Student health insurance varies by company and restrictions
05 03 08 - 11:41
Joe Sneve
National statistics show almost a third of college students live without medical insurance and USD students who don't have insurance say they aren't worried.
"I don't have insurance, but it doesn't keep me up at night. I suppose I'd use Student Health if I got hurt or sick," said senior Jason Wayrynen.
According to a 2002 study by the Chickering Institute, 30 percent of American college students do not have health insurance.
Students who do have health insurance typically have issues with complicated restrictions and qualifications that differ between insurance companies.
For many students, the easiest answer is to stay on their parents' plan.
"I don't know anything about it. All I really know is my mom takes care of it," sophomore Amber Abbott said.
Junior Aaron Fox was not even aware of his insurance status.
"I'm not sure if I'm covered under my parents' policy or not; I suppose I should look into that," he said.
There are no rules in the insurance industry pertaining to age or year in school. However, there is some consistency to the insurance system as a whole. Generally the cut-off age for full-time students is similar among most companies.
"With most policies you can stay on your parents' plan until either you are 23 or 25, although, it does vary from company to company," said Rich Job, an insurance agent in Vermillion.
Vermillion insurance agent Nick Breske agreed age limits are up to the individual company, but saw a wider range in specific age requirements.
"Some make the cut-off at 25 or 21, but I've seen some companies that will go up to age 30," he said.
Breske said graduate students can remain on their parents' plan as long as they are under the age limit set by the particular firm.
Students who wish to live in the dorms must provide proof of health care coverage before being admitted; however, the university does not keep such records of student health insurance numbers.
For students who do not have insurance, USD Student Health offers free doctor visits.