Excelsior - Health Insurance?

[Danielp248]

I'm trying to stay on my dad's insurance plan, but since I'm over 18 I have to be a "full-time student" to be considered 'dependent'. Does anyone have any experience with this? Does enrolling in Excelsior count as a "full-time student"? I'm sure each insurance plan/company has their own policy, I'm just trying to get a feel of the 'normal' attitude insurance companies have towards Distance Learning.

[Runner4064]

Since Excelsior is a legit school you should have no problems. To further enhance the status they are also title IV approved. In order to claim full time status you should fill out a study plan w/ EC indicating your schedule. Say for example you plan on taking 2 DSST's, one Clep, and one EC class for a total of 12 units. I don't think you can just go as you please but if you file a plan you should be covered.

[Danielp248]

hmm.. i hope you're right. If not, I might find myself paying an extra $500 :eek: a month for health insurance...

[joel66]

Excelsior is a legit school, but I would assume you would have to be signed up with 12 units at Excelsior. I had to do the same thing for my son, as he is a full time student at the local university. My provider (Kaiser) needed a signed form from the local school confirming he is a full time student. If you are going to Excelsior and taking clep exams, I don't think that would qualify as full time. You would need to get with admissions.

[Runner4064]

I think as long as you (register with the admissions office- your intent to take a certain number of units) and then take them you will be ok. 12 units is 12 units anyway you slice it. If this is the case what can your insurance say? Unless there's an exclusion or a rider (seriously doubt) that says you have to be at a traditional school enrolled in traditional classes this doesn't apply? Most schools just say enrolled or "attempt" 9-12 units.

Otherwise... unless you need $500 a month insurance you can get decent insurance for about $100- especially at your age.

[Danielp248]

I don't think there is any exclusion that differentiates between a traditional school and distance learning. However, what do you mean by

Most schools just say enrolled or "attempt" 9-12 units.

do you mean i need to 'sign up' for 12 credits from excelsior? Or do you think if I only have to show that i plan on taking 12 credits from anyone (ie. CLEP, DANTES, etc..)

[originalbigjim]

I think you will have to be an actual student taking 12 credits at excelsior to qualify to keep the health care.

[jec959]

I can tell you how this worked for my kids it should be similiar for you. You should have your father get the requirements that his company requires for you to be a fulltime student for health insurance (some companies 9 credits, some 12, etc). There is then a form filled in by the college (some times a letter works sometimes HR provides you with a form to give to the college)and sent to the insurance company by the college directly, proving you are a fulltime student or I have also had to have the college fax the form to an HR department directly and then they got the fulltime student status set by the insurance company. You should be able to talk to EC as well.