University students can get special health insurance discounts. There are several kinds of plans that offer discounts for university students. Recent reforms have extended coverage for adult children who want to remain on their parent's insurance plan. An adult child can stay on the plan up to age 27. If the parent has a group plan, then he or she is receiving discounted rates because of the group's buying power, and students benefit from those savings.

University students can buy a health insurance plan that is sponsored by the school that they attend. The premiums are discounted to students. Some plans have limited benefits, and others are more comprehensive. These plans are usually sold by the semester; some may be available as a 6 or 12-month policy as well. Consider the benefits carefully before you buy school-sponsored insurance.

Health plans specifically for university students often give health insurance discounts. These plans are not school-sponsored, but because students tend to be in a younger age range and in good health, the rates reflect the lower risks.

An individual health insurance plan that is not geared to students can also have good rates. Because a student is likely to be young and in good health, he or she can often receive more discounts than other segments of the population. Compare several individual quotes, including the rates, benefits and limitations.

If a university student meets the requirements, they may qualify for Medicaid or a state-sponsored high-risk plan. These plans have either no premiums or a very low cost for students. For Medicaid, the applicant will have to meet income limits. A high-risk pool is for those with a medical condition that makes it difficult to for them to get insurance elsewhere.

Another place to look for health insurance discounts is any association to which the student belongs. For example, the NAGPS (National Association of Graduate-Professional Students) has partnered with an insurer that offers health insurance to their members. Other organizations such as fraternities, sororities and honor societies may also give you access to health insurance discounts. Even groups outside of the school may have discount programs for members.

Another way to get a discount is to raise the deductible. If a student's family has sufficient savings, then increasing the deductible can make sense. The rates are lower due to the lower risk to the insurer.

When looking for a discounted health insurance policy for a university student, there are a few things to keep in mind. Most student policies do not cover a pre-existing medical condition or pregnancy. Anyone with a medical condition should verify whether that condition would be covered. Students can find the right coverage by comparing all of their options.