Affordable Student Health Insurance In Virginia – Best Rates

Find the cheapest Va student health insurance plans, whether you are full or part-time. Individual and family coverage, with many flexible benefits, is available online from most of the large companies. Quality low-cost coverage is offered to meet your medical needs and satisfy the requirements of your school or University. We shop multiple companies in Virginia so you get the best 2023/2024 rates, regardless if you're attending school inside or outside the state. Our free review guides show you the most cost-effective way to enroll for a plan, both on or off the Marketplace. Supplementary and ancillary coverage is also offered.

 
We help you understand what benefits are the most important, which options best meet your needs, and how to pay the lowest rates for these policies, even if you are in graduate school or a technical college. Although most colleges and universities offer their own version of coverage, options are often limited, so they may not be the best solution to your needs. Affordable full-time and part-time coverage is available. In many situations your college policy may be the best choice, and we'll certainly recommend those specific plans. It's also possible that only limited or pay-for-service options are offered by your school, which may not cover expensive non-generic medications and ongoing therapy.

 
Advantage Of Individual Marketplace Plans

 
Exchange (or "Marketplace") policies don't require medical underwriting. Benefits, especially for out-of-area trauma centers, are often much higher than many school options. The availability of acute specialized care is critical if there is a major medical sickness or illness. Although treatment outside of the state will probably not be needed, it's still important to be able to utilize a nationwide network in case it is the best available option. Blue Cross Student Medical plans in Virginia are typically quite affordable and maintain a large provider network.

 

Cheap Va Student Rates

Virginia Marketplace Plans Provide Low-Cost Student Coverage

 

Another advantage of selecting your own private coverage is the package of "essential health benefits" that are included in all Marketplace plans (in accordance with ACA legislation). Although maternity benefits may not be needed, preventive coverage (annual physical, mammogram, and OBGYN visits), ER, office visits, prescription drugs, and mental illness/counseling are all included.

Urgent Care visits also often are covered with a copay, instead of having to meet a deductible. Specialist visits, depending upon the plan, may also be covered with a copay, instead of a deductible. Online telemed visits are often provided with a small or no copay. 24/7 nurse lines are also typically available and pandemic testing expenses (COVID) are often fully covered.

 

Depending on the treatment, other expenses may be covered at 100% with no copay, coinsurance or deductible to meet. Outpatient depression, mental health, and substance abuse services are often covered with a copay instead of having to meet a deductible. The savings can easily be thousands of dollars per year. However, inpatient treatment may be subject to the deductible and/or coinsurance. Additional items that are commonly covered include respiratory infections, contraception, skin conditions and rashes, urinary tract infections, fatigue, depression, eating disorders, and accidental injuries.

 
Obamacare Plans And The ACA

 
When you purchase your own private student plan, you're not restricted to accept just one standard option. You can customize your policy to include, and meet the needs that you are most likely to utilize. For instance, if you are in extremely good health, and are likely to only use preventive benefits, then an inexpensive "catastrophic" plan with a higher deductible may be the best choice. These plans are ideal for young persons that want the lowest possible premium, although the deductible and maximum out-of-pocket expenses may be as high as $9,100. Higher-tier plans (Silver, Gold, and Platinum) often offer lower deductibles.

 
Under the Affordable Care Act legislation, if you are under age 30, you can purchase a "catastrophic" plan. Although some comprehensive benefits may have higher out-of-pocket costs, the amount of premium you save may be substantial. Also, many schools offer a fairly inexpensive supplementary policy that works well in conjunction with catastrophic options. These riders are also available to International students if they are legal residents of the US. The supplement may cover accidents, ER visits, and perhaps first-dollar coverage for non-preventative office visits. Ancillary dental and vision coverage may also be offered.

 
Bronze-tier policies should also be reviewed since often they are less expensive, and provide more comprehensive benefits. Often, most office visits and prescriptions only have a copay to meet, instead of a large deductible. They are also eligible to receive federal subsidies (discussed below), whereas catastrophic-tier policies do not qualify for any financial assistance, regardless of your income. Note: Often, a Bronze-tier plan will cost less than a catastrophic plan, regardless of the amount of the subsidy. Many plans offer unlimited pcp office visits with a copay.

 
You may also qualify for a generous federal subsidy that reduces the premium. If you are listed as a dependent on a parent's tax-return, a subsidy may still be offered. In less than a minute, we can calculate your subsidy and determine how much each plan will reduce. It is possible your premium will be $0. If you are older than 30, a Bronze or Silver "Metal" plan will have the lowest rates. It is no longer a requirement to have in-force healthcare benefits, since the tax has been eliminated. Therefore, additional plans are offered outside of the Marketplace OE period, including short-term plans.

 
Exchange Policies Through Marketplace

 
The Virginia Health Marketplace (Exchange) plans (you can get free quotes on our website) feature low-cost options that may be ideal for students, especially if there are existing conditions. Since medical questions are not part of the enrollment process, an applicant can not be denied because of health history. Only age, residence and smoking preference will factor into the rate. Official Open Enrollment for 2023 effective dates began in November and continued through January 15th. However, under specific conditions, you can still apply for coverage, or select non-Marketplace plans.

 
The federal subsidy (as previously mentioned) potentially reduces the premium of your policy, with the exception of the catastrophic tier. The cheapest available options are shown below:

Anthem HealthKeepers Catastrophic X 9100

Anthem HealthKeepers Bronze X 8200

Anthem HealthKeepers Bronze X 9100 Standard

Anthem HealthKeepers Bronze X 5900 for HSA

Anthem HealthKeepers Bronze X 5800

OptimaHealth OptimaFit Bronze 7200 40% Direct M

OptimaHealth OptimaFit Bronze 9100 0% Standard M

CareFirst BlueChoice HMO Young Adult 9100

Oscar Secure

Oscar Bronze Simple

Oscar Bronze Classic

Cigna Simple Choice 9100

Cigna Connect 7800

Cigna Simple Choice 7500

Cigna Connect 3400

Kaiser KP VA Catastrophic 9100/0/Vision

Kaiser KP VA Bronze 7500/40%/Vision

Kaiser KP VA Bronze 6900/0%/HSA/Vision

Bright Health Catastrophic 8700

Piedmont Bronze 9100

Piedmont Bronze 5500 HSA

Innovation Health Bronze 1

Innovation Health Bronze

Innovation Health Bronze 2 QHDHP

UnitedHealthcare Bronze Standard $9,100 Deductible

UnitedHealthcare Bronze Virtual First

UnitedHealthcare Bronze Essential

UnitedHealthcare Bronze Standard $7,500 Deductible

Aetna CVS Bronze

Aetna CVS Bronze 1

Aetna CVS Bronze 2

Depending on where you live, several companies may offer policies. Northern Virginia has one of the widest selections of polices and carriers. Bigger cities, such as Richmond, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Newport News, Alexandria, Hampton, and Norfolk will offer the most choices. Smaller cities and rural areas, such as Falls Church, Galax, Poquoson, and Martinsville, will have smaller provider networks and less plan availability.

 

Student Health Plans Virginia

We Find Affordable Virginia Student Medical Coverage

 

Your own private policy will likely cost hundreds of dollars less per year and provide a much broader coverage if a severe illness or accident were to occur. There will be no lifetime or annual maximum, and most importantly, the network provider list will likely include facilities across the US, instead of local campus facilities. Emergency life-threatening medical treatment is usually covered with no network restrictions.
 

Blue Cross, UnitedHealthcare and Aetna are three major carriers with network reach across the entire country. However, many major carriers offer Group and Senior Medicare products, but not private single and family medical plans. Additional lines of business are typically offered, including dental, vision, life, and long-term care products. Often, a University may offer coverage from a carrier that offers student plans, but not Marketplace plans. Aetna, for example, underwrites student coverage in many states, but does not participate on the Federal Exchange.

 
This could be critical if specific treatment is necessary and can only be accessed at out-of-state hospitals. There are many specialized cancer treatment centers, facilities and hospitals in Texas and other states. In many situations, the only way to receive treatment is to own your own plan with a national network of providers. For comprehensive treatment of heart disease, cancer, and other diseases, often, specific facilities located outside of your area will be one of the best options. The Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, or Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, are two of the most prominent Cancer Hospitals in the world.

 
For example, residents of Norfolk and students attending Norfolk State University have easy access to one of the top-rated hospitals in the country -- Sentara Norfolk General Hospital. However, without a statewide network, you may not be eligible to utilize discounted and negotiated network discounts if they are outside of your service area. For ER and hospital visits, it is not unusual to see thousands of dollars of savings by simply taking advantage of negotiated network repricing. Visiting an out-of-network hospital can be quite costly.

 
Special Enrollment Period (SEP)

 
Assuming you qualify for an SEP, individual policies can be purchased at any time of the year. If you are dropping off an existing policy, you do not have to wait for an Open Enrollment period. For example, if you were starting classes in mid-term, or perhaps the summer, you can easily apply for a plan. Unless there are citizenship or residency issues, you can receive an approval very quickly. Also, if you moved (your permanent residence), or reached age 26 while covered under a parent's plan, you can enroll for guaranteed coverage at any time. Losing qualified coverage from an employer, dropping off an ex-spouse's plan from a divorce will also qualify for an SEP exception. If you are pregnant, once the baby is delivered he/she will be eligible for an SEP exception.

 
There is a special 60-day window that allows you to shop for coverage to replace an existing expiring policy. However, if you forgot to enroll, missed the OE deadline, or did not have prior qualified coverage (even if it was terminating), you may be forced to accept non-Marketplace policies. And unless you are eligible for a guaranteed-approval option, you may be forced to accept basic medical coverage (only) until January 1. However, regardless of medical conditions, you can choose any tier (Platinum, Gold, Silver, or Bronze) for the new calendar year.

 
So what is the best type of policy to buy? One of the biggest factors that must be considered is the requirement of your school. Also, whether you are attending an in-state school, such as UVa, Liberty, George Mason, or William & Mary, or going out-of-state, you still must know what the minimum requirements will be. And these could be quite different, depending upon your choice of schools. Also, many colleges do not offer their own student medical coverage, although they will require you to provide proof you have enrolled in a suitable plan. Often, a supplementary contract can also be purchased, that helps reduce some out-of-pocket expenses if you are treated at the Campus medical facility.

 
University Of Virginia Plans
 
The University Of Virginia Student Health Insurance Program, is administered by Aetna (Policy number 812806). The premium for the 2023/2024 school year slightly increased for new enrollees. The Spring rate (which covers from January 1 to August 14), is $2,138. If you add your spouse, the rate increases to $4,276. Adding a child to the family bumps the annual premium to $6,414. The price for a family with more than one child is $8,552. NOTE: Both domestic and international students must meet school healthcare hard waiver guidelines. The Elson Student Health Center has copies of guidelines available.
 

Summer rates are less but the session runs for less than four months. Once you sign up, you can NOT cancel and no refund will be given. It is also important to understand that students, of course, do not have to select this option. And if the "comprehensive Fee" is not paid, then the plan would not be available. If a leave of absence is approved, benefits can remain active through the end of the period, although a refund will not be given. Students can enroll a spouse, domestic partner, and eligible dependents that are under age 26. Persons eligible for Medicare can not apply for coverage.

Find Cheap UVa Student Health Medical Plans And Enroll

Low-Cost Private University Of Virginia Healthcare Is Available

 

If you need benefits for the entire 12-month period, the price also slightly increased for 2024. For example, the new "student-only" rate becomes $3,673, "spouse only" also becomes $3,673 and family (married couple and two or more children) premium increases to $14,692. In most situations, if you qualify for a federal Marketplace subsidy, it will cost less than the University plan. Typically, the annual premium must be paid by October 31st if the coverage waiver was not completed and signed. Coverage ends on August 14th.

 
While the rate is quite high, the routine non-emergency benefits are very good. By utilizing the provider network, a $25 copay is provided for primary-care physician and specialist visits. Walk-in clinic visits also have a $25 copay. Lab tests and additional services or supplies will also are covered at 80% (after the deductible is met). Unlike an HMO, a referral is not necessary, so specialist visits can be scheduled very quickly, if needed. ER visits are subject to a $150 copay and 10% coinsurance, while Urgent Care visits are subject to 20% coinsurance.

 
Changes In UVA Plan

 
The annual deductible is $350 for preferred care ($700 per family). The non-preferred care deductibles are $500 and $1,000. This amount is significantly less than most Silver, Bronze and Catastrophic Metal policies. However, treatment you receive in non-network facilities will cost more, since the coinsurance increases. Also, the quarterly billing option has been removed. The maximum out-of-pocket expense (per year) was increased to $5,500 from $4,250 seven years ago (maximum two per family). Also, expenses from injuries resulting from playing in intercollegiate sports are now covered. Previously, they were excluded.

 
If you need speech therapy consultations, the cap on the number of covered visits has been removed. An annual eye exam is included on student plans including replacement contact lenses or glasses. Pediatric dental and vision benefits are also provided. The prescription copays for generic, preferred brand and non-preferred brand drugs are $10, $40, and $80. Mail order is available, and contraceptive drugs are fully covered if preferred generic FDA-approved.

 
Additional worldwide travel benefits are now included if you study outside the US. And mental illness and substance abuse are considered covered benefits. Five annual drug and misuse of alcohol counseling visits are included along with eight annual tobacco products counseling visits. Until the Va State Health Exchange became operational six years ago, many private plans did not cover these two items. Maternity is also provided, along with complete preventative benefits. Same or opposite-sex partners can utilize these plans. Graduate teaching assistants can also enroll.

 
COVID-10 diagnostic testing expenses were waived by Aetna. Authorizing testing facilities are located throughout the area. No member cost-sharing expenses are charged. Home-based antigen and diagnostic tests are also included. Pediatric Dental Type A services are covered at 100%, B services at 70%, and C and orthodontic services at 50%. Children's eye exams, children's glasses, and children's dental checkups are covered at 100%.

 
Additional University Student Health Plans In Virginia

 
Liberty University does not offer individual or group coverage to students. However, the Student Health Center is available to all students. A $170 fee is charged each semester to cover expenses. The fee is waived if the student is enrolled in a program that keeps them away from campus more than 50% of the semester. The fee is also waived if a student commutes to classes and resides outside of Central Virginia.

Many benefits are provided, including acute care visits, health and nutritional coaching, preventative care visits including routine physicals and OBGYN, chronic disease management for diabetes, nutritional health coaching, asthma, auto-immune disorders, and other long-term diseases, blood tests, EKGs, x-rays, and other diagnostic tests. Appointments can be made for the same day, and walk-ins are accepted.

There is also no limit to the number of times you may receive treatment. Rx delivery is available on the campus, along with student counseling services. An initial live screening appointment is typically scheduled before treatment is provided. Substance abuse counseling, individual, couple, and family counseling, mental health crisis services, and psychiatric evaluations are available along with many additional benefits. Licensed physicians, nurses, medical assistants, physician assistants, and different types of counselors administer the benefits.

 

Occasionally, a small fee may be charged. For example, students will be charged $10 for failing to appear for a scheduled appointment. Specific diagnostic tests, several lab procedures, and other treatment may incur a small fee. Proper identification is also typically required for visits. An insurance card, current driver's license, and Flames Pass will be needed. Some services are excluded, and your private or group coverage is responsible for providing that treatment. A $50 late fee is accessed if the appropriate medical history sections of the Student Health Form are not completed.

 
Liberty offers an International Student Injury and Sickness plan from UnitedHealthcare. Coverage is mandatory unless another qualified plan is in-force. The yearly cost is $1,182 for one person and the same amount for a spouse or child. The policy deductible is $200 ($500 out of network) with $6,850 maximum out-of-pocket expenses. Tiers 1, 2, and 3 drugs are covered at 80%. The medical emergency copay is $150. Preventative care services are covered at 100% of the preferred allowance. The plan certificate provides more detailed information.

 
George Mason University offers an Aetna plan to all students (vision coverage included). The deductible is $200 with maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $6,350. The deductible does not apply to qualified preventative expenses, Urgent Care visits, prescription drugs, routine vision exams, pediatric dental and vision expenses, and routine newborn expenses.

Generic, preferred brand, and non-preferred brand prescription drug copays are $15, $40, and $75. The mail-order copays are $45, $120, and $225. Rehabilitation and habilitation service copays are $35. The ER copay is $250. A children's eye exam, glasses, and dental checkup are covered at 100%. Urgent Care visits are subject to 20% coinsurance.

The annual rate for domestic students is $2,826 ($1,780 for spring/summer, and $765 for summer only. The spouse or single child rates are an additional $2,766, $1,720 and $705. Adding a spouse and two children (or more) costs $5,532, $3,440, or $1,410. Aetna also offers dental coverage at the following annual rates: Student: $384, Spouse: $321, Child: $237, and Children only: $569. The dental plan deductible is $50 ($150 per family), and the policy annual maximum coverage is $750. Type A, B, and C expenses are covered at 100%, 80%, and 50% of the negotiated charge.

 

Student Health Services clinics are also available, regardless if the UnitedHealthcare plan has been purchased. There is no charge for the visits. However, there are fees for lab tests, medications, physicals, and supplies. Services provided include medical record management, STI testing and education, contraceptives, chronic health conditions, allergy testing, mental health, and smoking cessation. Clinics are located at Arlington, Science and Technology, and Fairfax campuses. When the student graduates, the policy continues until the end of the policy year.

 
James Madison University does not offer a medical plan. They recommend several local resources (American Exchange) that can assist with finding private coverage, along with additional options, including the Federal Marketplace, Medicaid, short-term plans, and local independent agencies. JMU does provide access to their University Health Center, which is funded by the comprehensive tuition fee. Routine and preventative care is available, along with an Urgent Care, pharmacy, allergy clinic and women's health clinic. Telephone nurse triage is also offered, with RNs available.

 

The University Health Center does not offer emergency treatment. Life-threatening medical conditions must be treated off-campus. However, the Urgent Care covers many common medical problems, including cuts and bruises that require stitches, boils and abscesses, continuous vomiting, minor allergic reactions, ligament strains, tendon strains, and ingrown toenails. Telemedicine is offered for several situations, including sore throat, fever, headaches, respiratory illness, and abdominal pain.

 

Students that are planning to travel overseas also have access to information regarding medical consultations, required vaccinations, disease risks, and travel prescriptions. An international travel consultation is available for a cost of $20. Several topics discussed include needed vaccinations, limiting risk of diseases, and medications that may be needed for travel. Consultations should be scheduled one month before departure. Visas and physicals must be taken care of by the student.

 

Additional services provided by the Center include a laboratory testing center, Sentara x-ray services, and sexually-transmitted disease testing. A nutrition counselor is available to help with medical diagnosis, eating disorders, mineral and vitamin deficiencies, vegan diet assistance, nutritional analysis, and impact of changes in appetite. Doctors, physician assistants, nurses, and nurse practitioners can evaluate, treat, and consult with patients. Cash, check, and credit cards are accepted forms of payment.

 

International travel consultation services are provided for students traveling overseas. The cost of the consultation is $20, which does not include charges (if applicable) for required medications and immunizations). Vaccines offered by the Center include Typhoid, Yellow Fever, Measles, Mumps, Rubella, Polio, and Hepatitis B.If planning an overseas trip, a consultation should be scheduled one month before departure. Travel videos and brochures should also be viewed before leaving.

 

Virginia Commonwealth University charges a $112 health fee each semester to graduate and undergraduate students for access to the VCU Health Center. Part-time students (minimum of three hours) may also utilize the facility, and will be billed for their services. Summer school students also have access to the facility, and services will be billed to their account. All students are strongly encouraged to secure private or Group coverage to cover major medical expenses and many other claims. Payments for services made be made by a major credit card, Rambucks, Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or an HSA. Cash is not accepted.

The Clinic covers immunizations, travel care, sexual health and wellness, ADHD, mental health, nutrition consultation, and body fluid exposures. Lab services and a pharmacy are also provided. The clinic is not open in the evening and on weekends, although phone consultations are offered if an urgent medical situation occurs. Since x-rays, imaging tests, dental treatment, ER visits, and hospital visits are not provided, students are encouraged to remain or parent's qualified plan or purchase their own coverage.

Additional expenses not covered include specialist referrals, medications, allergy testing, prosthetic devices, physical and speech therapy, vision care, and accidental expenses requiring outside treatment. Services that are offered with a small fee include allergy injection visits ($10), routine physical exams ($30), STI screening ($15 or $20), and well-woman examinations, which include screenings and pap smear ($50).

Convenient locations are the MCV Campus Clinic (1000 E. Marshall Street in Richmond) and Monroe Park Campus Clinic (1300 west Broad Street). Appointments must be scheduled in advance. Same-day appointments are available for ill patients that need urgent attention.

 

Old Dominion University does not offer medical coverage to undergraduates. However, domestic graduate students, international students, are eligible for benefits. Unitedhealthcare provides coverage with optional dental and vision plans. The ODU Student Health Center provides primary care treatment along with many other services, although a fee must be paid. The Group policy number is 2022-284-1.

The annual rate is $2,683 for a student and an additional $2,981 for a spouse or one child. Two or more children cost $5,962, and the cost of a spouse and two or more children is $8,943. Separate coverage for fall or spring/summer only is offered. Premium payments must be received within 31 days of due date to avoid termination of coverage.

 

The UnitedHealthcare policy features a $250 deductible with maximum out-of-pocket expenses of $4,000. Tiers 1, 2, an 3 drug copays are $15, $40, and $50. Office visit copays are $20, including visits for outpatient mental illness and disorder treatment. The medical emergency copay is $100 and is not subject to a deductible.

 

Virginia Tech University student health insurance is not required, although, of course, it is encouraged. Aetna provides coverage to students and their dependents that features a $450 deductible ($900 per family), with $6,250 maximum out-of-pocket expenses and coinsurance. The non-preferred care coverage deductible is $1,000. A $200 benefit penalty may apply to non-preferred treatment without pre-certification. The office visit (pcp and specialist) and Urgent Care copay is $25 for Tier I and Tier II preferred care. A referral is not required. Outpatient mental health visits are also subject to a $25 copay. Walk-in clinics also are subject to a $25 copay.

The ER copay is $300, which is waived upon admission. Hospital room/board, and intensive care visits are covered at 90% after an initial $300 copay. Therapy expenses are covered at 90% of the negotiated charge. Non-elective second surgery opinion expenses have only a $25 copay with 100% coverage on the remaining negotiated charge. Inpatient and outpatient surgeries are subject to 10% coinsurance after the deductible has been met.

 

Diagnostic tests and imaging are subject to 10% coinsurance. This includes blood tests, x-rays, CT scans, PET scans, and MRIs. Vision care exams are subject to a $15 copay, while dental and vision exams are covered at 100%. Generic, preferred brand, and non-preferred brand drug copays are $15, $45, and $75. The mail-order copays are $45, $135, and $225. Specialty drugs are subject to 20% coinsurance. Prescription lenses, eyeglasses and frames also have a $15 copay. Specialty drugs are covered with the higher of a $250 copay or 20% coinsurance. Children's eye exams, glasses, and dental check-ups are covered at 100%. Expecting mothers do not have to pay a copay for their office visits. Some facility fees may apply to services.

 

The annual cost of the Virginia Tech health insurance plan to VTU students is $3,343 ($6,686 for student and spouse or student and child). The cost for a student spouse, and child is $10,029. The policy can be billed in two installments. The first payment is due at the time of enrollment and the second bill is due on January 1. The policy runs from August 1 to July 31. Spring semester (only) rates are less. Policy ID cards can be printed online. The Spring semester rate is $1,942.

 

All students have access to the Schiffert Health Center, and most expenses are covered by the annual student health fee. The facility does not accept group or private insurance coverage and does not bill insurers for provided services. Thirteen physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants offer a wide range of services including emergency care.

 

Summary
Each student has different needs, budgets and benefit wish lists. To ensure you are receiving the benefits you must have (at the best price, of course), simply review the quotes you receive from this website to determine which policy is the best to apply for. We provide free assistance, or you can use our online information and apply directly for coverage. Generally, dependents under age 26 may remain on their parent's plan.

 
Additional Information:

 
More than 200,000 Va residents may have to change their current plans effective January 1, since they do not comply with ACA guidelines. These policies were allowed to renew last year, despite lack of all of the 10 required "essential health benefits." Within the next eight weeks, consumers who fall into this category, will receive mail correspondence advising them their options.
 
Although some of the 10 mandated coverages (such as maternity), may not be needed, it is still a legal requirement to have these benefits. The federal subsidy will help lower premiums for persons losing "grandfathered" plans, since these older policies often have several limitations and exclusions.