Student Health Insurance - What You Need To Know!

Higher Education and Student Insurance

According to current U.S. statistics, there are approximately 17.5 million students attending college and/or graduate school. Most of these students will be required to obtain health insurance through their particular schools. And because most colleges and universities add student insurance to the cost of tuition, many students, and parents, take it for granted that they have insurance coverage, that is, until they need it.

Are You Covered by your Student Health Insurance?

Don't get complacent, by thinking that you are covered by your universities health insurance. Know the particulars of the health insurance that is offered. Secondly, take some precautionary steps to make sure you don't have that "deer in the headlight" look if you ever find yourself having to use your student medical insurance. Read, Read and Then Read Some More!

Believe it or not, you can still get information on paper, even in this technological age! Read any and all materials you receive from the school. There is usually pertinent information placed within the fine lines and in paperwork that you may think is unimportant.

Read the information at the college or university web site, Many students only look at the college or universities website for popular information (email, financial information, or grades). With a little more scrutiny, you can find practically all of the information students need, including information regarding their health insurance policies.

Know Your Insurance Representative

• Know what insurance agency handles your student health insurance.

At times the information you receive from your college or university will not coincide with the information you receive from the actual agency handling your student insurance. In these instances the agency would more than likely have the most appropriate and up-to-date information regarding insurance cards, co-payments, and important dates on when your coverage expires at the end of your semester.

• Get to know your student health insurance representative.

The health insurance representative at your school has pertinent information about the schools student health policy and will be able to answer any questions you may have. For example,if you are married or have dependents, your health insurance representative can be instrumental in assisting with helping you to add them to your student policy, if necessary.

Also, for students who already have health insurance, your school's representative can provide you with important paperwork and information to help you "opt-out" of using the schools insurance, and use your current insurance policy.

Know if you are Covered

Unforeseen illnesses and accidents can occur while you are in school. Having student health insurance not only protects you, but it is mandatory for the college or university to provide insurance for its students. Obtaining all of the information about the coverage you have is a smart move. Don't get stuck in a situation where you really need to use your student health insurance, but can't, because you are not covered.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/592079