Many colleges have basic health insurance plans and insist that students either join them or obtain an equivalent or better coverage. In most cases, individuals over 24 years old are not covered by their parent\'s health insurance plan. Even if a student is within the age limit, the parent\'s health insurance coverage may not be available in the area where the school is located.

Insurance companies offer special health coverage plans for fulltime, undergraduate and graduate students between 17-29 years old, enrolled in a college or university and carrying a minimum of 9 credits. These are comprehensive policies, covering emergency care and surgery, inpatient and outpatient care. They are cheaper than regular, individual health coverage policies, and there are option for deductibles. A deductible is the amount of medical expenses that the insured must pay -- the insurer will pay the balance. This deductible reduces the premium. The insurance pay out could be up to $1 million.

Hospitals and doctors can be chosen by the insured. However, in most cases, the coverage for a pre-existing medical condition will be available only after the policy is one year old.

Student policies normally do not extend to spouses. The application formalities are simple, and the coverage can start within 24 hours. No medical examination is required. If eligible, acceptance is ensured. The date the policy becomes operational can be deferred if necessary for up to 60 days and can be kept alive to cover the gap between the completion of studies and employment. The policy would remain effective even if the student drops out after attending full classes for at least 31 days. During travel within the United State and Canada, the policy remains in force. Medical evacuation from other countries in an emergency is usually covered as well.

The benefits of student health insurance coverage are available to citizens of other countries studying in the United States as well, if they meet the eligibility criteria.