Students May Qualify as Dependents
Many students assume they will continue to be insured by their parents' health plan when they go on to college. Definitions of eligible dependents can be restrictive, so be sure to check with your parents. They should read their policies and/or contact the human resources/benefits office where they work.

Most plans will continue to insure you if:
	You are less than 25 years old
	You are a dependent for federal tax purposes
	You are a full-time student currently taking 12 or more units

Be careful that you meet these qualifications at all times. If you should have to drop a class and fall below the 12-unit minimum, you are no longer eligible. Or if you are supporting yourself and your parents don't claim you on their income taxes, you may no longer be eligible.

Often this is not discovered until you have a major claim, and the claims department double-checks your eligibility. Don't get caught short! Either buy your own health insurance, or ask to continue on your parents' insurance as a COBRA participant, by paying the appropriate premium.

Attention Graduates
Most college students are covered by their parent's health insurance. But when they graduate, there may be a gap between the expiration date of their student coverage and employer-sponsored group coverage. Be sure to check your policy to see when your coverage lapses. If you are certain that the lapse in coverage will be for a minimal period of time, short-term health insurance may be the answer.

Most policies require students to be full-time (12 or more credit hours) to qualify for coverage after age 19. Some stop at age 23, others continue to age 25. Many policies extend coverage through the summer following graduation but lapse in the fall. Check with your insurance company.

Options for continuing coverage: COBRA applies for overage dependents if your employer has more than 20 employees. You have 60 days from the end of coverage to exercise COBRA continuation and can keep the coverage for up to 18 months. Generally, though, this will be more expensive than individual or temporary health insurance. Call us, and we'll help you make a comparison to find the very best health coverage possible.