By Jessica MacDonald and Michael Conway
Summer vacation is winding down. You’re packing bags, checking course syllabi, and making plans with friends you haven’t seen since spring.
But what about preparing for your health and wellness this fall? There’s an important life choice in front of you right now: Should you utilize your college’s student insurance or your parents’ plan?
This decision can affect your finances and overall healthcare, so approach it proactively, carefully, and with your parents’ support. Start by reviewing your student health care plan and comparing it with what your parents’ coverage offers. Knowing the details of your parents’ plan vs. the student health plan now could potentially save you hundreds of dollars, lots of headaches, and major gaps in treatment later.
7 things you don’t know about your student healthcare plan
There are typically several benefits to utilizing the campus student healthcare plan over your parents’ coverage, especially while you’re living on campus. Here are just a few you may not know.
- You may be automatically enrolled with your university tuition! This means you might be able to use loans, grants or financial aid to assist with cost
- Lower out-of-pocket costs and deductibles ($500 or less) than most family plans
- Comprehensive coverage that includes behavioral health, telehealth and may also include dental and vision
- Coordinates with on-campus resources, including the student health clinic and behavioral health counseling center
- Offers continuous coverage during summer months
- Provides coverage while on campus and at home (unlike family HMO plans that are location-specific)
- Follows students abroad for international travel and/or study while also providing emergency medical evacuation and travel assistance services
In addition to the list of benefits, there are a few important things to note about your campus healthcare plan. For one, changing your student enrollment from full-time to part-time can affect eligibility. Similarly, the plan will not go with you if you transfer to a different school.
Wellness checklist for a healthy school year
Your health is the foundation for your success in college and beyond. Take charge of your well-being by learning about the resources and benefits available to support you throughout your academic career. Before you head back to campus, take the following steps to set yourself up for a healthy school year:
- Find out where your campus health center is, when it’s open, and what services are offered.
- For chronic conditions, find in-network specialist providers near campus and schedule appointments in advance to maintain continuity of care.
- Bring 90-day supplies of prescriptions so you’re set for the first few months back on campus.
- Pack your insurance and medical ID cards so you can access benefits easily when needed.
- Explore campus wellness resources like programs for physical fitness, behavioral health, and social support.
- Complete all required immunizations and check for location-specific vaccination requirements if you’re going to study abroad.
Don’t just pack your bags — pack a student health plan that works for you
It’s easy to put off decisions that impact your health and wellness — especially when you’re feeling good. But a little planning now can make all the difference if you find yourself dealing with an unexpected illness or injury on campus this year.
Taking time to choose the right health insurance now gives you peace of mind that you’ll be covered and taken care of at school, home, or even abroad. With the right coverage, you can focus on thriving in college — not stressing over healthcare.
