Who it's for
- Undergraduate and graduate students, full-time or part-time
- Students attending school out of state or far from a parent's plan network
- Students aging off a parent's plan or whose school requires proof of coverage
- Parents who want to understand the options before school starts
What it covers
Depending on the route you choose, student coverage typically includes:
- Doctor visits, urgent care, and emergency care
- Preventive care such as checkups and recommended vaccines
- Prescription drug coverage
- Mental health and substance use services
- Hospital care if something more serious happens
Key things to know
There are usually three main routes
Stay on a parent's plan, enroll in a school-sponsored student health plan (if your school offers one), or buy an individual plan, either through the Health Insurance Marketplace or directly from a carrier.
You can generally stay on a parent's plan until age 26
Under the Affordable Care Act, plans that cover dependents generally must allow children to stay on until they turn 26, even if they're in school, married, or living elsewhere.
Networks matter when you're away from home
A parent's plan may have few in-network providers near campus. Check the network where the student will actually live, not just where the family lives.
Schools may require proof of coverage
Many schools automatically enroll students in a student plan unless you show comparable coverage and submit a waiver by a deadline.
Income-based savings may apply
A student who isn't claimed as a dependent may qualify for savings on a Marketplace plan based on their own income.
Frequently asked questions
Is a school health plan required?
It depends on the school. Some require all students to have coverage and enroll them in the school plan unless they waive it with proof of other coverage. Check your school's requirements and deadlines.
Is it cheaper to stay on my parent's plan?
Sometimes, but not always. It depends on the parent's plan costs, the network near campus, and whether a separate plan could qualify for savings. Hollen can help you compare.
What happens when I turn 26?
Aging off a parent's plan is generally a qualifying life event, which can open a Special Enrollment Period to choose a new plan outside of Open Enrollment.
This page is general educational information, not a guarantee of coverage, eligibility, or cost. Benefits, availability, and rules vary by plan, carrier, and state. Contact Hollen for details on specific plans.