Insuring Your College Student: What You Need to Know

School is wrapping up here in Polk County, but for families with high school seniors, the craziness of having a rising college freshman is just beginning.  After the graduation parties and senior nights have come to a close, it’s time to think about extra-long sheets for those dorm-room beds, how many ways you can make Ramen, and just how you plan on making sure your student is covered while they are away at school.

Health coverage is usually the first topic that comes up when discussing college students and insurance.  If your student is currently on your health plan, nothing should, in theory, change about that setup.  He or she will simply take their insurance card along with them, and they should be able to continue with the same coverage.  However, if your child is heading out of the area for school, you will need to do some research about doctors that are in/out of your network, and how that affects your coverage and required payment.  You will also need to find out if the school has any specific coverage requirements.  Don’t currently have coverage on your college student?  Most schools require at least a minimum amount of health insurance, and offer affordable plans through the school, so you might want to check into those options as well.

Auto insurance is another common bullet point on the college checklist.  Again, if your student already has his or her own vehicle, and currently carries coverage, nothing should change about this policy when they head to the dorms.  They will need to double check details of the policy like if roadside assistance is covered for those unexpected flat tires or locking their keys inside, and they need to know who to call for towing in the case of a breakdown.

Finally, some parents choose to take out a renter’s policy for their college students belongings, especially if they are living in an off-campus apartment or house.  These policies offer compensation for items lost in natural disasters or fire due to theft.  Even if your student will be in the dorms, it’s worth looking at their list of possessions and determining if any items need some extra coverage taken out in the event that they are lost, damaged, or stolen.  Laptops, fine jewelry, televisions, etc. could be items that are at risk.

If you have any questions about covering your high school graduate as they head off to college, we invite you to call us or make an appointment to stop by our Winter Haven office!  We provide the greater Winter Haven community with top-quality insurance advisement services, and we would love to help you.  Congratulations to the Class of 2017, and good luck as you head off toward your bright futures!