Quick answer
There’s no federal requirement, but many colleges require students to have health insurance, and a few states do too. Massachusetts requires most college students to have coverage, and California, New Jersey, Rhode Island and DC have their own coverage mandates. Most students meet the requirement through a parent’s plan, the school’s student health plan, Medicaid or a marketplace plan.
Key takeaways
- The federal penalty for going without coverage has been $0 since 2019.
- Many schools require coverage and automatically enroll you in their plan unless you show other insurance.
- You can stay on a parent’s plan until 26, but check whether it has doctors near your campus.
- Student health plans usually follow ACA rules, including coverage of pre-existing conditions.
- Catastrophic plans are available to students under 30.
On this page
Your options
| Option | Good to know |
|---|---|
| A parent’s plan | Covers you until 26; networks may be thin away from home |
| School’s student health plan | Often required unless waived; premiums can often be included in financial aid |
| Medicaid | Based on your own income if you file your own taxes; rules vary by state |
| Marketplace plan | Tax credits depend on your tax household; if your parents claim you, their income counts |
| Catastrophic plan | Low premiums, high deductible; for people under 30 |
A parent’s plan
Staying on a parent’s plan is often the cheapest option. The catch is the network: if you go to college out of state, a local HMO may cover only emergencies near campus. Ask the insurer whether it has in-network doctors near your school, and whether telehealth is covered. See can I use my health insurance out of state. If your parent’s coverage comes through a job, see is it cheaper to get health insurance through your employer.
A student health plan
Student plans are sold through colleges and are usually ACA-compliant, so they cover essential benefits and pre-existing conditions. The school clinic is often in network. If you have both a parent’s plan and a student plan, see how deductibles work if you have two plans. Many schools let you waive their plan if you show comparable coverage.
Medicaid and marketplace plans
If you have a low income and file your own taxes, you may qualify for Medicaid in states that expanded it; see health insurance for low-income families. Marketplace plans are another option; see how much health insurance costs per month for a single person. Plans are also sold directly by insurers; see how to buy health insurance outside the ACA exchanges.
A catastrophic plan keeps premiums low for students under 30, but you’ll pay most costs until you reach a high deductible.
Don’t forget dental and vision
Most medical plans don’t cover adult dental or vision care; see does Obamacare cover dental and does Obamacare cover vision. Some student plans include them.
International students
International students usually have different requirements, often set by their school or visa. See is health insurance required for international students. For more on student coverage, see health insurance for students, health insurance coverage types and what Obamacare is.
Comparing a student plan with other options? See quotes by ZIP code.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to buy my college’s health insurance?
Only if your school requires it and you can’t show other qualifying coverage. Many schools let you waive their plan.
Can I stay on my parents’ plan while in college?
Yes, until you turn 26, whether or not you’re in school.
Is there a penalty for college students without health insurance?
Not federally. Students living in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island or DC may owe a state penalty, and your school may require coverage.
Sources
This article is general information, not insurance advice. Check your school’s requirements. Last reviewed September 2026.