South Dakota Student Health Insurance Options

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

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

Here are the key factors for students in South 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.

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: Similar rules apply through the employer’s designated periods.

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

Many schools recommend that students have health insurance, but most do not require it.

Examples:

• South Dakota State University, University of South Dakota, and Black Hills State University: These schools follow guidance from the South Dakota Board of Regents, which does not mandate insurance for domestic students. However, international students and student-athletes are typically required to have coverage.
• Most schools in South Dakota do not offer a school-sponsored health plan. Instead, students are encouraged to shop for insurance through the federal Marketplace at HealthCare.gov.

ACA Health Plans in South Dakota

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

Subsidies may be available to reduce premium costs. You can estimate your eligibility with our ACA Subsidy Calculator.

ACA plan metal tiers:

• Bronze: Low monthly premiums, higher out-of-pocket costs.
• Silver: Moderate premiums and costs; eligible for cost-sharing reductions.
• Gold: Higher premiums, lower out-of-pocket costs; ideal for regular care needs.
• Platinum: Highest premiums, lowest costs at time of service (availability varies by state).

You can enroll during the Open Enrollment Period (Nov 1–Jan 15) or during a Special Enrollment Period if you move to or from school.

Medicaid or CHIP in South Dakota

Medicaid is a government-funded health insurance program that provides free or low-cost coverage to eligible low-income individuals and families. South Dakota also offers CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), which provides coverage for children up to age 19 in families who earn too much to qualify for Medicaid.

If you meet income or disability requirements, you may qualify for coverage.

Apply via:

• South Dakota Department of Social Services: https://dss.sd.gov
• Local human services offices throughout the state

Other Options for Coverage in South Dakota

1. Short-Term Health Insurance

Short-term health insurance is a fast, flexible solution ideal for students between plans or seeking temporary coverage. In South Dakota, plans can last up to 12 months and be renewed for up to 36 months.

Features:

• Affordable monthly premiums
• Copays for urgent care and doctor visits
• Next-day coverage
• Free telemedicine access
• Large provider networks

2. Supplemental Health Plans

Supplemental insurance helps cover expenses not paid by your main health plan—ideal for students on budget-friendly or high-deductible coverage.

Types include:

• Accident, critical illness, cancer, and hospital indemnity policies
• Daily benefit payments to help with rent, recovery, or transportation
• Year-round enrollment options

3. Dental and Vision Insurance Plans

Pairing dental and vision insurance with a health plan ensures preventive care for your overall well-being.

Benefits:

• Exams, fillings, crowns, and cleanings
• Eyeglasses, lenses, and LASIK savings
• Affordable bundled plans for students and young adults

4. Health Care Sharing Ministry Programs

Faith-based healthcare is an alternative to traditional insurance for students aligned with Christian principles. These programs are not regulated as insurance, but they offer budget-conscious, community-supported ways to handle medical costs.

Program features:

• Monthly “sharing” instead of premiums
• Lower costs than private insurance
• Lifestyle and faith-based eligibility required

5. Fixed Benefit Medical Insurance

Fixed Benefit medical insurance pays a set amount per service—ideal if you’re looking for a predictable, low-cost option.

Advantages:

• No deductibles
• Cash payouts to you or your provider
• Use alone or alongside major medical insurance

Understanding Health Insurance Costs

Make sure you understand these common cost terms before picking a plan:

• Premium: The monthly cost of maintaining your coverage
• Deductible: What you pay out of pocket before insurance kicks in
• Copayment (Copay): Flat fee for doctor visits or prescriptions
• Coinsurance: Shared costs with your insurer after you meet your deductible
• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: The most you’ll pay in a year for covered services
• In-Network vs. Out-of-Network: In-network providers cost less out of pocket

Need a quick guide? Check out our complete glossary of health insurance terms.

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.