Student health insurance?

I'm a resident of Arizona (live there during summers/breaks) and I go to college in Mississippi. I am no longer eligible to be on my parents' insurance so I have to get my own. I found a plan I like by Aetna. It's a PPO with good coverage. I found the plan when I put my arizona address in online, but when I use my college address the plan doesn't appear. If I get this insurance and become sick/injured in Mississippi, will I have to pay the out-of-network fees? There are plenty of hospitals/doctors on the Aetna network where I am, but I'm afraid I won't be counted as in-network since I'm out-of-state. Thanks for the help.

Plans and plan names are state specific but chances are you'd be able to be in network. Aetna does have a national network and they are in MS.

You also have other options; many colleges have a limited health plan available to the students. However, you probably won't be able to use those in AZ.

There are plans designed specifically for students in your situation which may or may not be better for you than the Aetna plan. Visit a local agent that works with all the major companies in your area. The agent can find the best policy for your situation. There is no extra charge using an agent.

check with your college. If there is a medical school on campus, chances are you may be paying to use the student health center already or it will be available for an affordable price.