A lot of college students are still on their parents’ health insurance, but if you’re an independent or older student who doesn’t have parental financial support, you’ll definitely want to be on the lookout for cheap health insurance for college students. Getting sick in college can put real pressure on your studies, and this will be multiplied if you don’t have the money to pay for things like aspirin and antibiotics.
You can stay on your parents’ health insurance until you’re 26, but after that it’s time to start looking for cheap health insurance for college students. If you’re over this age, then check out the COBRA laws. These laws allow anyone who was on a group health plan to carry on their membership for 18 months or more as long as you pay the premiums. This works for both employer group plans and your parents’ health insurance.

If the premiums to stay on your previous insurance are too high, that doesn’t mean you have to go without coverage. If this is the case you still have four options:

1. Buy your own health insurance – if you have a reasonable income or parental support it will probably be most beneficial to look for cheap health insurance for individuals. This will give you the greatest level of coverage, but will cost the most.
2. See if your school offers insurance – many colleges and schools offer a budget insurance for older students. Enquire at the fees office about this.
3. Try Medicaid – If your family’s income is low or you have high medical bills you might be eligible for Medicaid. You can check with your State’s insurance department to see if you are eligible.
4. Community Health Centers – If all else fails and you need treatment, go to a community health center or clinic. They use sliding scales based on income, so you’ll be able to afford it even on a low income.