Summer break isn’t just a vacation. Most students will spend their time away from campus on a new job or internship, readjusting to home life, and in some cases, navigating a new set of medical providers and health care obstacles.
Colleges and universities play a vital role in helping students stay connected to care – even when they’re off campus. Proactive communication as students leave for the summer can set the stage for a healthier return that prevents costly gaps in care and reduces claims and resource strain in the fall.
Here are 5 ways colleges and universities can help students maintain continuity of health care over summer break:
1. Make sure students understand their student health insurance terms.
Most student health insurance plans operate on 12-month terms, starting and ending in August — even for graduating seniors. But many students don’t realize they are still covered while off campus or for months after graduation. Confirm that your student plans provide year-round coverage, and then ensure students are aware of their continued coverage over the summer.
2. Help students find local providers.
Student Insurance partners with national preferred provider organizations (PPO), so students can easily find a hometown provider through the insurer’s online provider search tool. Communicate this to your students and provide them with a direct search URL to make it easier for them.
Some student health policies require referrals for students to use their insurance outside of the university health center. Facilitate any coordination needed to specialist referrals ahead of time to promote seamless continuity of care once students are back home.
3. Encourage preventive care and proactive management of chronic conditions.
Recommend that students take advantage of free preventative care over the summer, emphasizing that they don’t need to wait until they get back to school to receive these services. Encourage students to get up to date on all age-specific health requirements like routine physicals and campus-required immunizations.
Students who have had your health center’s support with chronic health conditions for the academic year may benefit from coaching on how to manage their care needs over the summer. Whether students struggle with physical, behavioral, or mental illness, educate them on ways to proactively and independently seek and maintain care, and how to recognize early warning signs that require urgent medical attention.
4. Prepare graduates and transfer students for new coverage needs.
Student health insurance plans are not ERISA plans and don’t qualify for COBRA, which means new graduates and transfer students may lose coverage after August. Almost two-thirds (62%) of college graduates participate in internships during their college careers, and some of these roles may offer health coverage options. Students can also consider rejoining a parent’s health plan, which is available until the age of 26 under the Affordable Care Act.
Transfer students should investigate their new school’s offerings to determine if student health insurance is still the best option, or whether their family’s health plan may be a better fit.
5. Support students traveling abroad.
Students with summer international travel plans should verify their health coverage before takeoff. They may need help understanding the nuances of international health care. Certain cultures may close hospitals and health services on holidays and students need to be aware of country-specific holidays during their stay. Help them research emergency health care options, know who to call if they need to access care, and understand their specific coverage details and limitations.
Remind students to get destination-specific immunizations completed ahead of their travels. Not all health policies cover travel immunizations, so students should check for coverage under their student health and family plans before getting vaccines.
Venbrook is your Student Insurance partner all year round
Whether your students are on campus, abroad, or at home, Venbrook Student Insurance is dedicated to protecting them 24/7/365 with comprehensive insurance coverage and services tailored to their unique needs.
