Indiana student health insurance is a necessary requirement for most full-time students. Rates are generally very affordable and often, purchasing a private medical plan is the best option. We help you find the most affordable 2024 policies offered on or off the Indiana Health Exchange, and understand University requirements from the school you are attending. Whether you are full-time, part-time or post-graduate, you can still qualify for a policy.
You can easily request a free quote at the top of the page, and we’ll find the best options for your needs. Most plans can be kept short-term or long-term, depending on your specific need. And your policy provides benefits whether you are actively taking classes in college, or home for the summer. There are many low-cost Marketplace options that are guarantee-issue and also cover pre-existing conditions. International and medical school plans are also available.
Federal Subsidy
It is possible you may qualify for a federal subsidy that sharply reduces your rate. We calculate the amount of your subsidy and automatically reduce your policy premium. Often, this will result in policy prices that are less than $50 per month. However, young dependents are also allowed to remain on a parent’s policy until age 26 or choose alternative benefits. Most universities allow you to “opt out” of their own plan if you are covered under another qualified plan.Group coverage may be offered, depending upon your employment status.
Depending on your household income, the federal subsidy (acts as an instant tax credit) can also pay all of your premium, leaving you with a $0 balance. Last year, 9 out of 10 households that enrolled in a Marketplace plan, received a subsidy. Your deductibles, copays, and coinsurance can also substantially reduce, especially with Silver-tier contracts. Households with children may have to place CHIP coverage on children to retain a full subsidy. Medicaid income requirements generally change each year.
If you are listed as a dependent on a parent’s tax return, then they are eligible to receive financial aid that is based on the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) guidelines. The more children (or qualified dependents) in the household, the higher the subsidy becomes. For example, an Indianapolis family of four (parents age 45) with household income of $80,000, can receive an Obamacare subsidy of more than $12,000 per year! If both adults are age 55, the annual subsidy can exceed $18,000. Regardless of which school or university you attend, it is easy to compare your choices. Shown below is a partial list of colleges we review:
Ivy Tech Community College
Purdue
Ball State
Vincennes
Indiana Wesleyan
Notre Dame
Indiana State
Southern Indiana
University Of Indianapolis
Butler
Harrison College
Valparaisio
University Of Evansville
Taylor
Depauw
Rose-Hulman
Marian
Anderson
Taylor
Depauw
Bethel
Trine
Saint Josephs College
American College of Education
Medicaid And Healthy Indiana Plan 2
If you are eligible for Medicaid, we will explain your benefits, and how to quickly apply for free coverage. “Healthy Indiana Plan 2” (HIP 2.0) is unique to the Hoosier state. Unlike traditional Medicaid, it allows consumers to control their own healthcare treatment and decisions by utilizing a POWER (Personal Wellness and Responsibility) account. This closely resembles a traditional HSA since it reduces costs and rewards many users. Maternity benefits are also provided. The first $2,500 of medical expenses are paid from the account, and selected additional expenses are fully covered.
If you are between the ages of 19 and 64, and are not disabled, you may qualify, depending on your total household income. The provider network allows you to choose a physician, specialist, hospital, and other medical facilities that are nearby your work or residence. This “customer-driven” type of coverage has become very popular. Individuals with income less than $17,784 may qualify. Couples with incomes less than $24,048 may also qualify. Employers and non-profit organizations can also contribute into the account.
Since usage of emergency room visits and name-brand drugs (generic prescriptions are utilized more) reduce, the cost to both government and patient, declines. Students who meet the Medicaid income guidelines will greatly benefit.
Hoosier Healthwise is a different program and is available for children up to age 19. Many of these programs are ideal for low-income students on a tight budget. Pregnant students can also qualify for benefits. The two available options are Package A and Package C. Package A is a full-service plan for pregnant women and children. Cost-sharing is not required. Package C is a full-service plan for children currently enrolled in CHIP. A small monthly premium and copay for some services may be required, depending on family household income.
Student Health Plans In Indiana Universities
Indiana University Student Health Coverage – IU does not require all students to purchase coverage. However, the Department of Spech, Language, and Hearing Sciences, School of Dentistry (IUSD), School of Health and Human Sciences, School of Optometry, School of Medicine (IUSM), and international students are required to purchase the qualifying plan, unless existing compliant coverage can be documented. Undergraduate students are not offered a voluntary enrollment option.
The Professional Students annual premium is $4,225 for a student, spouse, or child. The rate including multiple children is $8,450, and the family premium is $12,675. The policy is underwritten by Anthem and includes vision and dental benefits. Billing is through the bursar account. The plan year begins August 1. The waiver and dependent enrollment deadline is September 15th.
The annual deductible is $350. The maximum out-of-pocket expenses are $5,000 and office visit copays are $25 (IU Health Center copay is $15). Non-University Medical Center office visits must meet the deductible. Prescription copays are $10 for generic drugs, $40 for preferred brand drugs, and $75 for non-preferred brand drugs. Home delivery service 90-day copays are $20, $80, and $150. Diabetic test strips are included.
The allergy injection (SCP and PCP) copay is $25 once the deductible has been met. Allergy injections are subject to the policy deductible and coinsurance. MRIs, PETS, MRAs, and C-Scans are also subject to the policy deductible and coinsurance.
The ER copay is $100. The urgent care copay is $50. However, non-urgent care uses (physical therapy and elective treatment) are not covered when using an urgent care provider. When outpatient surgery is performed, the physician/surgeon fee copay is $50. Acupuncture, cosmetic surgery, adult dental care, foot care, eye care, weight loss programs, and hearing aids are not covered. Non-preferred benefits are provided with higher out-of-pocket expenses. The policy coinsurance is 20%.
The International Student Plan is underwritten by Anthem and costs $1,768 for a student, and the same amount for adding a spouse or child. The family rate is $5,304. Premiums are directly billed to the bursar account. The enrollment deadline for Spring/Summer coverage (Jan 1-July 31) is January 31. The enrollment deadline for only the Summer session (June 1-July 31) is June 15th. If the normal deadline is missed, a “significant life change” is needed to obtain coverage. Payment must be received within 30 days of the qualified approved event.
International plans have a $500 deductible with maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $3,000. Primary-care physician and specialist office visit copays are $25 (IU Health Center copay is $15). Diagnostic tests are subject to 20% coinsurance. Imaging (including MRIs and CT/PET scans) are subject to 0% coinsurance. Tier 1, Tier 2, and Tier 3 drug copays are $10, $40, and $75 ($20, $80, and $150 mail order). The ER and Urgent Care copays are $100 and $50.
Like the previous plan, The allergy injection (SCP and PCP) copay is $25 once the deductible has been met. Allergy injections are subject to the policy deductible and coinsurance. MRIs, PETS, MRAs, and C-Scans are also subject to the policy deductible and coinsurance. The ER and Urgent Care copays are $100 and $50 (subject to policy deductible).
Purdue University Student Health Insurance – Full-time registered students (West Lafayette and Statewide Technology campuses) are eligible for enrollment. A 24-hour nurse line, travel benefits, and academic emergency services are included. International students must purchase the school’s student medical coverage or obtain a waiver.
Anthem BCBS offers medical coverage at the following annual rates: Student only – $1,361. Student and spouse – $2,685. Student and child – $2,733. Student and all children – $4,015. Student, spouse, and child – $4,087. Student, spouse, and all children – $5,370. Since the plan is designated as a PPO, out-of-network benefits are provided (higher coinsurance and deductibles). However, the Anthem network is countrywide, and most areas offer multiple provider options.
The policy deductible is $200 with out-of-pocket maximum expenses of $1,500 ($3,000 per family). Office visits and Urgent Care visits are subject to 10% coinsurance. The ER is also subject to a 10% coinsurance, along with a $50 copay. For the PUP (Purdue University Pharmacy), Tier 1 drugs are subject to a $10 copay. The Tier 2 and Tier 3 copays are $20. The Tier 4 copay is $50.
The Purdue Student Health Center (PUSH) offers $0 or $15 copays for injury or illness office visits. Missed appoints result in a $25 fee. The fee is waived if you cancel one hour before the scheduled appointment. A phone triage nurse is available to help diagnose the illness or injury and recommend specific treatment. Diagnostic tests (blood tests and x-rays) and imaging (MRI, PET scan, and CT scan) are subject to 10% coinsurance.
Children’s eye exams (up to $30) and glasses (up to $45) are fully covered. Dental checks are also covered at 100%. Students who do not enroll in the Anthem program are eligible to purchase a “preventative only” dental plan. The annual cost for students is $41.64 and $26.04 for spouses. All children can be covered for $80.64.
University Of Notre Dame Student Health Insurance – Undergraduates are not required to have medical coverage. However, international students and graduate students must have in-force coverage and are automatically enrolled and charged for the school plan. All students may utilize the medical services provided by Saint Liam Hall Health Services. Dependents may also fill prescriptions at the facility.
An Aetna plan is offered at a cost of $2,680 per year (per person). Students who start early (August 1) must pay $2,783. The dependent and spouse rate is the same, while the multiple children rate is $5,360. A waiver is granted if your existing US-based plan has a deductible of $500 or less, unlimited benefits, prescription benefits, and a local network. The $500 deductible requirement is waived if coverage is through a qualified Group plan.
Aetna’s option has a $500 deductible with maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $6,000. The out-of-network deductible is $1,500. The coinsurance is 20%, and the deductible applies to most non-preventative benefits, including office visits, generic drugs, diagnostic tests, imaging, ER, and Urgent Care visits. Exclusions are typical, and include acupuncture, cosmetic plastic surgery, adult dental care, elective surgery, foot care, hearing aids, organ removal (donating or selling), sleep apnea, and vision care.
Maximum out-of-pocket limits are $6,000 per individual and $12,000 per family. Off-campus treatment requires a referral. Otherwise, the non-network charges will be applied. Qualified preventative treatment is fully-covered, as mandated by HHS. Office visits (pcp and specialist), allergy testing, and allergy injections are covered at 80%. Inpatient and outpatient surgery, walk-in clinic charges, hospital expenses, urgent care, and hospice are also covered at 100%. The emergency room copay is $100.
Preferred generic, preferred brand-name, and non-preferred brand name prescription drug copays are $10, $30, and $30 ($30, $90, and $90 mail order).
Ball State University – There is no formal plan offered, so students are encouraged to purchase private coverage. The Health Center is available for routine services and daily medical problems, including strep throat, headaches, acne, back pain, rashes, heartburn, shoulder, knee, ankle, and wrist injuries, sinus infections, breast issues, depression, and anxiety.
If the Women’s Center is not available, the Health Center can provide basic services, including urinary tract infections and STI testing. Allergy shots, vaccinations, ear wax removal, blood draw, TB testing, and immunizations can be performed by the nursing staff. In-office services include pregnancy testing, rapid influenza testing, fecal occult testing, and rapid strep testing.
Medication refills may be offered for specific chronic conditions. Otherwise, the patient will be referred to the appropriate provider. Students receiving medication for ADD/ADHD medical records from the doctor prescribing the medication are required. A signed controlled substance agreement also must be signed.
Assistance is offered during normal business hours (Monday through Friday). After-hours non-emergency service, if needed may be available at Southway Urgent Care, US Healthworks, or MedExpress.
Vincennes University – VU does not provide a group student plan. However, the VU Student Medical Care Program assists full-time students. By paying the $39 semester fee, visits to the nurse are provided at no cost. With a referral, a UPCC (University Primary Care Center) provider can be utilized. Although a prescription can be written, the medication must be picked up at a participating pharmacy.The program is required for all residence hall students.
The facility is located at 1023 N. Fourth St. Appointments must be scheduled, although same-day service is possible. Acute and minor care is offered. Hours of service are between 8:30 am – 4:00 pm Monday-Friday. Residence Hall students are required to enroll in the program. Minor injuries and acute illness can be seen by appointment. Often, same-day appointments are available. Chronic disease management, however, is not offered.
International students, however, are required to be covered under a plan that provides a minimum of $100,000 of benefits, $50,000 of medical evacuation, $25,000 of repatriation of remains, and an illness and accident deductible of $500 or lower. The policy also must be effective when classes commence. Additional immunizations are required including Diphtheria toxoid or Tdap, and tetanus within the last 10 years. Home country coverage is acceptable. The University also recommends IMG’s student health advantage plan. The policy features a $100 deductible, $500,000 maximum benefits, mental health and pre-existing condition coverage, and PPO network coverage.
Indiana State University – ISU does not offer healthcare benefits to students and does not endorse any specific plans. Four years ago, the previously-available student plan was not renewed. All students are required to comply with state immunization requirements. Also, all international students are required to be tested for Tuberculosis. The test must be done at the ISU Health Center. Appointments are available throughput the week during normal working hours.
The UAP Clinic at 567 North 5th Street is available to all students enrolled in at least one hour of class. Pharmacy services are provided along with a delivery option. Additional services include treatment for acute injuries, immunizations, headaches, earaches, sports physicals, abdominal pain, sore throat, cough, fever, flu, and other urgent conditions. Note: ISU employees are offered the choice of an Anthem PPO comprehensive plan or a HDHP (HSA) plan.
Indiana Wesleyan University – Proof of insurance is not required to enroll. However, new students must complete a health form and complete a TB test and TB screen (if requested). Also required are two MMR vaccines, record of MCV4 vaccine (between the ages of 16 and 23), and a Tetanus vaccine within the last 10 years. Additional vaccines that are recommended (but not required) are Varicella, Hepatitis A, Meningitis B, and COVID 19.
The Wildcat Health Clinic provides extensive student services including immunizations and vaccinations, treatment of non-major illnesses and injuries, physical exams, lab tests and x-rays (when ordered by a physician or specialist), TB testing, medical supplies, and allergy injects (by appointment). Varsity athletes are required to provide health documentation to Med + Proctor. Nursing students are also required to provide health documentation to Med + Proctor and the Wildcat Health Clinic.
Butler University – Butler requires all students to have medical coverage. The school-sponsored plan is underwritten by UnitedHealthcare and utilizes BUHS (Butler University Health Services) as the primary care provider. Copays, deductibles, medications, immunizations, and lab tests are often covered at 100% when this facility is used.International students (undergraduate) are automatically enrolled in the school-sponsored option.
Unless a referral is issued, treatment outside of BUHS may not be covered. However, many situations do not require a referral. Several examples are when BUHS is not open, a medical emergency, substance use or mental illness disorders, maternity or obstetrical care, when the student is more than 50 miles from the Butler campus, and during University breaks or vacations.
The UnitedHealthcare plan has a $1,000 deductible ($2,000 out-of-network) with $4,500 maximum out-of-pocket expenses ($9,000 per family). Prescription drug copays are $30, $50, and $125 for Tiers 1, 2, and 3. Qualified preventative expenses are covered at 100%. Office visit copays are $25, and the ER copay is $80. The annual cost of coverage is $2,156 for a student, $2,156 for a student and spouse, $2,156 for one child, $4,312 for two or more children, and $6,468 for a spouse and two or more children.
Advantage Of Private Plans
A private plan allows you to keep your policy after you graduate or are no longer enrolled in school. Of course, you can also cancel coverage at any time. We realize that you may have a limited budget, so we focus on options that provide the benefits you need but keep premiums reasonable. Often, by slightly raising your deductible, your rate will reduce. However, the maximum out-of-pocket expense limit must always be considered.The current maximum for all ACA-approved plans is $8,700.
If you are being treated for a chronic illness or condition or are required to receive expensive treatment and/or therapy, it’s important to choose a plan that provides these benefits with minimal out-of-pocket costs. Under the ACA legislation, many different types of plans are offered. Also, we expect new programs to provide additional alternatives that could reduce premiums. A “public option” plan may be offered in 2024 (or later).
Specific Plan Options
If you are currently being treated for a condition that requires multiple expensive medications, choosing a plan with low drug copays and a smaller deductible is important. The CareSource Marketplace Gold, Ambetter Secure Care 5, and Ambetter Secure Care 20 options may be ideal since they offer copays on generic, preferred brand, and non-preferred brand drugs. Specialty drugs must meet a deductible. Primary-care physician (pcp) visits are also covered with a low copays.
Conversely, if you are required to see a specialist every month (perhaps a therapist or chiropractor), small office visit copays with no coinsurance or deductible become your priority. In these types of situations, the CareSource Marketplace Standard Silver policy is one of several good choices, since it offers $25 and $60 copays (no other out-of-pocket expense) on pcp and specialist visits. Also, the Ambetter Balanced Care 11 plan offers $30 and $60 copays, while the Ambetter Balanced Care 12 option offers $35 and $70 copays. Applicants that prefer the Anthem provider network can enroll in the Anthem Silver Pathway Essentials 4000 plan ($25 and $75 office visit copays).
Open Enrollment
Open Enrollment is now an annual event, so any significant change in your medical history will not result in a denial or cancellation of your policy. For 2024 effective dates, OE began on November 1 and ended January 15. However, you can qualify for an exception (if applicable, through a Special Enrollment Period) at any time throughout the year. Popular exemptions include pregnancy or adopting a child, divorce, losing qualified benefits provided by an employer, and moving to a different service area.
Part of the Affordable Care Act legislation (Obamacare) requires companies to accept all pre-existing conditions without any surcharges or waiting periods, and to accept all applicants without asking medical questions. Maternity is included on all student plans, although deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses can vary. Typically, total out-of-pocket expenses are between $5,000 and $8,700.
So regardless if you have a chronic condition (such as asthma or diabetes) that requires continuous treatment, or an old knee or shoulder injury that may require surgery, your medical conditions will not be excluded. Medications, treatments and therapy are also covered without paying a higher premium. If you move out-of-state or attend college or a post-graduate program that is outside of Indiana, pre-existing conditions will continue to be covered.
Get Custom Benefits
We customize a policy, so it best meets your personal situation and the requirements of your school or university admissions office. A PPO, EPO, or HMO plan will provide the broadest benefits. An HSA would not be needed, since accumulating savings and obtaining a tax deduction are not priorities. However, once you begin working for an employer, an HSA or MSA may be appropriate. Anthem offers the largest provider network, but rates are not as competitive as the other Marketplace carriers.
If you need specialized treatment, a smaller regional carrier may be able to furnish the best localized facilities for your specific situation. However, if you live in the northern portion of the state (perhaps LaGrange or Noble counties), PHP (Physician’s Health Plan) no longer offers plans, and an alternative carrier must be selected. In other counties, CareSource should be considered. Anthem is not available in all counties.
Available Companies
We show you the lowest published prices from the top health insurers for college, university and graduate students in the state. Plans from CareSource and Ambetter are provided that will include comprehensive and catastrophic (if available) benefits at the most reasonable cost. Aetna and UnitedHealthcare often offer Group student coverage to several Universities.
Recently, companies that ceased offering Marketplace plans include UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, Medical Mutual, IU Health Plans, Anthem, and Physician’s Health Plan. When considering any carrier, it is important to verify that your current physicians and hospital are members of their provider network. It is possible they won’t have a large member list in all areas of the state.
There are also options for international citizens who may be visiting the state. Although citizenship and residency requirements may be different, quality benefits are offered by specialty carriers. Many low-cost policies will save you a substantial amount of money. You can view details on the Anthem plans here. Expat coverage is offered by selected carriers.
Office Visit Coverage
All policies include recognized preventive services that are covered at 100%. An annual routine physical has no waiting period, and no out-of-pocket expenses. Other office visits can be covered with small copays, typically ranging from $25 to $40. Depending on the policy, specialist office visits are also covered without having to meet a deductible. Lower copays are sometimes offered, although generally, they are available on Silver-tier and Gold-tier plans, which are more expensive than the economical Bronze-tier options.
Platinum-tier options are typically not cost-effective unless a chronic condition is present. Although deductibles and copays are lower than most other Marketplace plans, the cost of coverage is higher than all other tiers. Also, maximum out-of-pocket costs are sometimes not lower than Gold-tier and Silver-tier plans.
Prescription Coverage
Prescription coverage is included on all student medical insurance plans in Indiana. Although it is often a better option to pay generic drugs out-of-pocket, usually there is a copay available for expensive generic drugs. Non-generic or “brand name” drug costs are the most expensive, so it is important to review the specific benefits on personal plans. If you take multiple brand-name drugs on a regular basis, staying on a parent’s plan should be considered, or choosing a Marketplace plan with no deductible or coinsurance on Tier 3 and Tier 4 drugs.
For a prescription drug comparison, please contact us. We will review your current medications and determine the carrier that offers the lowest out-of-pocket cost for your specific drugs. Formulary lists are available from all insurers. These lists should be reviewed each year since changes typically are applied in January.
College And University Requirements
Each college and university in the state has their own requirements. Whether you’re attending Indiana State, Notre Dame, Ball State, IU, a community college, or a specialized medical or trade school, you probably will be required to purchase medical coverage. Occasionally, a previously-approved plan is no longer offered. Schools will also change carriers which can impact your network provider list.
For example, the Indiana State University plan that was originally underwritten and offered by Nationwide Life, is now not available for students or faculty. This blanket accident and sickness policy had a $1,000 deductible and a maximum out-of-pocket of $6,350. Undergraduate, graduate, graduate assistant, and international students enrolled in six or more credit hours were eligible to apply for coverage. The cost of $5,410 per year (more than $16,000 per year for a family of three) was very expensive.
Several university policies are cheap, and some are not. Certain college plans offer great benefits and others don’t. Perhaps that’s where we can help most. When you view policies on our website, it will be easy to compare the best available medical coverage with the plans offered by the school. Supplemental plans may also be offered.
You can also pay monthly instead of having to pay for a full semester. If you are covered under a different plan for the summer months, we will help you re-apply for benefits, when and if it is needed again. Early termination of coverage could result in a refund of a portion of the paid premium.
Another variable is that many schools offer multiple plan options, instead of just one. Indiana University, for example, features voluntary choice for all campuses, along with international, postdoctoral and fellowship policies. We can explain specific details about the policies available to you and how they compare to Exchange coverage.
Advantages Of Having Your Own Plan
Selecting your own benefits can have many advantages. Of course, the premium may be lower, which will provide a healthy savings over the years you are required to keep coverage. But the benefits on a policy you purchase may be substantially different than a school-provided policy.
Often, the major medical and prescription benefits are much greater which would be critical if you have a major illness or accident. You may also have much more extensive specialist benefits in case that type of treatment is needed. If you change schools, your policy continues. And once you graduate, if you become self-employed or unemployed (hopefully not!), you can keep your policies.
Purchasing your own private plan will likely provide a much broader network of covered physicians and hospitals. For example, larger carrier networks extend throughout the entire US…not just in-state. Anthem Blue Cross has a very large network and offers both PPO and HMO plans. Many University-sponsored policies may require you to use campus or local facilities.
Will A Private Student Plan Satisfy The Requirements That I Have To Meet?
If you are required to have medical coverage through a university or school, often there are several “requirements” you must meet. It may be meeting a specific maximum deductible, or a specified benefit your policy must have, such as preventive or mental illness coverage. You also may be required to have maternity, mental illness, counseling, diagnostic testing, and all “essential health benefits.”
Each university or school requirement is different, and we will take the time to determine what coverages you must have and what the least expensive way is for you to show proof that you have them. It is possible that a school may want to view a copy of “credible coverage,” which verifies your policy meets the University standards. You may also be required to have malpractice coverage.
If you are currently enrolled under your parent’s group health insurance contract through their employer, you may be able to be listed (and covered) as a dependent. If you are under the age of 26 and meet certain requirements, you could be added. However, those benefits should be carefully reviewed before applying for inclusion.
SEP Exception
When you reach age 26 (if you are still covered under a parent’s policy), you qualify for a “Special Open Enrollment Event,” that allows you to purchase guaranteed benefits without qualifications. Pre-existing conditions will be covered and all applicable federal subsidies will be applied. Typically, you have about 60 days after your birthday to enroll.
There will be instances when the contract offered to you from where you are taking classes, will be a “better deal.” It may be because of a local school medical clinic or the offer you receive is perhaps partially paid by a graduate school and is a very competitive offer. Part of our job is to help you understand your choices so that you can obtain the most coverage at the least possible cost.