6 Types of Insurance for College Students

Heading to college is an exciting milestone filled with new experiences, greater independence and opportunities for growth. As students pack up their laptops, textbooks, dorm essentials and everything they need for the year ahead, it’s also a good time to think about how to protect what matters most. 

From valuable belongings and vehicles to health and liability concerns, the right insurance coverage can provide peace of mind as students navigate campus life. With the right protection in place, students and their families can focus less on the “what-ifs” and more on making the most of the college experience. 

Here are six types of insurance coverage worth considering before the school year begins and as your preparing to send your student off, reach out to Farm Bureau to make sure they’re covered. 

Policy Type #1: Homeowners or Renters Insurance for College Students

Dorms can be fun, but they can also be places where belongings get damaged or stolen. If your student lives on campus, their belongings may be covered by your homeowners insurance. Check with your agent to understand what is and isn’t covered in your policy. 

Depending on what your student brings to school, take an inventory (ideally with photos) and keep your receipts. If anything is damaged or stolen from their dorm room, it may be covered under your homeowners policy. You can also help protect their more expensive electronics (like laptops, tablets and cell phones) from electrical and mechanical breakdown with residential equipment breakdown insurance.

If your student plans to live off campus, consider adding renters insurance to your policy. It’s a surprisingly affordable way to protect their belongings. Renters insurance will cover the possessions inside their apartment from theft or damage. 

Remember, though — it won’t cover various types of damage to the apartment building or house they are renting. When you’re looking at off-campus housing, verify that the property owner has a policy to cover the structure itself before signing a rental agreement and talk to your Farm Bureau agent to understand what coverages you need. 

Policy Type #2: Car Insurance for College Students

Many factors should be considered when you’re thinking about auto insurance coverage for a student heading to school, including the distance from home and whether they will have a car at school, whether the city or school has public transportation available and whether they will live on or off campus (which may also determine where their car is being regularly parked). Your student can likely remain on your policy, but chat with your agent about your auto coverage needs.

Policy Type #3: Health Insurance for College Students

Let’s be real: Students aren’t always known for making the best health choices when they go to college. They live in close quarters, they often stay up too late, eating snacks and missing out on nutritious homecooked meals. Many students feel under the weather more frequently during college. They may need to need to visit the health center or find a local doctor where they attend school.

Your child can remain on your health insurance plan until the age of 26. If that applies to you, let your insurer know that your student will be going away to school. They may be able to provide you with a list of in-network local healthcare facilities near your student’s campus.

Also, be sure that your child has their own health insurance card. Emergencies happen, and it’s best to be prepared. Discuss co-pays and other provisions unique to your coverage and have a plan to cover expenses as they arise.

Check with vision and dental insurance as well — often students can take care of these appointments when they are home during breaks (so they don’t need to find providers near the college). 

Policy Type #4: Travel Insurance for College Students

Studying abroad is the opportunity of a lifetime for a university student. But a new place with a new language can be intimidating to navigate, especially if a crisis should arise.

From lost luggage to medical emergencies, travel insurance can be an economical safeguard so your student can focus on what they traveled for: the fun, the culture and the learning.

First, check with your credit card provider, your child’s school and your existing health, auto and homeowners/renters insurance policies — you likely already have coverage that will extend abroad. Then, contact your Farm Bureau agent to discuss which insurance options would best fit the trip.

Policy Type #5: Identity Theft Insurance for College Students

When people live in close quarters, it’s tough to always be vigilant with your sensitive information. Identity theft can happen when confidential information is left out, perhaps on an open laptop or cellphone. Unsecured websites or networks also make it easy to swipe identities.

Consider adding identity theft protection to your homeowners policy to help protect your student from identity theft, and to resolve it if you or your child fall victim. It’s also a good idea to go over strategies to keep this information safe with your university student.

Policy Type #6: Personal Liability Insurance for College Students

Accidents happen, especially in college. If someone falls down the stairs at your child’s apartment, personal liability insurance can cover medical bills and even legal expenses. This coverage generally covers injuries and damages to others’ property that your child is legally responsible for.

Personal liability insurance is generally included in your homeowners or renters policies, but consider umbrella insurance for deeper protection.

Peace of Mind from Here to There

Sending your child to college can be a big adjustment — for both you and your student! Knowing you’re covered with the right insurance policy can help make the transition easier for both of you. Reach out to Farm Bureau about providing the right coverage during college (and beyond).