College students can obtain coverage through Marketplace health insurance in a variety of ways.

1) Submit an enrollment application during a Special Enrollment Period

You may be eligible for SEP (Special Enrollment Period) and were unaware of it. Have you recently married, had a baby, adopted a child, or relocated? Is your student health insurance plan about to expire? If this is the case, you will obtain a Marketplace health plan outside of Open Enrollment.

2) You can apply for Medicaid and CHIP coverage at any time

You can sign up for Medicaid and CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program) throughout the year. If you meet program requirements, you can register right away.

3) Enroll in a parent’s health plan

You may be able to stay on your parent’s health insurance plan until you reach the age of 26. This is true—even if you are married, do not live at home, or are not entirely reliant on your parents. If you turn 26 and leave your parent’s coverage, you are eligible for a Special Enrollment Period.

4) Think about catastrophic health insurance

Protect yourself against the high costs of the worst scenarios, such as car accidents or serious diseases. Unless you are under 30, you can purchase a catastrophic health plan covering three primary doctor visits per year. Catastrophic health plans cover these services and preventive care facilities until your deductible is paid.