Can College Students Be on Military Insurance?

I'm a college student and my parent is in the military. I'm curious, can I stay on military health insurance or do I need to find my own? Does my full-time student status affect this at all?

Yes, as a dependent of an active military member, you're entitled to be covered under your parent's military health plan, known as TRICARE. The military's medical benefits can extend to children till the age of 23, as long as they are enrolled full-time in a college program.

The great part about this is that there are various types of TRICARE plans such as TRICARE Prime, TRICARE Select, and TRICARE for Young Adults, among others, each with their individual benefits. Your coverage under TRICARE as a full-time student would be under your parent's plan until you turn 23 or graduate, whichever comes first.

However, once you pass this age threshold or if your full-time student status changes, you would need to switch to TRICARE Young Adult. This coverage option, available until age 26, is available to purchase, but it's not automatically provided. As with all insurance policies, it's important to ensure you understand the nuances, including cost, coverages, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Please remember to notify DEERS (Defense Enrollment Eligibility Reporting System) about your full-time college student status, as it's crucial to maintain your TRICARE benefits beyond age 21. Also, if you plan to attend a school in another region, make sure to update your address and plan accordingly. Different regions might have different TRICARE contractors, and you'll want to ensure your coverage continues seamlessly.

It's worth noting though, that while TRICARE coverage can be quite comprehensive, it's also important to check if your school requires any specific coverage as part of their compulsory insurance requirements, and whether the TRICARE plan meets those needs.

In conclusion, maintaining your full-time student status in college does have a bearing on your eligibility for military health insurance. It allows you to stay on your parents' military insurance beyond the usual age limit. Consider your current health necessities, academic environment, and the benefits of different plans to make informed decisions about your health coverage options as a young adult.