Columbia University Health Services

Comparing Other Plans with the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan

Review the coverage included below, all of which are available through the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan.

• coverage in New York and worldwide
• maximum aggregate lifetime benefit of $300,000 (Basic Level of the Plan) or $1,000,000 (Comprehensive Level of the Plan)
• Open Choice® PPO plan: option to see providers outside the plan’s network pharmacy benefits
• coverage remains available as long as the student is registered or on an approved medical leave of absence
• coverage for pre-existing conditions
• benefits for inpatient and outpatient mental health care and treatment for chemical abuse
• coverage for injuries resulting from the practice or play of athletics
• payments made directly to hospitals for inpatient services
• coverage for specialized therapeutic services, such as physical therapy
• travel assistance services
• option to enroll an eligible spouse or same-sex partner, as well as other eligible dependents

If you are unsure about how your current plan compares to the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan, contact your insurance carrier's administrator for details about available benefits. Other factors to consider when selecting a medical insurance plan:

• Will you "age-out" of your current insurance plan, carried by parents or legal guardians, at 19, 21, or 23 years of age?
• If you are hoping to extend coverage provided through a previous employer (through COBRA), what are the costs involved? Compare these with the premiums for the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan.