Student Health Insurance

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · May 23, 2006

I used to be a health insurance broker for many years. Each state is quite different regarding health insurance. In most states you can't get coverage for pre-existing conditions, unless you qualify for HIPAA but then the premiums are usually $500-$2000 per month for one person. If you don't have any health problems you can choose the best coverage with the lowest premiums. Frequently, the Blue Cross Blue Shields offer the best coverage but not always. Whatever you do - stay away from any of the so-called "not for profit" association groups offering coverage for individuals. Ninety-nine percent of the time they offer the worst coverage that borders on criminal. Good luck.

JaxiaKiley · May 23, 2006

I was wondering about this, too. They are thinking of making it mandatory at one of the schools I want to go to. Can a person get affordable rates on their own?

Multicollinearity, BSN, RN · May 23, 2006

It depends on the state you are in. Insurance is regulated by the states and they vary drastically. In a few states anyone can get coverage on their own, regardless of health status. Most states allow insurance companies to exclude pre-existing conditions from coverage for individually purchased health insurance, or just deny you coverage. Some of the colleges have student insurance which works like employer health insurance - meaning it covers pre-existing conditions but most colleges do not. I've seen schools that make health insurance mandatory for nursing students, which is in some ways futile because many students cannot get coverage because of health conditions, or they cannot pay $200-$700 per month. It's a huge problem.

butrfli · May 24, 2006

I just read that prerequisites to each clinical nursing course at my school includes: completion of CPR (understandable), Health Care Provider Course and Student Nurse Liability Insurance both renewed annually and valid through each semester of enrollment (understandable), completion of immunizations (okay), and HEALTH CARE INSURANCE! Why? I don't understand why it's neccesary for students to be covered. If somethings happens to that student while in training then it should be up to that person to seek medical attention and be responsible for the bill at the time. I think this should be an individual option. It's just another thing to sink me more in debt before I can start working! I guess I need to start shopping around for my best options for when the time comes. Ughhhh.