California college students usually have four ways to get health coverage: stay on a parent's plan until age 26, enroll in a campus plan, buy through Covered California, or qualify for Medi-Cal. The cheapest option depends on income, whether a parent claims you as a tax dependent, and where you get care during the school year.
Option 1: stay on a parent's plan until 26
Under the Affordable Care Act, a plan that covers dependents must keep covering a child until age 26. If a parent has a plan, this is often the lowest-effort route. Check one thing before you rely on it: whether the plan's network includes doctors near campus. A student at school in another city can end up using out-of-network care.
Option 2: a campus health plan
Some campuses offer their own student health plan, and some require proof of coverage or enroll students unless they submit a waiver by a deadline. Read what the plan covers away from campus, during breaks, and for emergencies, and compare its cost with the other options before you decide whether to waive it.
Option 3: a Covered California plan
A student can buy a plan through Covered California. If a parent can claim you as a tax dependent, you can still buy there, but you will not get financial help with the premium. People under 30 can also buy a minimum coverage plan, which has high deductibles and free preventive care.
Option 4: Medi-Cal
A student with a low enough income may qualify for Medi-Cal, which accepts applications any time of year. Check eligibility before paying for another plan.
When you turn 26
Losing coverage under a parent's plan is a qualifying life event. It opens a special enrollment period, generally 60 days, to pick a new plan outside the usual open enrollment window. Mark the date in your calendar before your birthday, not after.
A checklist before you choose
- Are the doctors and urgent care near campus in the plan's network?
- Does a parent claim you as a tax dependent? That decides whether subsidies are possible.
- What happens during summer and winter breaks if you are not at school?
- What are the deductible and the out-of-pocket limit, not just the premium?
- When does the waiver or enrollment deadline fall?
Luis Alvarenga helps clients across 18 states compare ACA marketplace plans and check subsidy eligibility. See the Health and ACA page for details.
Frequently asked questions
Can a college student stay on a parent's health insurance?
Yes, until age 26, even if the student is married or does not live with the parent.
Can a student get a Covered California subsidy?
If a parent can claim the student as a tax dependent, the student can still buy a plan but will not get financial help with the premium.
What happens to coverage at 26?
Coverage under a parent's plan ends. That opens a special enrollment period, generally 60 days, to choose a new plan.
Is a campus plan better than a Covered California plan?
Neither is better in general. Compare the premium, deductible, out-of-pocket limit, and the doctors in each network, including where the student gets care during breaks.