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Updated July 25, 2024 Fact checked by Fact checked by Dale Brauner Dale Brauner is a fact-checker, researcher, and editor.Blue Cross Blue Shield is our top pick for college student health insurance you can buy on the Health Insurance Marketplace because its plans are widely available and overall costs are low. The company also has relatively high average quality and customer service ratings.
But the best health insurance company for you will depend on your healthcare needs and where you go to school. The ideal health plan will offer coverage whether you’re visiting your on-campus clinic, getting care in your hometown, or traveling abroad.
Before signing up for an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace, you should compare all your options, including staying on your parents’ plan and purchasing your school’s student health plan. If those options don’t provide good coverage, consider shopping for a plan on the Marketplace.
To help you get started, we evaluated nine companies based on premiums, deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket costs. We also considered state availability, mobile app ratings, and prescription drug coverage, among other factors. Read on for our top picks.
Blue Cross Blue Shield is our top pick because the group of companies together covers students nationwide and many plans offer coverage during travel. BCBS also offers great benefits through student health plans it makes available through colleges. However, it’s important to evaluate the options available in your state or through your school, since coverage varies.
Pros & ConsBlue Cross Blue Shield companies (excluding Anthem) offer low average copays and the best premium-deductible scores of the providers we reviewed. Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) plans are also generally well-rated, with an average 3.6-star rating (out of 5) from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), an independent nonprofit that rates health insurers on quality and customer satisfaction. Blue Cross also has an A- financial strength rating from AM Best, which indicates an excellent capacity to cover claims.
Since BCBS is a group of companies, benefits and plan types vary by region. Note that our research ranked member company Anthem lower than the other BCBS companies. J.D. Power customer satisfaction rankings vary by region as well. For example, BCBS is the top-ranked provider in Florida but is ranked last in California.
Depending on where you live, you might have access to different benefits as well. Plans that use the BlueCard program are ideal for students who travel or live outside your plan’s service area. Most members will have access to a 24/7 nurse line. Many BCBS members can also receive wellness discounts through the Blue365 discount program. Blue Cross Blue Shield is our #1 pick for Best Health Insurance Companies overall.
Additionally, BCBS offers student health plans in collaboration with colleges and universities. These plans come with additional benefits. For example, the Anthem student plans offer online after-hours care, including mental health visits. BCBS also offers an international health insurance plan designed for students.
