Oregon Student Health Insurance Options

If you’re heading off to a college or university in the Beaver 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 Oregon. Learn more about available options and how to enroll.

What to Consider When Searching for Student Health Coverage in Oregon

Here are the key factors for students in Oregon:

• 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. Many Oregon colleges also require coverage 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.

• Be sure to check if local doctors or hospitals are in-network to avoid high out-of-pocket costs.

Enrollment rules:

• ACA Marketplace plans: Dependents can be added during Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period.
• Employer-sponsored plans: Follow the employer’s designated enrollment periods.

How Do You Get Covered Through Your School in Oregon?

Many schools require students to have health insurance and may offer plans that meet minimum coverage standards.

Examples:

• University of Oregon: Offers the UO Student Health Insurance Plan, which includes national and global coverage for medical and prescription drug services.
• Oregon State University: Requires health insurance for all students. Offers an insurance plan for international students and services through Student Health Services.

School-based plans may be bundled into tuition or billed separately—and student loans may be used to pay for them.

ACA Health Plans in Oregon

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows individuals and families to buy health insurance through the federal Marketplace or through Oregon’s state exchange.

ACA plans include:

• Essential benefits like hospitalization, preventive care, and mental health coverage
• Free services like immunizations and screenings
• Protection against preexisting condition discrimination

You may qualify for subsidies to help reduce premiums. Use our ACA Subsidy Calculator to find out if you’re eligible.

Plan tiers:

• Bronze: Lowest premiums, highest out-of-pocket costs
• Silver: Balanced costs and eligibility for cost-sharing reductions
• Gold: Higher monthly premiums, lower out-of-pocket expenses
• Platinum (if available): Highest premiums, lowest out-of-pocket costs

You can apply:

• With your parents (if under 26 and claimed as a dependent)
• On your own (if over 26 or not claimed as a dependent)
• During Open Enrollment or a Special Enrollment Period (e.g., moving for school)

Medicaid or CHIP in Oregon

Medicaid is a government-funded program offering free or low-cost coverage for low-income individuals. Oregon’s version of Medicaid and CHIP is called the Oregon Health Plan (OHP).

You might qualify if:

• You have limited income
• You’re not claimed as a dependent
• You meet disability or other criteria

Apply via:

• Oregon Health Plan Portal (OHP)
• Local Department of Human Services offices

Children under 19 who don’t qualify for Medicaid may be eligible for CHIP coverage through the same application.

Other Options for Coverage in Oregon

1. Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health insurance is a fast, flexible option for students in transition, between plans, or aging off a parent’s policy.

Benefits include:

• Fast online signup (<5 minutes)
• Immediate coverage (as early as next day)
• Doctor visit and urgent care copays
• Telemedicine and prescription discounts

Note: In Oregon, short-term plans are limited to 3-month terms and cannot be renewed with the same insurer within 60 days.

2. Supplemental Health Plans

Supplemental insurance helps fill coverage gaps left by high-deductible or short-term health plans.

Examples:

• Accident, hospital indemnity, critical illness, and cancer policies
• Coverage for surprise bills and urgent care
• Available year-round

3. Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Bundling dental and vision insurance with your primary plan supports overall wellness and cost control.

Key benefits:

• Coverage for exams, cleanings, fillings, and braces
• Vision services like eye exams, glasses, and LASIK discounts
• Bundle pricing and quick activation

4. Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs

Faith-based healthcare programs are community-based alternatives to traditional health insurance. Though not insurance, they often offer lower monthly costs.

Highlights:

• Monthly “shares” instead of premiums
• Community support and moral agreements
• Typically requires faith statement and healthy lifestyle

5. Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance

Fixed benefit medical insurance pays a set cash amount per covered service.

Top advantages:

• No deductibles; first-dollar coverage
• Direct payments to you or your provider
• Works as primary or supplemental insurance

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

When selecting a plan, make sure you understand these cost-related terms:

• Premium: Monthly payment for your plan
• Deductible: What you pay before your plan contributes
• Copayment: Fixed amount for specific services
• Coinsurance: Percentage of costs you share after deductible
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Yearly cap on your costs
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: In-network providers cost less

Need help decoding insurance lingo? Visit our health insurance glossary for clear definitions.

Next Steps

If you’ve decided you need health insurance, compare plans and sign up before your semester begins. Evaluate coverage levels, premiums, and provider networks to make the best choice for your health—and your wallet.