Key Takeaways
- Most colleges require their students to carry qualifying health insurance, which can add thousands to the bill.
- Students can find discounted or no-cost health insurance through the ACA Marketplace, Medicaid, and Medicare.
- Colleges also offer campus plans that can range from around $1,500 to over $4,000 per academic year.
Flickr user Lower Columbia College (LCC)
Between tuition and books, the cost of attending college adds up quickly. And since schools don’t advertise it, many students and parents don’t realize they need health insurance, too. If you’re not on your parents’ plan, you likely need a policy of your own. However, this can add thousands to your college bill that you might not be prepared to pay. Thankfully, there are health insurance policies and financial solutions for low- or no-income college students.
Do you need health insurance for college?
Yes, most colleges and universities in the United States require students to have health insurance. Students need to prove their existing policy meets school-specific coverage requirements. If you don’t show proof of an existing policy, the school could automatically enroll you in their insurance program, adding thousands to your college cost.
Colleges typically require coverage since medical care can be expensive. Unexpected healthcare bills can be costly. Minor treatment at the campus health clinic usually doesn’t use your insurance. Instead, you pay a fee as part of your cost of attendance that covers your care.
Can I get health insurance with zero income as a student?
Health insurance and healthcare are expensive. However, there are options available to you, even if you have low or no income.
1. Affordable Care Act
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health insurance companies to cover eligible adult children up until the age of 26, and some states allow you to stay on the plan until you’re 31. However, not all students have coverage through their parents, as not all parents have health insurance.
The ACA Marketplace offers discounts on health insurance plans for eligible individuals whose income falls within certain thresholds. In most cases, you need to apply during Open Enrollment periods at the end of the calendar year, but you can apply year-round if you lose coverage, move, or have another qualifying life event.
If you’re a dependent under the age of 26, you can apply for health insurance on Healthcare.gov, the Marketplace website. You need to apply with your parents if you live in the same state. If you’re going to college out of state, you can apply for coverage by yourself, but you’ll still need to have information about your parents, such as their income.
If you’re not a dependent, you can use the ACA Marketplace for your own insurance, without your parents’ information.
The ACA typically requires an income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level.
2. Medicaid or Medicare
If your income is below the federal poverty level, you might qualify for Medicaid. Some states also have expanded Medicaid for families with income that is 138% below the federal poverty level. The program covers medical, dental, and vision, but exact coverage depends on your state. You can apply through the ACA Marketplace or your state agency.
Read over your school’s accepted health insurance policies carefully. States often offer different plans under Medicaid, and your college might not accept all of them. If you’re enrolled in a plan your college doesn’t accept, contact your state agency to learn about changing your policy. Some allow you to request the change through their online portal.
If you have a qualifying disability or condition, you can also apply for Medicare.
3. College health insurance
If you can’t get insurance through an individual plan, Medicaid, Medicare, or the ACA Marketplace, your college likely offers insurance policies through a brand partner. Coverage varies depending on the school. Most policies cost between $1,500 and $4,000 per academic year. You can usually apply financial aid towards this expense.
If you have any questions about the plan, enrolling, or cost, reach out to your school’s student health department.
How to afford health insurance in college
- If possible, the easiest way to afford health insurance in college is to stay on your parents’ plan.
- If this isn’t possible, financial aid and scholarships could help cover the cost.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to apply for federal student loans, state grants, institutional aid, and federal grants, such as the Pell Grant.
- Apply to as many scholarships as you can each year. Some awards can only be used for tuition and fees, but others can be used for other education-related costs, including your health insurance plan. However, keep in mind that scholarship awards can affect your financial aid package. Reach out to your college to discuss potential impacts.
When your school disburses your financial aid, they’ll put the money towards tuition, fees, and room and board first. If there’s money left over, they’ll either deposit it into your bank account or use it to cover your student health plan.
Tips for navigating healthcare in college
As you head off to college, you’re starting to become responsible for a lot of things you weren’t previously. Healthcare is just one of them. Here are some tips to take control of your health:
- Get to know the campus health center. Learn about what services your school’s health and wellness center offers, what they can help with, and when you need to go off-campus for medical care. You’re already paying for visits, so make the most of it.
- Manage costs after the 2025 subsidy expirations. While enhanced subsidies expired in 2025, there are still Silver-level plans with $0 premiums and cost-sharing reductions (CSR) available. If you lose your cost-sharing reductions, you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period and can enroll in a new plan that fits your budget.
- Select a nearby doctor. If you’re going to college out of town or out of state, you need a doctor local to your school. You can research care providers through your health insurance portal or online. Make sure they accept your insurance. Schedule a check-up early in the year to get on their books.
- Understand your insurance. Health insurance can be confusing. Keep a copy of your benefits with you, know your co-payments, and learn the terms. Talk to your parents about a “health insurance lesson” over the summer, and reach out to them or the school health center if you have any questions during the academic year.
- Schedule doctor appointments during breaks. You might find that few doctors accept your insurance in your new city. In this case, try to schedule checkups in your hometown during school breaks, such as during the summer.
- Keep on top of your annual appointments. It’s all too easy to say, “My vision is fine!” and skip the annual vision appointment. Make and keep your doctor appointments. They can find issues before they become serious.
- Review your college’s required medical records. Many colleges ask for at least an immunization form, showing you received certain vaccinations. Common requirements include MMR, Hepatitis B, Meningococcal Meningitis, Tdap, Varicella, Diphtheria, Tetanus, and Polio. Some students qualify for a waiver.
- Bring copies of your medical records. Have a copy of your immunization form, medical records, and health insurance cards in your dorm. Keep a list of all of your prescriptions.
- Upload proof of insurance once a year. Colleges need to see proof of your qualifying insurance annually. If they have any issues with your coverage, reach out to your student health center as soon as possible to avoid additional charges.
- Practice good habits. Good habits stick with you! Stay on top of exercising and eating healthy.
Health insurance for college students FAQ
Is university health insurance mandatory?
Yes, most colleges require you to have health insurance coverage while you attend. You have to provide proof of your plan or you’ll be charged for the school’s health insurance on your tuition bill.
Can I stay on my parents’ insurance if I live in a different state for college?
You can stay on your parents’ health insurance even if you attend college in a different state. However, you may have trouble finding medical facilities and health professionals that are “in-network.” If you go to a provider that is out-of-network, you’ll likely have to pay more out of pocket or even the entire bill.
Read over your health insurance policy before going to college. Many companies have “Find a Doctor” tools online that can help you find providers in your new area. If there are no in-network providers in your new state, you’ll likely need to get a new plan.
Can I use financial aid to pay for health insurance?
Yes, you can typically use financial aid to pay for health insurance while you’re in college. However, most programs will require you to put the money towards tuition and fees first. Select scholarships are also earmarked for specific costs, such as tuition, fees, books, or supplies, and cannot be used for any other purpose.
Create a plan for health insurance
Since most colleges require health insurance, you need to have a plan for your coverage, even if you have little to no income. Research your state’s Medicaid program and reach out to your college’s student health center with any questions or concerns about their available policy.
Scholarships can help you afford your college bill, from tuition to health insurance. Our Scholarship Search Tool allows you to quickly find awards you qualify for. Get started today!
