Most students do not have full-time jobs while in school, making it difficult for them to get medical insurance at a decent price. Additionally, drivers who are still in school may have trouble finding an affordable auto insurance plan. For these reasons, student insurance exists, as plans marketed toward young people are often less expensive than the typical adult coverage. Of course, they are also usually more basic, with student health insurance providing minimal coverage that tends to only apply to emergencies and serious illnesses. Student driver insurance often provides the same coverage as adult plans, but since it is more expensive, many students just get the basic minimum liability until they can afford more.
While student health insurance is typically more affordable than either purchasing an individual plan, or paying out of pocket for medical care, it is often quite basic for the price. For example, few plans offer preventative care, which means that well visits to the doctor are not covered. Dental care, eyeglasses, contacts, mental health, and pregnancy appointments are usually not covered under basic plans, either, though some companies do provide coverage for a higher premium. In general, hospital visits, prescription medication, emergency dental care, and x-rays are covered by basic student insurance plans. Those either studying abroad or coming from their home country to the United States to study can usually get similar coverage with an international student insurance plan.
Driver's insurance is often essential for students, whether they are in high school or college. Some students choose to stay on their parents' plan, but others may find better rates by getting student driver insurance. This is because its main advantage is the fact that it is typically lower than the standard premium for students on their parent's plan. Of course, the cheaper plans that most students can afford are quite basic, with minimal coverage and high deductibles. Students at the top of their class, however, can usually get a discount once they provide evidence of their good grades, perhaps allowing them to afford more coverage.
There are various other types of student insurance. For example, tuition insurance means that students do not have to pay their tuition if they drop out of school due to mental or health issues. Tuition fees are also typically forgiven if the person who normally pays the tuition passes away, whether this is the student or the parent. While students studying abroad can usually get international student health insurance, those traveling abroad for any reason or period of time can get medical coverage through travel student insurance. In many cases, students can acquire most or all of these types of insurance products through a single provider.