Ensuring that a high school student has adequate health insurance coverage can help avoid being caught off-guard in the case of sickness or injury. Finding a health insurance provider that meets your budget and coverage expectations takes careful planning. Don't let limited resources or procrastination be the reason your high school student doesn't have health insurance.
Instructions
1. Determine the risk. Get the student a complete physical to account for pre-existing health conditions. The presence of certain conditions may increase the coverage costs or disqualify the student from certain policies. If the high school student is involved in athletic activities, additional sports coverage may be a requirement.
2. Examine the available budget. Knowing how much money you have to work with can help narrow your options. Generally, purchasing school-sponsored health insurance coverage is cheaper than purchasing private insurance. This is because group plans are negotiated at a discount rate. Although this option may be less expensive, there may not be as many coverage options available. Choosing plans that allow for customization based on the student's travel, overall health and athletic participation can also save money.
3. Price different coverage options. Search for direct providers such as HTH Worldwide and United Health Group Incorporated. Although these companies do offer group plans through different school systems, they also offer individual student plans. This is a convenient option when group enrollment deadlines are missed. Customize your plan by adding dental, sports and 24-hour coverage options.
4. Add the coverage to an existing insurance policy. Contact your current health insurance provider for a quote. Ask for a breakdown of coverage options including discounts for enrollment in family plans. If the enrollment period has passed, ask when new coverage can be added. Consider altering existing policies to make the coverage more affordable.
5. Purchase the coverage through the school-sponsored insurance provider. Contact the school administration for enrollment guidelines and an application. This is especially important because effective coverage dates are predetermined by the administration's contract agreement. Survey the available coverage options to find a fit for your budget. For example, save money by choosing plans that only provide coverage during school hours and after-hours activities. Consider purchasing this group insurance as a supplemental policy even if the student is already covered under a primary policy.
Tags: coverage options, health insurance, high school student, insurance provider, school student, group plans