Insurance for Students

Health Insurance

One of the things many families don’t understand the importance of for their students is how to have them covered in the event of a medical issue. Will the student remain on a parent’s employer’s policy? How old can the student be and still be covered? What does the university provide? These are all important questions about health insurance on campus.

The university requires health insurance as a condition of enrollment for any student taking 9 credit hours or more each term regardless of other health insurance coverage. Extended coverage for students and dependents can be purchased through the business office.

You may access the insurance brochure which explains coverage of both the limited and the extended plans for either resident or international students.  You can visit the Student Health Center website for more information.

The WOU-sponsored health insurance can be used at any doctor's office that accepts it. As always, any full time student may see a doctor or physicians assistant at the WOU Student Health Center at no cost. Costs incurred for lab work or medications may be billed to the insurance company.

To access a list of preferred providers, call 1-800-226-5116.

Renters insurance

Perhaps one of the most overlooked forms of insurance coverage for students is property insurance. Students today own more valuable personal items in their residence hall rooms or apartments than in the past and any campus is not immune to potential theft or damage.

WOU or a landlord will probably not cover the loss of contents in a fire and a parent’s homeowner’s insurance policy may or may not cover the items. It is imperative to talk with your insurance agent to determine what is and what is not covered under a parent’s existing policy.

Homeowner’s insurance policies will almost certainly not cover contents in off-campus housing. You will need to purchase a separate renter’s insurance policy. They are often affordable with annual premiums running around $200-$250 for coverage of about $15,000 of personal property and $100,000 to $300,000 in liability.

Auto insurance

According to the Independent Insurance Agents of America, seven in ten students have cars in school. At WOU, many students do not have, or need cars.

First-year students may benefit from not having a car in order to make connections with the community, friends and roommates and such. This is a good discussion piece for any prospective student.

With auto insurance, be sure to tell your insurance company that your child has a car at WOU. Students that earn good grades can also receive discounts on premiums. If the student isn’t a regular user of the car while at school, this could also reduce premiums.

Be sure to talk to your insurance agent about your coverage and make sure that you have everything you need as your student spends time at WOU!

Information provided by College Parents of America.