Do You Need A South Carolina Student Health Insurance Plan?

A large amount of public colleges and universities now ask its students to be enrolled in a health care program and provide proof of health insurance upon enrollment. Some states have even made this a requirement. Often, if the student cannot provide this proof, the college or university will automatically enroll the student in its own student health insurance program. Many colleges and universities offer student health insurance plans. While many students may still be covered under their parent’s health insurance plan, for those who are not, a student policy is likely available. These policies are available in a number of types from many insurance companies in most states. A student considering a student health insurance plan should carefully evaluate all of the options available, as well as the benefits of each plan offered.

Selecting an Affordable Plan

Students enrolled in colleges and universities are already facing large bills in the form of tuition, books, meals, and general living expenses. Many students, who are no longer covered under their parent’s health insurance policy, remain uninsured because they believe that they simply cannot afford to purchase a health care plan. By purchasing a student health insurance policy, they can ensure quality health care at an affordable cost. When selecting a plan, the student should take into consideration the following factors:

•Compare options. While many health insurance policies are available privately through an individual health insurance company, the student should also check to see what type of plan the college or university makes available to its students. Often, this plan will be much more affordable than a privately purchased plan. When comparing the options available, the premiums and deductibles of each plan should be evaluated. Most often, a plan with a higher deductible will offer lower monthly premiums. For the healthy college student who does not anticipate a large number of doctor visits or hospital stays, a lower monthly premium is likely the best choice.

•Make sure the plan covers on-campus health care. Most campuses offer health care services on campus at free or reduced prices. However, sometimes additional services or fees are required. If the student health insurance policy is purchased directly through the college or university, then on-campus care is included. However, if an insurance plan is purchased privately, the college or university in question may or may not accept that particular health plan. If possible, the student should select a plan that is accepted by the campus health care office.

•Study what benefits are available through each plan. As with any health insurance plan, the benefits offered by the insurance company should be studied and compared to other insurance policy benefits. What health care services are covered? What is the yearly maximum benefit? Is there a co-pay, and how much will the student be required to pay up front for services rendered by a health care provider? Many student health insurance policies provide year round coverage. The policy should be studied to ensure that the student will be covered even when not attending school, or when traveling abroad.