South Carolina Student Health Insurance Options

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

What to Consider When Searching for Student Health Coverage in South Carolina

Here are the key factors for students in South Carolina:

• 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.

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 near your school 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: Similar rules apply through the employer’s designated enrollment windows.

How Do You Get Covered Through Your School in South Carolina?

Many colleges and universities in South Carolina require students to have health insurance and offer school-sponsored plans to meet this requirement.

Examples:

• University of South Carolina: Offers a student health insurance plan that is required unless you submit a waiver proving equivalent coverage. This plan helps students access in-network care on and near campus.
• Clemson University: Provides mandatory and voluntary coverage options depending on student status. Requirements may vary by year and enrollment type, so be sure to verify your eligibility and obligations.

If you’re studying out-of-state or your parent’s plan doesn’t offer good coverage near your campus, the school’s plan may be your most convenient and cost-effective option.

ACA Health Plans in South Carolina

The Affordable Care Act (ACA) allows individuals and families to buy comprehensive health insurance through the federal Marketplace. These plans include essential health benefits, free preventive care, and protections for preexisting conditions.

Financial assistance may be available to lower monthly premiums. You can check your eligibility using our ACA Subsidy Calculator.

ACA plans are categorized by metal tiers:

• Bronze: Lower monthly costs, higher out-of-pocket expenses; good for minimal usage.
• Silver: Moderate premiums and out-of-pocket costs; eligible for cost-sharing reductions (CSRs).
• Gold: Higher monthly costs, lower point-of-care costs; ideal for regular medical needs.
• Platinum (if available): Highest monthly premiums, but lowest out-of-pocket costs.

Enroll during Open Enrollment (Nov 1–Jan 15) or a Special Enrollment Period triggered by qualifying life events, like moving to a new school.

Medicaid or CHIP in South Carolina

Medicaid is a state-administered program offering free or low-cost health coverage to eligible low-income individuals. In South Carolina, Medicaid and CHIP are provided through Healthy Connections and Partners for Healthy Children (PHC).

Eligibility for Healthy Connections is based on family size, income, and medical needs. PHC is designed for children under age 19 whose family income is up to 208% of the Federal Poverty Level.

Application portal: South Carolina Healthy Connections

Additional eligibility requirements:

• Must be a U.S. citizen or legal resident
• Must be a South Carolina resident
• Must have or apply for a Social Security number

Other Options for Coverage in South Carolina

1. Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health insurance offers temporary coverage for students between plans or those seeking lower-cost options. In South Carolina, coverage can last up to 33 months.

Benefits:

• Fast online enrollment
• Coverage starts as early as the next day
• Telemedicine, preventive care, and urgent care copays included
• Often less expensive than traditional plans

2. Supplemental Health Plans

Supplemental insurance helps cover the gaps in primary plans—great for students on a tight budget or those with high-deductible plans.

Coverage types:

• Accident
• Critical illness
• Hospital indemnity
• Cancer care

Perks:

• Pays you directly for qualified events
• Can cover non-medical costs like rent or groceries
• Available year-round

3. Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Students can bundle dental and vision coverage with their health plans to keep overall healthcare costs in check.

Coverage Benefits:

• Exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, and more
• Vision plans include lenses, frames, and LASIK discounts
• Budget-friendly premiums ideal for students

4. Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs

Faith-based healthcare programs provide an alternative to traditional insurance. These community-driven plans are typically lower in cost and focus on shared contributions.

Highlights:

• Not traditional insurance
• Monthly sharing costs instead of premiums
• Usually require lifestyle and faith-based commitments

5. Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance

Fixed Benefit medical insurance pays a set amount per service, helping you manage care costs without deductibles.

Top Advantages:

• Payments go to you or your provider
• No network limitations
• Complements major or short-term plans
• Great for students on a fixed budget

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

Before choosing a plan, understand these key cost terms:

• Premium: What you pay each month for your insurance
• Deductible: The amount you pay before insurance kicks in
• Copayment (Copay): Flat fee per doctor visit or prescription
• Coinsurance: Shared percentage cost after the deductible
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Maximum you’ll spend annually
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: In-network care saves you money

Use our health insurance glossary to decode common terms and make confident decisions.

Next Steps

If you’ve decided you need health insurance, compare your options and enroll before your semester begins. Explore school plans, Marketplace coverage, or short-term options to choose the best plan for your health and budget.