North Dakota Student Health Insurance Options

If you’re heading off to a college or university in the Flickertail State, have you made plans for health insurance? Maybe you’re wondering why you need insurance if you’re young and healthy. But even as a student, it’s important to understand your choices for health insurance in North Dakota. Learn more about available options and how to enroll.

What to Consider When Searching for Student Health Coverage in North Dakota

Here are the key factors for students in North Dakota:

• Are you a resident? In-state students may find it easier to remain on their parents’ plan.
• Dependent status? If claimed as a dependent, you can stay on your parents’ plan until age 26. If you’re turning 26 soon, you may want to find your own health insurance coverage.
• Stay on parents’ plan or get your own? Staying may save money, but you only qualify for ACA subsidies if you buy your own plan.
• Cost vs. coverage tradeoff? Choose a plan that fits your expected healthcare needs—more benefits usually mean higher premiums.
• Skip insurance? Risky—lack of coverage could result in overwhelming medical bills. Some North Dakota schools may also require insurance for enrollment.

How Do You Get Covered Under Your Parents’ Plan?

If you’re under 26, you can stay on your parents’ plan—whether you’re studying in-state or out-of-state.

• Check network availability: HMO or PPO plans may limit services to a provider network. Make sure doctors near your school are in-network to avoid unexpected costs.

Enrollment rules:

• ACA Marketplace plans: You can be added during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period.
• Employer-sponsored plans: Dependents may be added during standard or qualifying enrollment windows.

How Do You Get Covered Through Your School in North Dakota?

Some North Dakota universities offer insurance for international students, but domestic students may need to look elsewhere for coverage.

Examples:

• University of North Dakota (UND): Offers insurance plans for international students. U.S. students are not eligible for school-sponsored insurance. UND’s Student Health Services (SHS) provides on-campus care, but students are responsible for any costs not covered by other insurance. Contact: 701-777-3457.
• North Dakota State University (NDSU): Provides insurance only to international students. Domestic students can use campus health services for routine and acute care. Contact: 701-231-5239 for help finding external coverage.

ACA Health Plans in North Dakota

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows individuals and families to purchase insurance through the federal Health Insurance Marketplace.

ACA plans must include:

• Coverage for preexisting conditions
• Mental health, maternity care, prescription drugs, and preventive services

You may be eligible for premium subsidies. Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to check your savings.

Metal tier options:

• Bronze: Lowest premiums, highest out-of-pocket costs
• Silver: Moderate premiums; may qualify for cost-sharing reductions
• Gold: Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs
• Platinum: Richest benefits, highest premiums (may not be available in all areas)

Apply directly through the federal Marketplace or with a licensed broker.

Medicaid or CHIP in North Dakota

Medicaid offers free or low-cost health coverage to eligible North Dakotans.

• Medicaid: Available to low-income students who meet income and residency criteria.
• CHIP: Children and teens under 19 may qualify if household income exceeds Medicaid limits.

How to apply:

• Online via the North Dakota Medicaid Portal
• Or contact the Department of Human Services: (844) 854-4825

Eligibility can be checked year-round.

Other Options for Coverage in North Dakota

1. Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health insurance is a temporary option for students waiting for long-term coverage.

North Dakota rules: Plans can last up to 185 days and may be renewed once.

Benefits:

• Fast signup and activation
• Affordable premiums
• Emergency and basic care access

2. Supplemental Health Plans

Supplemental insurance adds extra coverage to protect you from large medical expenses that your main plan may not cover.

Common types:

• Accident, critical illness, hospital indemnity
• Covers gaps and unexpected medical bills
• Available year-round

3. Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Dental and vision insurance helps with preventive and corrective care while managing your costs.

Plan features:

• Exams, cleanings, crowns, and braces
• Glasses, contacts, and LASIK discounts
• Often bundled for savings

4. Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs

Faith-based healthcare programs allow members to share healthcare costs within a religious community.

Highlights:

• Monthly “shares” instead of premiums
• Usually less expensive than traditional insurance
• Typically requires a lifestyle and faith agreement

5. Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance

Fixed benefit medical insurance pays set amounts per covered service, regardless of total cost.

Top advantages:

• No deductible
• Predictable payouts
• Works well as a supplement or standalone for students

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

Before you enroll, make sure you understand the key insurance cost terms:

• Premium: Monthly payment to keep your plan active
• Deductible: What you must pay before your plan begins to pay
• Copayment: Flat fee for a doctor’s visit or service
• Coinsurance: You split the cost with your insurer after meeting your deductible
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The most you’ll pay in a year for covered services
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: Stay in-network to save money

Need a refresher? Explore our complete health insurance glossary.

Next Steps

If you’ve decided you need health insurance, compare plans and sign up before your semester begins. Evaluate premium costs, provider networks, and benefit coverage to choose a plan that works for your health—and your budget.