Health Insurance Options

Affiliated hospitals and clinics where medical students will participate in patient contact require personal health care coverage. Finding a health insurance plan that meets your needs is a complex process. A great resource available to all Cougs (and incoming Cougs) through Cougar Health Services is the opportunity to speak with a certified health insurance Navigator at 509-335-3575 (opt 3) to assist in the process.

While not exhaustive, here are several options to consider:

• Parent Policy
  • If younger than age 26, consider remaining on your parent’s policy.
• Spouse/Partner Policy
  • If your spouse/partner has a plan, check if you can be a dependent on the plan.
• WSU’s Health Insurance for Professional and Graduate Health Sciences Students: Cougar Health
  • Enrollment is available through my.WSU and can be selected when you register for your
    classes.
  • Medical students are eligible for this plan, and you are responsible for the premiums.
  • Dental coverage is not available-Deadline to enroll is the 13th day of fall term.
• Washington State Health Benefit Exchange
  • The “Browse and Compare Plans” is a good place to start-The “Free or Low-Cost Apple
    Health” is an option if you have no/low income.
• Employer Plan
  • If employed with an employer plan, you may be able to keep your plan for up to
    18months.
  • The program is called COBRA, but it may be cost-prohibitive; check with your employer.