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| Commercial Student Health Insurance |  Nationwide Choice of Provider - Commercial health insurance policies provide nationwide coverage with any medical provider but the cost of medical care may be more than the cost of services offered through a college's health service clinic.
Timing - Some schools and student programs require proof of coverage at the time of admission. Such policies can be issued "last minute" online and an ID card printed out from the enrollment site for immediate proof of coverage.
International Travel - The best U.S. policies cover only treatment received in the U.S.; other policies cover expenses incurred outside the U.S. it is better to take a separate travel policy for the period needed to cover medical expenses outside of the U.S. rather than look for a policy that covers both types of expenses. For example, a policy to cover a one week spring break trip to Mexico costs about $20 and can be issued online within minutes.
Cutting Costs - These policies work best for covering the risk of large medical expenses so save premium cost by choosing a high deductible. The most famous choice for students is a $2500 deductible that brings the cost of insurance down to about $60 per month.
Consider Short Term - Short term medical insurance is often a better choice if the coverage may be required for less than three years. These policies are issued from one month to 36 months. Normally, consecutive policies are allowed. For instance, a student may take a 115 day policy while living at school for a trimester and then return to the parent's policy after returning home for the summer. Usually the flexible coverage periods tend to suit students' schedules. Typically short term medical insurance offers higher benefits than insurance plans labeled as student health insurance. Having a short term policy you can save more than 1/3 the cost of a long term policy.
No Pre-existing Condition Coverage - Commercial health insurance is not suitable for covering pre-existing medical conditions or maternity costs.
Continuity of Coverage - Students can keep their private commercial student medical insurance in force after leaving college for as long as they wish, up to age 65 or until the policy is scheduled to expire.
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