California Student Health Insurance
Reader’s Question:
My son will be going to an out-of-state college soonest. Unfortunately, his health insurance coverage is only within California. However, emergencies outside CA will be covered, but that wouldn’t count much since he’ll be living away full time. Should I sign him up for a student health insurance through his university and cancel his health card in CA? His is a Blur Cross HMO and university insurance might be expensive!
Paul
Berkeley, CA
Way to go, Paul!
I suggest you better check to see if your Blue Cross HMO has any providers under contract in the area where your son will be spending college. If there is none or just quite a few, then your current health insurance card is of no use while your son is in college. With regards to the university student health insurance, you better check first if it is a comprehensive plan. If so, that will be a better option for your son’s health insurance while he is away. However, you need to make sure that your son’s coverage will not be limited to the university will cover even outside the school year and even in California, which is his home.
Aside from that, you also need to verify is the insurance company in California has a track record of financial stability and good ratings from unbiased reports, opinions of your friends, and colleagues.
I also had the same experience as yours. My daughter had to leave for an exchange student program in Australia 2 years ago. Her health insurance card was only limited to US states and she was to stay in Australia for 2 years for that program. I had to cancel her old health insurance card after I purchased one from her school in Australia. Heads up for you though…before you cancel anything, make sure your son is already with health insurance coverage, especially is he is starting to travel. That way, you are sure that he is protected by health insurance, wherever he goes.
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