges offer these health plans to students.
Student health insurance is offered by 82% of four-year public colleges while
71% of four-year private colleges offer the said plans.
The eligibility
requirements for availing student health plans are less restrictive compared to
individual plans. If a student opts to take advantage of the student health
insurance offered by his school, he should be qualified for coverage once he
enrolls as a full-time student. There are even student health insurances that
allow the insured to extend it even after graduation.
Student health insurance
comes with different benefits and at different costs, so it is important to
check the policy’s benefits first.
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08/05/2009
Aetna
expressed its support and concern for the welfare of college students in terms
of health care. Head of Aetna Student Health Kate Begley said, “At Aetna, we
work closely with campus health and counseling centers, as well as community
and travel service providers, to offer students access to convenient care at an
affordable price, no matter where they are located.”
Most
parents find summer the ideal time to ensure the academic and financial
preparedness of college students for life on campus. This is also the time when
vital decisions are made. What is often overlooked, however, is student health
insurance. Aetna encourages parents to view a student’s health insurance
options as one of the important considerations when they prepare their children
for college education.
Kate
Begley further said that they “support the efforts of colleges and universities
to ensure students have access to affordable, quality health care.” Aetna also
gave tips to parents who are in the process of selecting a student health
insurance plan. These tips include weighing the option of carrying a dependent
on one’s plan against the benefits of a school plan; identifying a health-care
contact on campus by reviewing the school’s website and visiting the campus
health center; and understanding the health insurance requirements of the
school.
"Choosing
a student health insurance plan that is right for your child is a personal
decision and one that should be examined carefully, particularly in today's
uncertain economy," added Begley. "Evaluating the true cost, meaning
the premium plus out-of-pocket expenses, of a family plan versus a student
health plan is critical to understanding which plan is most cost-effective and
will best serve the needs of your college student."
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08/05/2009
Aside from
mortarboards, graduating college students have other things to think about.
A report from
the National Association of Colleges and Employers estimated that this year, at
least a million alumni pulled out from their parents’ health insurance coverage
after graduating. Because of financial shortages, former college students are
having a hard time getting replacement insurance policies.
According to
Jon Gabel, graduates should go for health insurance plans offered by employers.
The senior fellow from the University of Chicago’s Opinion Research
Center—Health Policy and Evaluation Department also added that it is the most
affordable health plan for fresh graduates.
But the thing
is, landing a job in today’s struggling job market is difficult. NACE says that
around 2.5 million fresh graduates are unemployed. Samantha Whiteside, a
24-year-old graduate of health and fitness from Virginia Polytechnic
University, is one of them.
After
graduating last year, she had a promising career outlook after getting a job in
an outpatient rehabilitation center around March. She worked as a technician as
well as a wellness instructor for seniors with mental illness. Her employer
promised that she would get health insurance benefits after three months.
However, she was fired three days before her fourth month began.
“I've never
been in this situation before," she said. "I know everybody's been
saying that the economy's bad … but I never thought it would happen to
me."
She is currently
working as a part-time swimming instructor. Marla Whiteside, her mother, got
her an individual health insurance plan for $96 per month. Even though the plan
would only cover 70% of hospital bills, it’s better than having no coverage at
all.
According to
Cheryl Fish-Parcham from Families USA, graduates should not be part of the
uninsured population.
Click here to view this article
08/05/2009
There are still many
students who do not have student health insurance, primarily because of
poverty. Not all students are fully covered by scholarships and loans; they
struggle just to finish their college education. These students are in need of
affordable health insurance to protect them when the need for health care
arises.
Some lucky students have
parents who pay for their health insurance, but others do not. Regardless of
whether a student is supported financially by parents or not, having health
insurance is really a necessity. These days, living without insurance,
especially insurance that covers the medical basics, is like courting financial
disaster. This calls for affordable student health insurance.
In the light of the
current financial uncertainties in our modern society, insurance companies have
come up with some affordable solutions to really fulfill the need for
individual health insurance in the education community. Thus, students can now
focus on their studies and not worry about what will happen if or when sickness
strikes them.
There are many things to
consider when buying medical insurance. For instance, a student should want to
know exactly what his or her plan covers. He or she should find out if the plan
allows selecting a physician of his or her own choice. Other considerations
include: the cost of the annual payments for the plan, reimbursements and the
length of time these take, and even the company’s customer service (i.e., if
the company offers 24-hour customer service). These considerations tip the
balance in favor of going online to find affordable student health insurance.
The websites of insurance companies provide complete, up-to-date information on
the services they offer.
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08/05/2009
Most of the universities
and colleges in the U.S. require their full-time students to have a student
health insurance plan. After taking time to carefully research all of his or
her student health insurance choices, the concerned student should now be
comfortable with a decision regarding which health care policy would best suit their
needs. The next step, of course, is to file an application for enrollment in
the desired health insurance plan.
If the student has chosen
the student health insurance being offered by the university or college where
he or she is studying, they may not need to apply. Most universities and
colleges automatically enlist their full-time students in their student health
insurance plan, if the student does not show proof of private health-plan
coverage first.
Meanwhile, if the student
has chosen a private student health insurance policy or individual health plan
instead, he or she must submit an application, together with the premium payment.
Most insurance companies require the premium payment upon application. The
premium is fully refundable, of course, if the application is declined.
In the process of applying
for a private health insurance plan, the applicant is asked a series of health-related
questions. This will determine his or her eligibility and qualification for
coverage, and also the risk factor. If the applicant is presently undergoing
treatment for a serious injury or illness, the application may be declined. It
is also of utmost importance to disclose all requested information honestly.
The applicant will also be
asked to choose the effective date of coverage. Most insurance policies can be
made effective immediately after application, but sometimes the processing can
take weeks, so it is best to file the application early.
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08/05/2009
Most of the primary
universities and four-year colleges in the U.S. require their full-time
students to have a student health insurance plan. A student has several
available options in choosing the best health plan for him or her. Obviously,
in order to determine which is best, he or she must make certain enquiries and
be knowledgeable regarding the various student health plans being offered.
In researching the
different options for student medical insurance, it would certainly be helpful
to be familiar with the health care coverage that one should expect. Although
the coverage of services and benefits vary depending on the insurance company,
there are particular benefits that ought to be a part of all health insurance
policies. Given that health insurance policies are regulated by the state, the
state in which a student is attending college may impose particular
requirements on all insurance companies. If the state has specific mandates, a
student should clearly see these on the leaflet or brochure of the medical
insurance policy he or she is considering.
Here is a list of some
benefits that are commonly covered by most student medical insurance policies.
The amount of the deductible and limits of coinsurance vary significantly, so
those items are not addressed here.
Preventive health care
(usually with maximums)
Visits and consultations
with a physician
Hospital room and board
Outpatient prescription
drugs (usually with maximums)
Inpatient prescription
medication
Outpatient surgical
procedures
Registered nurse fees
Anesthesiology
Ambulance
Durable medical equipment
Hospital intensive care
Lab and radiology
Psychotherapy (some states
mandate this, usually with maximums)
Radiation and chemotherapy
Physiotherapy (usually
with maximums)
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08/05/2009
For most people, going to college
is a big adjustment in their lives. There are new things to learn, new people
to meet, and more experiences to enjoy. Most young people look forward to
graduating, while having fun in the process. However, there are also important
things to consider, such as tuition fees and other expenses.
With all the hassles that
college life brings, it is easy to neglect one’s health. Although young people
are considered healthier than the rest of the population, there are studies
showing that college students are also prone to accidents and health problems
just like anyone else. In the US, about 1.7 million students are uninsured,
meaning their medical expenses are paid with money from their pockets. This
fact is aggravated by another finding which shows that some uninsured students
do not seek medical help, due to the high costs of consultations and
treatments. This kind of scenario could result in numbers of students dropping
out of school due to illness or to get work to pay their medical bills.
In response to this
problem, some colleges have begun to force students to acquire some form of
medical coverage, while others offer affordable medical packages. Student
health insurance plans are more flexible and have fewer requirements than
traditional individual plans. In addition, some plans offered by colleges can
be extended even after one’s graduation.
Medical insurance plans
are also important to students covered by other people’s policies. Insured
students are commonly covered under their parents’ policies which are offered
by their parents’ employers. It is important to check the eligibility of
students under their parent’s medical coverage; the coverage might be
terminated due to certain factors, such as when a student reaches a certain age
or has married.
For college students,
health insurance is important in safeguarding their health, reducing future
expenses, and improving their chances of graduating.
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08/05/2009
Most of the top
universities and colleges in the U.S. require their full-time students to have
a student health insurance plan. There are several options regarding health
plans from which a student can choose. In order to choose well and make an
informed decision, he or she must be knowledgeable regarding the ins-and-outs
of student health insurance policies. One such important aspect is the
limitations and exclusions of student health insurance plans.
All insurance companies
that offer student health insurance will provide a student with a list of
medical costs that are not included in the policy he or she is acquiring.
Additionally, they will let the client know which of the covered benefits have
limitations and what the limitations are. This information is easily accessible
in the plan brochure and included in the “Exclusions and Limitations” section.
Here is a list of common
exclusions in most student health insurance plans:
Pre-existing conditions
(usually for a certain time period from the date of initial enrollment)
Acne treatment
Treatment of drug or
alcohol addiction
Elective surgeries
Acupuncture
Non-severe mental illness
Self-inflicted injury or
attempted suicide
Elective abortion
Dental and vision
Maternity
Congenital conditions
Additionally, here is a
list of common limitations in most student health insurance plans:
Out-Patient prescription
medications or drugs (usually there is a maximum yearly payable or a particular
drug formulary)
Preventive health care
Repatriation
Prostate screening
Annual physical exams
Psychotherapy
Treatment of diabetes
Mammograms and pap smears
Emergency medical
evacuation
Emergency dental
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08/05/2009
As well as the usual
considerations when entering college, prospective enrollees and their parents
should check their insurance policies and providers to ensure that their health
coverage will continue to be comprehensive and uninterrupted.
As colleges stress the
importance of student health insurance they continue to create measures, such
as requiring proof of health coverage, which prospective students must satisfy
before being admitted. This gives students another question to think about
before deciding to enroll in their college of choice, which colleges impose
insurance requirements? From that point on, it’s all about considering
different coverage options.
According to a report from
the Government Accounting Office, 1.7 million college students in the U.S. do
not have health insurance coverage. The report also reveals that students
without coverage spent around $255 million in non-injury-related medical
expenses in 2005.
Aside from requiring
enrollees to provide proof of insurance coverage, many colleges are also
offering coverage options via student health insurance plans. The GAO report
estimated that around 60% of all the colleges in the country provide student
health insurance.
Compared to individual
health insurance plans, the eligibility requirements for student health plans
are less restrictive. If students take advantage of the policies provided by
their respective colleges they should automatically be qualified for coverage
once they register as full-time students.
The only drawback of
student health plans is the variation in benefits and cost. Coverage is very
specific. That is why it is important to examine how any policy would deal with
specific claims before deciding to buy coverage.
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08/05/2009
College life is exciting
for most students. For some, it will be their chance to live independently from
their parents. Others may see it as an opportunity to set the course of their
future career that will enable them to live the life that they have always
dreamed of.
Maintaining a healthy mind
and body is especially important to students who are attending college because
of the tough academic-related deadlines and rigorous training that they face.
Students who are physically, mentally and emotionally fit perform better in
school than those who are often sick. Thus, it is logical for college
universities to demand that their students have credible student health
insurance or a health plan within their budget.
If you are a foreign
student or a domestic student attending college in the United States, a student
health insurance plan will provide you with medical coverage and protection, in
case of emergency, until you finish your degree. Students can also opt to
remain with their parents’ group health insurance plans. One of the advantages
of obtaining private health insurance is that you can access medical services
above that which your school can offer.
It is best to know the
requirements of the school that you are attending to ensure that your preferred
health service provider meets the minimum requirements of the school. To make
sure that this is accomplished, research and seek advice from professionals to
guide you in choosing a health insurance plan that will suit your needs and
budget.
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08/05/2009
A student who wishes to
obtain formal education abroad must secure a good health insurance policy.
There are two types of health insurance policies a student might consider,
international travel insurance and student insurance in the country where they
plan to study. The type of insurance commonly bought in a student’s home
country before they go abroad is international travel insurance. Student health
insurance, on the other hand, allows a student to pay only a percentage of the
medical expenses at the time when medical services are rendered. This medical
cost is called co-pay.
For an international
student who wishes to pursue full-time study, at least six credit hours in the
United States, he or she must be at least 14 years of age but not older than
65. Such a student must be eligible to enroll or should have enrolled in one of
the required courses. These courses are as follows: a formal university ELS
program, Ph.D., master, bachelor or associate. Also, the student must be a
holder of a J1 or F1 visa. Spouses and unmarried children aged 19 or below may
be included in the health insurance policy.
There is also
pre-existing-condition exclusion for a period of one year, which means that for
a period of one year medical treatment required because of existing health
problems will not be covered by the plan.
For US residents who wish
to study abroad, the terms and conditions of student health insurance policy
are similar, though the amount of coverage may be different, depending on the
country.
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08/05/2009
According
to a recent government study, roughly two million American college students are
uninsured and these students account for almost $300 million in uncompensated,
non-injury related health expenses each year. While young men and women are generally considered healthier
than other demographic groups, they are also far more likely to need emergency
medical care. Furthermore, many
uninsured college students simply choose not to seek necessary care or
treatment because the expense is too great. The issue is of such importance that some colleges now
require prospective students to produce proof of adequate medical coverage as a
condition of acceptance. Luckily,
there are several options for these students and their families.
Because so
many colleges and universities require students to have medical insurance, most
schools—both public and private—now offer health plans to new enrollees. In fact, more than half of American
colleges have some sort of medical insurance for students. Eligibility requirements are less
stringent than with private individual plans, coverage begins immediately upon
full-time enrollment, and some plans even extend benefits for several months
beyond graduation. However, there
are huge variations in cost and coverage depending on the school. Some plans cover students only while
they are on campus, and most suspend benefits when students are at home or
travel abroad.
The
majority of college students between ages 18 and 23 who do have medical
insurance are covered under someone else’s plan—usually a parent or
guardian. The benefits of
dependent medical insurance are that there is no interruption of coverage, the
plan terms remain the same even though a student does not reside in the home
full-time, and there are none of the restrictions imposed by school-sponsored
health plans. There are also
drawbacks to this kind of coverage, though. Most employer or union plans require students to be enrolled
full-time, meaning that if a student drops below a certain minimum number of
credit hours coverage could be suspended or terminated. Many of these plans also have age
limits when coverage automatically drops for dependents; this can present a challenge
for students who plan to pursue advanced degrees following their undergraduate
work. Finally, married students
are often excluded from coverage as dependents regardless of age or university
enrollment status.
Other
options include employer-sponsored medical insurance for students who work full
time, private medical insurance plans purchased from an agent or provider, or
state-sponsored plans like Medicaid.
In these cases, students can obtain coverage tailored to their specific
needs and budget. Complications
can arise, though, for those with pre-existing medical conditions—many
companies will deny coverage for these kinds of risk factors. However, different plans have different
guidelines and requirements so it pays to shop around even if coverage has been
refused because of an existing condition.
Many state-sponsored risk plans offer medical insurance for those who
have been denied by a private insurer because of a health condition.
No matter
what, always carefully review the options, restrictions, benefits and costs
thoroughly before committing to a plan.
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08/05/2009
Students who are bound for college and are moving out of their parents’
house, but are still under the umbrella of their parents’ health insurance
coverage, need to weigh their options regarding student health insurance cover.
There are several options that should be considered to ensure that students
remain insured even after moving out of the family home.
The first option is to stay on their parents’ health plan by remaining
in school and letting it take care of any medical expenses they will incur.
Parents can inquire with their agent about the scope of benefits that can be
provided to their children. Most health insurance plans provide coverage for
children aged 19-25 years old, allowing them to continue using their parents’
policies.
The next option would be to use the Consolidated Omnibus Budget
Reconciliation Act (COBRA). This helps students retain the student health
insurance coverage their parents bought for them. For those over 25 years old
still attending school, or those who have decided to stop studying after
reaching 18 years old, losing their parents’ health insurance coverage is a
likely possibility. However, they might be able to temporarily continue the health
coverage their parents carry for them through the utilization of COBRA.
Another option for those who will be working soon is to try short-term
health insurance coverage. For those who won’t be a student for a short time
and therefore won’t be able to use COBRA, considering a short-term health
insurance policy may be a wise decision. This will be advantageous for those
who are expecting to get insurance through a job and are just looking for
coverage that is inexpensive and short term.
The last option is to get an individual health insurance plan that will
keep you permanently protected.
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07/28/2009
Aside from mortarboards, graduating college students have other things to think about.
A report from the National Association of Colleges and Employers estimated that this year, at least a million alumni pulled out from their parents’ health insurance coverage after graduating. Because of financial shortages, former college students are having a hard time getting replacement insurance policies.
According to Jon Gabel, graduates should go for health insurance plans offered by employers. The senior fellow from the University of Chicago’s Opinion Research Center—Health Policy and Evaluation Department also added that it is the most affordable health plan for fresh graduates.
But the thing is, landing a job in today’s struggling job market is difficult. NACE says that around 2.5 million fresh graduates are unemployed. Samantha Whiteside, a 24-year-old graduate of health and fitness from Virginia Polytechnic University, is one of them.
After graduating last year, she had a promising career outlook after getting a job in an outpatient rehabilitation center around March. She worked as a technician as well as a wellness instructor for seniors with mental illness. Her employer promised that she would get health insurance benefits after three months. However, she was fired three days before her fourth month began.
“I've never been in this situation before," she said. "I know everybody's been saying that the economy's bad … but I never thought it would happen to me."
She is currently working as a part-time swimming instructor. Marla Whiteside, her mother, got her an individual health insurance plan for $96 per month. Even though the plan would only cover 70% of hospital bills, it’s better than having no coverage at all.
According to Cheryl Fish-Parcham from Families USA, graduates should not be part of the uninsured population.
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03/05/2007
Campaign for free prescriptions!!
Fed up with the endless costs associated with being a student? Feeling the stretch of that 6 every time your doctor prescribes you some medicine?
NUS recognises that being a student is costly. New textbooks, hidden course costs, printing credits and library fines can mount up before you even start to think about the debt you're building up on your student loan. Prescription charges are yet another pull on your pocket and discriminate against those students who rely on medicine on a daily or weekly basis.
Click here to view this article
03/03/2007
On Call International
Students may also contact On Call International, which offers 24-hour worldwide medical assistance. SOS can provide referals for doctors or hospitals outside of the United States, coordinate payment with the provider, and coordinate medical evacuations and repatriations.
Call the AT&T number listed on your insurance card, or call 1-603-898-9159 (call collect if necessary). On Call International can also be reached from Canada and the United States at 1-800-689-1896.
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