Student Policy

No. Student Policy is an educational website and referral directory for student insurance. We explain how student health, athlete and accident coverage works and connect you with independent licensed agents. We don't sell insurance or give advice about your specific situation.

It depends on your school. Many colleges require proof of coverage and automatically enroll you in a SHIP plan unless you file a waiver showing comparable coverage — waiver deadlines and what counts as comparable vary by school, so always check with your school's student health office.

Often yes — federal law generally allows young adults to stay on a parent's plan until age 26, including while at school, though network coverage can be limited away from home. A licensed agent can help you check network coverage near your campus.

You may be able to get coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Medicaid (depending on income and state), or a private student health plan. A licensed agent can walk through what you may qualify for.

Most F-1 and J-1 visa holders are required to carry health insurance that meets specific school or visa requirements, which can differ from standard domestic plans. International student insurance is typically written to meet those requirements, but requirements vary by school and program.

Not always. Many high school and college athletic programs carry secondary coverage that only pays after other insurance, or has coverage gaps — student athletes and their families often look at supplemental accident coverage to help fill those gaps.

Accident insurance typically pays a set benefit for a covered injury — like an ER visit, fracture, or hospital stay — regardless of your health plan, which can help with deductibles and out-of-pocket costs. It is not a substitute for health insurance.