Health insurance for medical students over 26

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Tips to get started with the right health insurance plan.

Whether you're a student or out of school, you're on your own and making choices for yourself. But how do you choose the righthealth insurance plan ? If you've turned 26,1 you’re no longer covered by your parents' plan. So it's time to choose the plan that’s right for you.

Wondering where to start? Let's start by looking at the basics of a quality health insurance plan.

What should I look for?

• Options.When comparing plans keep in mind the total costs, including premiums as well as out-of-pocket costs.
• Quality care.You need access to personalized treatment from doctors and hospitals, no matter where you are.
• Discounted rates.You'll want a range of in-network doctors and hospitals to choose from, so you can take advantage of discounted rates.
• Annual check-ups and preventive care at no additional cost.2Preventive care, like your annual exam and screenings, help you stay healthy.
• Easy-to-use tools.Online tools can help you pick plans and find doctors, and predict your costs.
• 24/7 service.When you have questions, you'll want access to your claims, as well as health care experts who can answer your questions.

How can I save money?

Like most young adults, you're probably just starting out and watching what you spend. The right health insurance plan can help you save money on out-of-pocket costs. When you visit in-network providers, you get access to lower rates that they've negotiated with your health plan. When you see an out-of-network provider, your costs are typically higher. That's why it's important to choose a plan and visit in-network health care providers and hospitals in your area.

How can I save time?

You've got better ways to spend your time than thinking about health insurance. It helps to choose a plan with a customized, easy-to-use online website and mobile app, so you can manage your health wherever you are. Get health information, find in-network providers, pay your health insurance premiums, view your health care claims, and print temporary ID cards.

And when you have a health issue on your mind, you want answers. It helps to have a health information line to call so you can talk to a clinician 24/7 to get information and help finding answers to your health-related questions.

How can Cigna help?

Cigna offers plans that are designed to be cost-effective and may be available for young adults like you. Find out about the plans Cigna offers:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Supplemental Insurance

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Plans are insured by Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company or its affiliates: For Arizona residents, health plans are offered by Cigna HealthCare of Arizona, Inc. For Georgia residents, health plans are offered by Cigna HealthCare of Georgia, Inc. For Illinois residents, health plans are offered by Cigna HealthCare of Illinois, Inc. For North Carolina residents, health plans are offered by Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc.

1 Dependent age laws vary by state. View your plan documents for details.

2 Plans may vary. Includes eligible in-network preventive care services. Some preventive care services may not be covered, including most immunizations for travel. Reference plan documents for a list of covered and non-covered preventive care services.

As non-resident aliens, international students on F, J, M and Q visas (and certain family members of students) are not subject to the individual mandate for their first 5 years in the U.S. All other J categories (teacher, trainee, work and travel, au pair, high school, etc.) are not subject to the individual mandate for 2 years (out of the past six).

Since international students are not subject to the mandate, they are not required to purchase a plan that meets PPACA requirements and can purchase an appropriate IMG plan.

International Students – Exempt as Non-Resident Aliens

Under the IRS international student exemption, anyone “temporarily in the United States on an “F”, “J”, “M”, or “Q” visa for the primary purpose of studying at an accredited academic institution or vocational school (and certain family members of students), and who substantially complies with the requirements of that visa,” is exempt from being treated as a resident alien, and is therefore exempt from the individual mandate as a non-resident alien.

That exemption applies for 5 years. After 5 years, a student is no longer exempt, and the substantial presence test must be applied. See examples here.

Even after 5 years in the U.S., an international student may continue to be a non-resident alien for tax purposes under the “Closer Connection” exception if they can prove that they still have a closer connection to their home country than to the U.S.

The Individual Mandate and Alien / Non-Alien Status

The IRS provides a questions and answers page on the individual mandate. Question 11 asks whether all individuals living in the U.S. are subject to the mandate. The answer is that U.S. citizens and permanent legal residents are subject to the mandate, as are “foreign nationals who are in the U.S. long enough during a calendar year to qualify as resident aliens for tax purposes.” Thus, non-resident aliens are not subject to the individual mandate, even if they have to file a tax return.

Am I a Resident or Non-Resident Alien?

The IRS states that you are a non-resident alien unless you meet either the green card test or the substantial presence test.

Under IRS Publication 519, Tax Guide for Aliens (the green card test), green card holders are resident aliens for tax purposes. The substantial presence test uses a formula to count the number of days present in the U.S. over the past 3 years. Generally, you a resident alien after six months of presence in the U.S. – unless you are exempt.