{"id":31198,"date":"2026-05-18T13:57:40","date_gmt":"2026-05-18T13:57:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ldblifestylebenefits.com\/?p=31198"},"modified":"2026-05-18T13:57:40","modified_gmt":"2026-05-18T13:57:40","slug":"college-life-and-health-insurance","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ldblifestylebenefits.com\/index.php\/2026\/05\/18\/college-life-and-health-insurance\/","title":{"rendered":"College Life and Health Insurance"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778520991979{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p class=\"postIntro\">Acceptance letters, roommates, and dorm-sized furniture \u2014 there\u2019s a lot to keep track of when getting ready for college.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521000971{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_separator css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521007568{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/advisor\/health-insurance\/best-health-insurance-for-college-students\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Catastrophic health insurance<\/a> plans protect you from high medical costs in the case of an emergency.<br \/>\nAvailable to anyone under 30, they\u2019re usually cheaper than other plans, but have high deductibles.<\/h5>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521013641{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}&#8221;][vc_separator css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521191425{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Health insurance may be far down your lists of concerns, but you don\u2019t want to get caught paying out of pocket for doctor\u2019s appointments when the flu is going around. There are many health insurance options for college students, helping you to stay healthy while attending class.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31293&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521198105{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31294&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]The first option, if you\u2019re under the age of 26, is to remain on your parents\u2019 plan. This is often the most affordable option. Under the Affordable Care Act (ACA), <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthinsurance.org\/faqs\/under-the-aca-can-young-adults-still-remain-on-their-parents-health-plans-until-age-26\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">young adults can remain on their parents\u2019 health plan until age 26<\/a>. After that, the coverage drops either at the end your birthday month, or at the end of the plan year, depending on the plan. This is often the easiest method for full-time students at the beginning of their career. However, if you\u2019re attending college out of state or in a new area, in-network doctors and hospitals may not be readily available.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521203782{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]In that case, it might be a better option to apply for health insurance through your college or university. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.forbes.com\/advisor\/health-insurance\/best-health-insurance-for-college-students\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">These plans are often more affordable than private healthcare and offer good coverage of on-campus care.<\/a> However, you may lose coverage when the semester or term year ends. Most school-sponsored health insurance plans are regulated by the ACA. This means that the plans will cover the ACA\u2019s designated <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcare.gov\/coverage\/what-marketplace-plans-cover\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">10 essential health benefits<\/a>:[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521211366{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Preventative services<\/li>\n<li>Doctor\u2019s visits<\/li>\n<li>Emergency services<\/li>\n<li>Hospitalizations<\/li>\n<li>Laboratory services<\/li>\n<li>Prescription drug coverage<\/li>\n<li>Pregnancy and childbirth<\/li>\n<li>Mental health services<\/li>\n<li>Rehabilitation services<\/li>\n<li>Pediatric services, including dental and vision care<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31291&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521218295{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31292&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]You can also apply for health insurance directly through <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcare.gov\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">ACA\u2019s marketplace<\/a> during Open Enrollment season, which lasts from November 1 \u2013 January 15 in most states. If you experience a <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthcare.gov\/glossary\/qualifying-life-event\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Qualifying Life Event<\/a>, you can enroll in a health insurance plan anytime throughout the year. Qualifying Life Events include turning 26 and losing coverage through a parent\u2019s plan, moving to a new ZIP code, or getting a new job.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521224986{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]For some students, Medicaid may be an option. Medicaid provides free or low-cost health insurance to those with qualifying incomes. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.medicaid.gov\/about-us\/where-can-people-get-help-medicaid-chip#AZ\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Eligibility<\/a> for Medicaid plans depends on your state.<\/p>\n<p>There is also the option of private healthcare, though this may come with a higher price tag. Private healthcare may cover more than the 10 essential health benefits regulated by the ACA.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31295&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521230558{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31282&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/healthy.kaiserpermanente.org\/get-care\/traveling\/college\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Kaiser Permanente<\/a> offers healthcare for students enrolled at university in Kaiser areas (California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and Washington, D.C.). Kaiser plans offer virtual care 24\/7 by phone or online, which may make it easier for those living far from their usual doctors to seek medical help while staying at in-network prices. However, <a href=\"https:\/\/healthy.kaiserpermanente.org\/get-care\/traveling\/care-outside-KP-area\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">some states have laws against seeking virtual care across state lines<\/a>, so it\u2019s best to double check your local laws. Kaiser plans also cover emergency and urgent care abroad and across the U.S., even in non-Kaiser areas.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521239399{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas offers healthcare through several Texas universities under their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.bcbstx.com\/shop-plans\/student-health\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">AcademicBlue<\/a> program. Similar to Kaiser Permanente, the AcademicBlue program covers virtual visits, which can make securing an in-network doctor\u2019s appointment easier, even if you\u2019re far from an in-person hospital. If your school isn\u2019t listed on the AcademicBlue website, you can also apply for an individual plan.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31281&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521245161{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;31283&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/www.uhc.com\/individuals-families\/student-insurance\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">UHC<\/a> offers health insurance plans for college students that have lower deductibles and premiums than their other plans. The student plans also offer <a href=\"https:\/\/healthy.kaiserpermanente.org\/get-care\/traveling\/college\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">coverage for school-sponsored, on-site health clinics<\/a>, which may not be covered under other private healthcare plans.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521131853{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]It\u2019s important to consider your health insurance options as a college student to ensure you\u2019re getting the best care for the best price. Are the 10 essential health benefits offered through ACA and ACA-regulated school plans enough to cover your needs, or do you need private healthcare\u2019s more comprehensive coverage? Stay healthy throughout the semester by finding the plan that\u2019s right for you.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521149505{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_separator css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521155640{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h5 style=\"text-align: center;\">Some states have expanded Medicaid eligibility to include individuals<br \/>\nunder <a href=\"https:\/\/www.healthinsurance.org\/medicaid\/expansion\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">65 with household income up to 138% of the federal poverty level.<\/a><\/h5>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521161910{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}&#8221;][vc_separator css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778520991979{margin-bottom: 40px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;] Acceptance letters, roommates, and dorm-sized furniture \u2014 there\u2019s a lot to keep track of when getting ready for college. [\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521000971{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_separator css=&#8221;&#8221;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1778521007568{margin-bottom: 20px !important;}&#8221;][vc_column_text css=&#8221;&#8221;] Catastrophic health insurance plans protect you from high medical costs in the case of an emergency. Available to anyone under 30, they\u2019re [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":7,"featured_media":31290,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[606,20],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-31198","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-2026-june","category-lifestyle-and-wellness"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/ldblifestylebenefits.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31198","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/ldblifestylebenefits.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/ldblifestylebenefits.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ldblifestylebenefits.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/7"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ldblifestylebenefits.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=31198"}],"version-history":[{"count":10,"href":"https:\/\/ldblifestylebenefits.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31198\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":31422,"href":"https:\/\/ldblifestylebenefits.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/31198\/revisions\/31422"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ldblifestylebenefits.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/31290"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/ldblifestylebenefits.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=31198"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ldblifestylebenefits.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=31198"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/ldblifestylebenefits.com\/index.php\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=31198"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}