How long can a student be covered by parents health insurance?

Full time students who live in the parents home can remain on the parents' coverage up to the age of 23 or higher, depending on the insurance company and plan description. Students living in dorms or other locations may not be covered under the health insurance of their parents. A key factor in all types of insurance, including health coverage, is the residency of the insured people. Temporary residence may be acceptable under some policies, but when the student maintains a permanent address a another location, the coverage is void. A primary indicator of a permanent residence is the location where your mail is sent.

Any child who is considered emancipated, including students, is generally exempt from coverage on the health insurance plan of the parent. If the student holds a regular job and is responsible for paying rent and other living expenses, they may be forced to seek different health insurance coverage. The key is not so much the age of the student as where the student lives and whether the student is considered dependent.

The student may remain on the parent's coverage until they graduate, turn the maximum age allowed under the policy, or move to a new permanent residence. An 18 year old who lives in another state may not be covered even if they are a full-time student. For this type of situation, many campuses offer access to group insurance through student plans that provide basic health care at reasonable rates.