Adequate Health Insurance Guidelines
If you are an international student, please read here for your Minimum Health Insurance Criteria.
Our guidelines are based on the minimum requirements of student health insurance plans under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA), the Standards for Student Health Insurance Plans from the American College Health Association, benchmarked subsidized plans available in the health insurance marketplace, and our experience in serving Ohio State students.
Our Plan Comparison Chart presents Ohio State’s options organized by basic health insurance components and common services used by students. The Ohio State Student Health Insurance Benefits Plan exceeds minimum requirements for student health insurance under PPACA.
Guidelines
Adequate Health Insurance:
- Is a private medical health insurance plan through a recognized company that is owned, headquartered, and operated in the United States, and that can provide proof of your coverage (usually in the form of a card)
- Provides a minimum of 80% coverage of hospitalization fees
- Provides a minimum of 80% coverage of professional fees (e.g., lab tests, x-rays, doctor's visits, etc.)
- Has an annual out-of-pocket maximum less than or equal to $3000
- Has no pre-existing condition exclusions or waiting period
- Has a low annual deductible so you don't have to pay all, or most of the cost each time you see a doctor (under $500 is recommended)
- Covers inpatient mental health and substance abuse services
- Covers preventive screenings and vaccines
- Has a network provider/facility within 20 miles of Columbus or your campus of enrollment
- Has unlimited annual benefits
- Provides worldwide coverage for all services
Reimbursement programs that are not backed by guaranteed payment are not recommended.
To comply with the Ohio State requirement, a student’s health insurance must be effective for the full academic year (or for the time period in which the student is eligible for the requirement).