Student health insurance: Coverage options, enrollment, and how to choose a plan

Key takeaways

• Most college students — including undergraduate, graduate, and international students — need health insurance while enrolled in school.
• Many colleges require students to have health insurance and may automatically enroll them in a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) unless a waiver is submitted.
• Health insurance rules can vary based on where you study, your enrollment status, and if you’re studying abroad.
• Understanding coverage options, enrollment periods, and costs can help you choose the right plan and avoid gaps in health coverage.
  

What is student health insurance?

Student health insurance refers to health coverage designed to meet the needs of students enrolled in colleges and universities. Coverage can come from several sources, but many schools offer a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) that meets federal and school coverage standards.

In many cases, students are automatically enrolled in their school’s plan unless they submit proof of comparable coverage by a specific deadline.

Depending on your situation, student health insurance may come from:

• A school-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)
• A parent or guardian’s health insurance plan (commonly used by undergraduates under age 26)
• A plan purchased through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Health Insurance Marketplace
• Medicaid or CHIP, if you qualify based on income and household size

Why is student health insurance necessary?

Student health coverage helps protect both your health and your finances while you’re in school. Even if you’re young and healthy, unexpected illnesses, injuries, or emergencies can lead to high medical costs without coverage.

Health insurance is important for students because it:

• Helps lower out-of-pocket costs for doctor visits, hospital care, and prescriptions
• Is often required by colleges and universities as a condition of enrollment
• Provides access to preventive care and mental health services
• Helps ensure medical coverage while living away from home or studying abroad
• Offers financial protection in case of medical emergencies

How the Affordable Care Act (ACA) can help students

The Affordable Care Act (ACA), passed in 2010, makes it easier for students to get and keep health insurance.

Under the ACA:

• Students can stay on a parent’s health plan until age 26.
  This helps many students keep coverage while they’re in school, even if they live in a different state or aren’t financial dependents.
• Some students can get help paying for health insurance.
  Students who buy coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace may qualify for financial help that lowers monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
• Student health plans must cover essential services.
  Most school-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plans (SHIPs) include basic care like doctor visits, emergency services, prescriptions, and mental health care.
• Medicaid and CHIP may be an option.
  Students who qualify can use these programs as their main health coverage, and many schools accept them as meeting insurance requirements.

Together, these rules help students have more reliable and affordable health coverage during college and graduate school.

What are the student health insurance options?

Here’s the most common types of student health coverage and how they work:

1.      Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)

• Offered directly through colleges and universities
• Often designed around campus health centers and nearby providers
• Many schools require enrollment unless a waiver is approved
• Can be a convenient option for students who want coverage that aligns with campus care

2.      Parent’s Health Insurance Plan

• Most students under age 26 can stay on a parent’s plan
• Common choice for undergraduate students
• Important to confirm that providers near campus are in-network, especially if attending school out of state

3.      ACA Marketplace Plan

• Available through the federal or state Health Insurance Marketplace
• Plans are offered in metal tiers (Bronze, Silver, Gold, Platinum), reflecting how costs are shared
• Students can enroll during open enrollment or after qualifying life events, such as moving for school or losing other coverage
• Often a good option for:
  • Graduate students
  • Students over age 26
  • Students who are not dependents on a parent’s plan
  • Students seeking year-round, non-school-based coverage

Depending on income, students may qualify for financial assistance to lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

4.      Medicaid & CHIP

• Low-cost or no-cost coverage for eligible individuals
• Eligibility is based on household income, not student status
• Graduate students, working students, or independent students may qualify
• Rules vary by state
  

Key health insurance terms to know

Before choosing the best student health insurance option for you, it helps to understand some basic health insurance terms, so you can compare options and costs more confidently.

• Premium: The amount you pay each month for your health insurance plan.
• Deductible: The amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance begins covering costs.
• Copay: A fixed fee you pay for certain services, such as a doctor visit.
• Coinsurance: A percentage of costs you pay for covered services after meeting your deductible.
• In-network vs. out-of-network: In-network providers have agreed to lower rates. Out-of-network care usually costs more.
• Out-of-pocket maximum: The most you’ll pay in a plan year for covered services. After reaching this limit, the plan typically pays 100% of covered costs.
• ACA Marketplace: The federal or state platform where individuals can shop for health insurance plans.
• Medicaid / CHIP: Government programs that provide low-cost or free health coverage for eligible people, including some students.

When can students enroll in health insurance?

Health insurance enrollment timing depends on the type of coverage:

• Student Health Insurance Plans (SHIPs): Enrollment usually occurs at the start of each academic term. Schools may set waiver deadlines.
• ACA Marketplace plans: Available during annual open enrollment or after qualifying life events, such as moving for school.
• Medicaid and CHIP: Enrollment is typically open year-round for eligible individuals.

Understanding enrollment periods for health insurance can also help prevent gaps in health coverage.

Health insurance for international students (studying in the U.S.)

International students studying in the U.S. often have different health insurance requirements than domestic students. Because health care in the U.S. can be expensive, many colleges and universities require international students to carry insurance that meets specific standards.

Schools may require coverage because:

• Medical care in the U.S. can be costly without insurance
• Visa or school policies may require minimum levels of coverage
• Insurance helps ensure access to care, including emergency and mental health services

Common health insurance options for international students

International students typically choose from one of the following:

• School-sponsored Student Health Insurance Plans (SHIPs)
  These plans are designed to meet school requirements and often work well with campus health centers and nearby providers. Some schools automatically enroll international students in a SHIP, while others allow students to use a school-approved plan.
• Approved private international student plans
  Some schools allow alternative plans if they meet minimum coverage standards, such as coverage for emergencies, hospitalization, and prescriptions.
• Home-country insurance (limited cases)
  In some situations, insurance from a student’s home country may be accepted, but this is less common and usually requires proof that coverage meets U.S. standards.

Health insurance for students studying abroad (temporary international coverage)

If you’re studying outside the U.S., your regular health insurance plan may not cover care overseas or may only offer limited benefits.

Before leaving, students should:

• Check whether their current plan includes international coverage or travel benefits
• Review any insurance requirements set by their school or study abroad program
• Consider a global or travel health insurance plan for longer stays
• Look for coverage that includes emergency care, medical evacuation, and repatriation (returning home in a serious emergency)

Even short-term study abroad programs may require separate coverage, so planning ahead is important.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about student health insurance

1. How do you typically pay for a Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP)?
   Many schools bill SHIP premiums directly to a student’s tuition account, though payment methods vary.
   
   
2. What are the pros and cons of staying on a parent’s plan vs. enrolling in a SHIP?
   Parent plans may be cheaper but could have limited networks near campus. SHIPs are designed for local care but may cost more.
   
   
3. How does a student health insurance waiver work?
   If you already have qualifying health insurance, you may be able to waive your school’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP) by providing proof of other coverage. Schools typically accept coverage from a parent’s plan, an ACA Marketplace plan, or Medicaid or CHIP (if allowed by the school). To qualify, your plan usually must meet minimum coverage standards and include in-network providers near campus. Requirements vary by school and state. Waivers are submitted online through your student portal and must be completed by a strict deadline. If approved, the SHIP charge is removed or refunded. If you miss the deadline, you may remain enrolled in SHIP and responsible for the premium until the next enrollment period.
   
   
4. Are there specific student health insurance requirements in certain states?
   Yes. While federal law allows students to stay on a parent’s health insurance plan until age 26, many states and colleges have their own health insurance requirements for students. In some states, students are required to have health coverage and may need to meet specific criteria — such as minimum benefits or access to in-state provider networks — in order to waive a school’s Student Health Insurance Plan (SHIP). States like California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, and Washington D.C. also have broader individual health insurance mandates beyond the Affordable Care Act. Because requirements can vary significantly by state and institution, students should review their school’s insurance policy carefully and confirm whether their current coverage meets all waiver requirements.
   
   
5. What are dental and/or vision insurance options as a student?
   Dental and vision coverage are often not included in standard student health insurance plans. If you need routine dental or vision care, you may need separate coverage. Some schools offer optional dental or vision plans, and many students can stay on a parent’s plan. Standalone dental or vision plans are also available. Check what your current plan covers and compare costs based on how often you expect to use these services.
   

Next steps for finding a student health plan

When evaluating student health insurance plans to find the right one for you, it can be helpful to consider:

• What are the total monthly costs (premium + out-of-pocket)?
• Which providers and hospitals are in-network near campus?
• Does the plan include mental health and preventive services?
• Are you eligible for subsidies or special enrollment?
• How does the plan work if you study abroad?

Taking time to compare options helps ensure you’re covered and comfortable with your choice. Consider these as helpful next steps in finding the right health insurance for you:

• Check your school’s insurance requirements and waivers.
• Explore ACA Marketplace plans and subsidies.
• Review SHIP options early in the semester.
• Ask your health services office or advisor for help.

Student health insurance doesn’t have to be confusing. With the right information, you can find coverage that protects your health, fits your budget, and supports your academic goals — whether at home or abroad.

MMR-4069-2026