Of the important resources college students need and use, one of the most important is student health insurance. Accidents always happen when you least expect it. A broken limb or flu can keep any student out of class for an extended period of time. For a student without insurance, this could mean serious doctor and hospital bills, putting someone in debt thousands of dollars. Health insurance can keep this from happening. It is extremely important that college students know their options. As you may or may not know, most colleges and universities have contracts with certain insurance companies for their students' benefit. However, most schools do not advertise this information. Below is a summary of the information discovered after reviewing the most common companies used and researching their options and contact information. The insurance options used through your school usually have the most affordable option for college students. It is recommended that you research the company used by your school before considering other options.

Somerton Insurance
Somerton Insurance is used in many of the colleges in Washington State, including: PLU, SU, SU-Law, EWU, CWU, Cornish, WSU, WWU, Whitman Weber State College, Walla Walla College, SPU, Saint Martin's College.
Their rates begin at $15 per quarter for minimum coverage and up to $300 or so for major coverage, including prescriptions, and hospital stays. Please visit www.somerton-ins.com or call 1-800-853-5899 to get more information about eligibility and costs.
Ace American Insurance Company- Brokered through Somerton. Ace has accounts with Cornish School of the Arts, EWU and WWU. All information is through Somerton website listed above.

Summit America Insurance
Summit American covers most Washington State Community Colleges. Please visit www.summitamerica-ins.com. Click on "products"; choose "college accident and sickness". Then click on "brochures", Washington State Community Colleges. Choose Accident & Sickness, and then choose from your options. For more information about coverage options and costs per term, please call Krista Staneck at 1-800-775-8089.

Regence Blue Shield
Regence Blue Shield is not a specified insurance company used by colleges and universities; however it is an option when searching for individual health and dental coverage. Please visit www.wa.regence.com for more information. You can "shop" for coverage by clicking on "for members" and choosing "I need coverage. 1-800 numbers are listed on the website for particular inquiries and concerns.

CHIP
Free or low-cost health insurance for those under 19, visit:
www.metrokc.gov/health/insurance/children.htm
Or call: 1-800-756-5437

Basic Health
For affordable health insurance for adults, visit:
www.metrokc.gov/health/insurance/index.htm
Or call: 1-800-826-2444

Student Health insurance search
www.studentresources.net
You can Google "Student health Insurance" and will find many search websites. You may be asked to fill out information about yourself. Use caution when using these websites and do not fill out information that is listed as "optional" or "not required".

Community Health Centers
Community Health Centers (clinics) are an excellent resource for students. They often use sliding scales and work with you to find a cost you can afford for doctor visits. Below are some great resources to find a clinic near you. Many colleges offer health clinic on campus that may also work for you!

The Washington State Health Care Authority is a great resource for questions about health care, health insurance and health clinics in Washington. For more information go to www.hca.wa.gov/ or call 1-360-923-2777 .

Find a community health clinic near you by visiting the Washington State Community Clinics/Health Care Authority information website at: www.chs.hca.wa.gov/deliverysites.shtml. At this address, you can choose your region on a map, and then view the sites near you or call 1-360-923-2777 for more information.

Sea Mar Community Health Centers have been a popular choice by students in the Seattle, Lacey and Bellingham areas. To find a Sea Mar near you, please visit www.wacmhc.org/profiles/seamarchc.htm. Sea Mar has centers in the following counties, Clark, King, Pierce, Snohomish, Skagit, Thurston, and Whatcom.