Need a little more than cough drops?
The Columbia Health Center can help you with “minor conditions” that arise Monday through Friday, but what if your simple bug turns out to be something more serious?
“While the Student Health Center provides many useful services, it does not replace health insurance,” the Columbia Student Health Center brochure states. “All students are encouraged to have insurance.”
The school does offer access to health insurance through Koster Insurance Agency, but it’s not your only choice. Echo compared it to other options available to students.
For a fair comparison, we looked into coverage for a nonsmoking, 21-year-old male. Costs per month would be higher for women and smokers, and differ for people in other age groups.
Note that just because you are quoted a rate over the phone, that doesn’t mean you’ll be offered that rate. BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois, for example, conducts a detailed health and medical history and may deny coverage to people with health conditions such as diabetes, obesity, pregnancy, pending surgery, cancer or a history of heart attack or stroke.
Humana One’s brochure states, “Unfortunately, not everyone qualifies for individual health insurance.” This plan can deny coverage to people with AIDS/HIV, emphysema or hepatitis.
Make sure you check what each provider covers, deductibles for drugs and rules about ER visits. Also make sure you understand the costs of seeing physicians inside and outside each network. Finally, keep in mind that the higher the deductible you select, the lower your month-to-month payments will be.

Glossary
PPO plans allow you to choose any doctor you like, but provide a financial incentive for seeing doctors within the network.
HMO plans offer a core group of doctors and only their services are covered by the policy. You need a referral from your primary care doctor before you visit a specialist.
Deductible is the annual amount you must pay before the plan covers its fraction.
Co-pay is the amount you must pay per visit or procedure in addition to your fraction of the bill.