How to Secure Affordable Kentucky Student Health Insurance

Fall is round the corner and it’s time to get back to school! As a college student, one of the first things you should be thinking about is securing your Kentucky student health insurance. If you should fall sick or have an accident and don’t have coverage, you could end up spending lot of money on hospital bills.

Here are tips to help you stay covered in the most affordable way:

• Rethink staying on your parents’ health insurance plan: Students are allowed to stay on a parent’s health plan till age 26. This is a good option if you are going to school in Kentucky. However, many Kentucky health insurance plans provide comprehensive coverage only if you use their network of doctors and hospitals within the state. If you’re going to a college or university outside the state, you would have to consider purchasing a separate individual health insurance plan.

• If you are an undergraduate or graduate student age 26 or older, you cannot get coverage on your parents’ health insurance plan. So you would have to buy coverage on your own.

• Compare plans: Once you decide to purchase a Kentucky individual health insurance plan, check out your options. A reliable health insurance broker can help you get quotes from leading Kentucky health insurance companies. You can also get professional advice on whether it would be more affordable to stay on your parents’ plan or to enroll in a separate one.

• Know your school-based plan: School-based Kentucky student health insurance plans are easy to enroll in and more affordable than an individual plan from a private health insurance company. They allow access to healthcare facilities on the campus. However, the downside is that coverage may not extend to outside the campus. For instance, if you fall sick during your holiday at home or elsewhere, you would have to pay for your medical bills from your own pocket. Another limitation is that many school-based plans have limited benefits. If you do consider enrolling in one, don’t forget to check whether it covers sports injuries.

You could also consider a non-school sponsored student health insurance plan. This type of plan can cover you when you are off campus and even if you’re going abroad.

• Understand your Kentucky individual health insurance options: The Affordable Care Act has changed many things about Kentucky individual health insurance plans. They offer greater access to certain preventive care with no deductibles, co-pays or co-insurance. The long list of covered services includes annual flu shots and routine vaccinations. Moreover, you cannot be denied coverage even if you have a pre-existing condition. Not all plans have to follow these rules, so make sure to check with your insurance broker before you buy your plan.

Check out all the pros and cons before you purchase your Kentucky student health insurance plan. Find an experienced, licensed Kentucky health insurance broker you can trust and get the right advice about staying covered.