Best Health Insurance for College Students To Choose From

Aug 17, 2022 By Susan Kelly

When you're young, and in school, health insurance is the last thing on your mind. But as a college student, you need to make sure you're covered in case of an emergency, so you don't end up with more debt. Young adults are the group most likely not to have health insurance. Around 30% of new adults do not have health insurance, which puts them at risk if they need to pay medical bills. You can get health insurance in college in different ways, like through your parents' plan or the school. But you can still get insurance on your own if you can't get these policies. We looked at 17 plans and companies and rated them based on cost, coverage options, and the number of doctors and hospitals in their network to help you find the best plan for your needs. We think these are the best health insurance for students.

Cigna

Cigna is your best option for health insurance if you are a college student since it offers the most number of plan customizations at the lowest possible cost. The rates offered by Cigna are reasonable, and the Affordable Care Act makes it possible to get financial assistance as well.Pros

  • Choices for full coverage
  • Free preventative care and low-cost virtual care
  • There may be ways for some students to get help paying for their tuition

Cons

  • You might have to look for a new doctor or hospital
  • Subsidies may not be available if you're a dependent

Plans from Cigna bought through its website or Healthcare.gov always cover pre-existing conditions, Furthermore, as a college student, you might be qualified for incentives that make insurance considerably more affordable. Being a student, you probably do not earn much money. If that's the case, premium subsidies might be able to help you pay for your plan. There are different levels of plans from Cigna, from bronze to platinum. The bronze packages are the cheapest, while the platinum plans have greater monthly perks but lesser deductibles. Plans from Cigna include free preventive care, so you don't have to pay additional for a yearly checkup, a flu shot, or a health screening. And for a low price, Cigna lets you talk to a board-certified doctor by phone or video chat.

Everest

If you are looking for insurance for a shorter period, Everest Insurance is a fantastic option. You do not have to remain inside a certain network of physicians if you have Everest, and the wellness benefits include coverage for preventative care.

Pros

  • Free-look period applies
  • Low copays and coinsurance options
  • Multiple coverage period maximums available

Cons

  • It's not in every state
  • We don't cover problems that already existed
  • It doesn't cover medicines that a doctor gives you

Traditional health insurance can cost more than short-term health insurance for college students. With a short-term plan, you can get temporary coverage for less money than with a private plan. Everest is the best choice for short-term insurance because its plans can be changed to fit your needs. You can choose between a $1,000 and $10,000 deductible and$40 to $50 copay. This lets you change your premium so that it fits within your budget. Also, you can choose how much coverage you want.

You can choose a limit between $250,000 and $1.5 million, based on your needs. But Everest's short-term plans have some problems. They don't cover prescription drugs, care for your eyes, or dental care. Your policy won't pay for your care if you already have a health problem. Due to these limits, Everest's plans are best for college students who are in good health and don't need to see a doctor very often.

IMG

IMG is the best option for foreign students, in our opinion, since it provides a wide variety of plan choices, large maximum limits, and the ability to choose a low deductible. In addition to that, it addresses concerns about mental health and pregnancy.

Pros

  • Covers the cost of prescription drugs
  • Plans can only go as high as $8 million
  • You can choose from many extras and riders

Cons

  • Not on J.D. Power's list.
  • There might be waiting times for things that already existed
  • The requirements for a J1 or J2 visa aren't met by lower-tier options

Getting good health insurance is important if you are an international student in the United States. You might be unable to pay for medical care if you get sick or hurt. IMG offers international students a variety of insurance plans that can be changed to fit their needs. Sirius International Insurance Corporation is the company that backs these plans. Its plans also cover prescription drugs, so you can get any medicine you need in the United States.

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