Why Health Insurance Matters for College Students
This post will list the Top Five Marketplace Health Insurance for College Students. We will also include a few practical tips on maximizing your chosen student health insurance plan.
When you start college, you’ve got a lot to think about. There’s picking your major, figuring out your class schedule, and figuring out how to pay for everything. But there’s one thing a lot of students forget to think about: health insurance.
Many college students end up without health insurance. In fact, about 14% of students—around one in seven—don’t have any coverage. Health insurance can be very expensice, but not having it while you’re in college can actually lead to even bigger financial problems down the road.
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Health insurance is a must for college students. Between the stress of school, a busy social life, and navigating new living situations, health issues can pop up easily. Health insurance covers the costs of care and offers many other benefits.
- Health insurance covers important services to keep you healthy and treat any illnesses or injuries. It also protects you from unexpected, high medical bills.
- With insurance, you’ll pay less for care from doctors and hospitals in your plan’s network before you reach your deductible. Plus, you’ll get free preventive care, like vaccines, screenings, and check-ups, without having to meet your deductible first.
- You won’t have to pay the penalty that people without coverage used to face.
Top Considerations When Choosing a Health Insurance Plan as a College Student
The best health insurance plans for college students in 2024 will greatly depend on several factors. Here are a few considerations you need to take into account when choosing a marketplace health insurance plan:
Your premium is the monthly payment for health insurance. As a student, cost is important, so check if you qualify for subsidies or tax credits to lower your premium. Depending on your income, you might also qualify for Medicaid, which could provide free or low-cost coverage.
Also, watch out for other costs like deductibles, co-pays, and coinsurance—some plans might have lower premiums but higher out-of-pocket costs.
Related Articles:
- Marketplace Health Insurance vs. Student Health Plans: Which is Right for You?
- What Happens When You Turn 26? Transitioning Off Your Parents’ Health Insurance
- Can College Students Qualify for Medicaid? Eligibility Explained
- Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for Medicaid as a College Student
Coverage Options
Marketplace plans must cover essential services like emergency care, hospital stays, prescriptions, mental health services, and preventive care. Make sure the plan covers what you need as well, like prescriptions or mental health support. Many plans also offer free preventive services like vaccines and screenings, which is helpful even if you’re generally healthy.
Provider Network
Check if your plan includes the doctors and hospitals you want to use, especially if you’re studying away from home. Some plans offer bigger networks, while others may have more limited options. If you need out-of-network care, find out what the costs will be, as they can be higher.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
You’ll need to pay a deductible (the amount you pay before insurance kicks in) and co-pays (fees for doctor visits, prescriptions, etc.). Some plans with lower premiums have higher out-of-pocket costs, so compare both. There’s also a maximum out-of-pocket limit, which is the most you’d pay in a year before the plan covers 100% of your costs.
Flexibility
As a student, your living situation and schedule might change throughout the year, so flexibility is key. If you’re moving between home and school, check that your plan covers you in both locations. Some marketplace health insurance for college students plans let you update your address or coverage preferences if you experience a “qualifying life event” like moving to a new state.
Also, if you’re studying part-time or remotely, make sure your plan still meets your needs. Part-time students might not qualify for coverage under their parent’s plan, but you can still buy an individual Marketplace plan. For remote students, verify that the plan covers you wherever you’re living most of the time, not just at school.
Best Marketplace Health Insurance Plans for College Students in 2024
Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS)
One of the biggest names in the health insurance market, Blue Cross Blue Shield offers numerous plans. Whether in-state or out-of-state, BCBS has a huge network of doctors and hospitals, so you’ll have many options no matter where you go to school.
Key Benefits:
- No matter where you are, BCBS probably has a provider nearby.
- Covers everything from mental health care to emergency services.
- Offers plenty of plan flexibility.
Premiums:
- Bronze Plan: Around $150–$300/month (depending on state and income).
- Silver Plan: Around $250–$400/month.
- Gold Plan: Around $350–$500/month.
Out-of-Pocket Costs:
- Deductible: Ranges from $3,000–$5,000 for Bronze plans, lower for Silver/Gold plans.
- Co-pays: About $20–$50 per visit, depending on the plan.
- Maximum Out-of-Pocket: Can range from $6,000–$8,000 for individuals.
Network Size & Flexibility:
- BCBS has a large national network. It works well for students studying out-of-state or who travel often, but check if they’re available in your specific state.
Ambetter
Ambetter offers decent coverage and is one of the most affordable health insurance for college students. Although it’s a bit newer on the scene, it offers some solid options that are budget-friendly, which is perfect for students.
Key Benefits:
- Often way lower than other plans.
- You can access virtual doctor visits.
- Get things like check-ups, vaccinations, and screenings without having to pay extra.
Premiums:
- Bronze Plan: Typically $100–$200/month (some states may be as low as $50–$100/month depending on subsidies).
- Silver Plan: Around $200–$300/month.
- Gold Plan: Around $300–$400/month.
Out-of-Pocket Costs:
- Deductible: Typically $5,000–$7,000 for Bronze plans, lower for higher-tier plans.
- Co-pays: Around $30–$50 for office visits.
- Maximum Out-of-Pocket: Around $7,000–$8,000 for individuals.
Network Size & Flexibility:
- Ambetter’s network is nationwide, but it may be smaller in rural areas. Make sure they cover your region or out-of-state area.
Cigna
Cigna is a big player in health insurance with a great reputation. They offer a range of plans through the Marketplace, and Cigna is a good option if you’re someone who might study abroad or travel a lot. It’s also one of the best health insurance for part-time college students.
Key Benefits:
- Can offer international coverage.
- Offers telemedicine.
- Has apps and resources to help you stay healthy (or stress-free!) during school.
Premiums:
- Bronze Plan: Around $180–$350/month.
- Silver Plan: Around $300–$450/month.
- Gold Plan: Around $400–$550/month.
Out-of-Pocket Costs:
- Deductible: Around $3,000–$5,000 for Bronze plans, lower for Silver and Gold.
- Co-pays: Typically $20–$50 per visit.
- Maximum Out-of-Pocket: Around $6,500–$8,000 for individuals.
Network Size & Flexibility:
- Cigna has a wide network across the U.S., including many hospitals and doctors. This is great for students who might travel abroad or study internationally, as Cigna has global coverage.
Aetna Medicare
Aetna is another well-known marketplace health insurance for college students. It has a good reputation for offering reliable, affordable health plans and a variety of Marketplace options that work well for college students.
Key Benefits:
- Low-cost plans, especially if you’re looking for a Bronze or Silver plan.
- Offers several health apps and tools to help you manage your health and keep track of your expenses.
- Covers everything from doctor visits to mental health, and it offers a ton of preventive care options.
Premiums:
- Bronze Plan: Around $120–$250/month.
- Silver Plan: Around $200–$350/month.
- Gold Plan: Around $300–$450/month.
Out-of-Pocket Costs:
- Deductible: Typically $3,000–$5,000 for Bronze plans.
- Co-pays: Around $20–$50 for doctor visits, depending on the plan.
- Maximum Out-of-Pocket: Around $6,000–$8,000.
Network Size & Flexibility:
- Aetna has a wide network of doctors and hospitals, so you should be able to find coverage wherever you’re studying in the U.S.
Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is unique in that it combines health insurance with a network of hospitals and doctors that it owns. They’re known for offering affordable health insurance for college students on a budget, all-in-one health plans.
Key Benefits:
- Since they own their hospitals and doctors, you’ll have a very streamlined experience when you need care.
- Their premiums are generally lower, focusing on preventive care. It’s also known as one of the best health insurance for students in online programs.
- They really push for things like health screenings and keeping up with regular visits.
Premiums:
- Bronze Plan: Around $150–$250/month.
- Silver Plan: Around $250–$350/month.
- Gold Plan: Around $350–$450/month.
Out-of-Pocket Costs:
- Deductible: Around $3,000–$5,000 for Bronze plans.
- Co-pays: Around $20–$50 per visit for in-network care.
- Maximum Out-of-Pocket: Around $6,000–$8,000.
Network Size & Flexibility:
- Kaiser operates mainly in California, Colorado, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Oregon, Virginia, Washington, and Washington D.C. It’s one of the best student health insurance options if you’re studying in those states, but it may not be available elsewhere.
Comparing Marketplace Health Insurance Plans for College Students: A Quick Chart
To further help you in efficiently choosing health insurance as a college student, here’s a chart comparing each provider’s
- Monthly premium range
- Deductible
- Coverage level
- Network size
- Key benefits
| Insurance Provider | Premium Range (Monthly) | Deductible Range | Co-pays (Office Visits) | Max Out-of-Pocket (Annual) | Network Size | Key Benefits |
| Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) | $150-$500 | $3,000-$5,000 | $20-$50 | $6,000-$8,000 | National (large network, works for out-of-state & traveling students) | – Broad network across the U.S. – Coverage for mental health and emergency services – Flexible plan options |
| Ambetter | $100-$400 | $5,000-$7,000 | $30-$50 | $7,000-$8,000 | Nationwide (smaller in rural areas) | – Affordable premiums – Virtual doctor visits – Preventive care included at no extra cost |
| Cigna | $180-$550 | $3,000-$5,000 | $20-$50 | $6,500–$8,000 | National with global coverage (study abroad friendly) | – Global coverage for students studying abroad – Telemedicine services – Wellness apps and resources |
| Aetna | $120-$450 | $3,000-$5,000 | $20-$50 | $6,000-$8,000 | Nationwide | – Low-cost plans for students – Mental health coverage – Preventive care and health management tools |
| Kaiser Permanente | $150-$450 | $3,000-$5,000 | $20-$50 | $6,000-$8,000 | Limited to certain states (CA, CO, GA, HI, MD, OR, VA, WA, DC) | – Integrated healthcare (own hospitals & doctors) – Focus on preventive care – Streamlined healthcare experience |
Tips for Maximizing Health Insurance Benefits as a Student
Here are a few practical tips on maximizing health insurance coverage for college students.
- Know your plan: Understand what’s covered, including free preventive services like checkups and vaccinations.
- Use in-network providers: They cost less and are easy to find through your insurance app or website.
- Visit urgent care, not the ER: For non-emergencies, urgent care is cheaper and faster.
- Save on prescriptions: Ask for generic medications and use in-network pharmacies.
- Take advantage of mental health support: Therapy and counseling are often included in your plan.
- Try telehealth: It’s a convenient and affordable way to see a doctor.
- Keep receipts and submit claims: Stay organized and file claims on time to avoid paying extra.
- Ask about financial aid: Check if your provider or school offers help with medical costs.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Health Insurance for Your College Journey
Health insurance is crucial for college students—it helps cover unexpected medical expenses and gives you access to preventive care. Take as much time to compare Marketplace plans, and choose one that fits your budget while providing the coverage you need. The right plan can save you both money and stress.
This health insurance comparison for college students is a great way to start navigating the complex world of health coverage. You can visit websites like HealthCare.gov or your college’s student health services for additional resources.