Your Guide to Health Insurance for College Students in Dallas

I. Why College Students Should Think About Health Insurance

If you’re going to school in the Dallas area—like Dallas College, UT Dallas, or SMU—you’ve probably got a lot on your plate. You’re busy with class schedules, textbooks, housing, and maybe even a job.

But have you thought about your health insurance?

Many students aren’t sure if they’re covered, don’t know where to start, or think it’s too expensive. That’s okay—this article is here to help you figure it out, step by step.

At EIMA Health, we help students find plans that fit their lives and budgets. No pressure. No confusing words. Just real help, for free.

Key Takeaways

1. College students in Dallas have multiple health insurance options
   These include staying on a parent’s plan, enrolling in a low-cost ACA (Affordable Care Act) plan, choosing school-sponsored coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid or other low-income programs.
   
2. ACA plans can be extremely affordable for students
   Many students with part-time jobs or no income may qualify for plans that cost as little as $0 to $10/month and cover doctor visits, prescriptions, mental health care, and more.
   
3. Staying on a parent’s plan works—but only if it covers care in Dallas
   If the parent’s insurance network is out of state, students may face high costs or limited access to care near campus.
   
4. School health plans are convenient but not always the best deal
   While student health insurance is easy to enroll in, it may lack coverage for off-campus care, dental, or vision—and can be more expensive than ACA options.
   
5. Students who lose Medicaid or CHIP may still qualify for coverage
   Turning 19 or aging out of coverage can open the door to ACA enrollment. Help is available to make sure there’s no gap in care.
   
6. International and DACA students have different rules
   They usually aren’t eligible for ACA plans, but may still qualify for school-based or private coverage.
   
7. EIMA Health offers free, local help
   Based in Dallas, EIMA helps students from UT Dallas, SMU, Dallas College, and beyond understand their options, apply, and stay covered all year long.
   
8. Getting coverage doesn’t have to be confusing
   EIMA keeps it simple with no jargon, no fees, and real people who care. Most students complete the process in under an hour.
   

II. Why Health Insurance Matters

Even if you feel fine now, life can surprise you.

• You might get hurt playing sports or walking across campus.
  
• You could catch the flu or get COVID-19.
  
• You might need mental health care or a prescription refill.
  

If you don’t have insurance, even one visit to the emergency room could cost thousands of dollars. Health insurance protects you from these costs—and gives you access to doctors, therapists, and medicine when you need them.

Campus clinics may help with basic checkups, but they often don’t cover serious care, emergency visits, or specialist referrals. That’s why it’s smart to have a full insurance plan while you’re in school.

III. Four Main Insurance Options for Students

Most college students in Dallas have four possible ways to get health insurance:

1. Stay on a parent’s plan
   
2. Get a low-cost ACA plan (Affordable Care Act)
   
3. Use your school’s student plan
   
4. Qualify for Medicaid or a similar low-cost option
   

Let’s look at each one.

IV. Option 1: Staying on a Parent’s Plan

If you’re under 26 years old, you may still be covered under your parent’s plan. That can be helpful if the plan includes care in Dallas.

Good Things About This:

• You might already be on the plan
  
• No extra steps to enroll
  
• You may know the doctors already
  

Watch Out For:

• The plan may not cover doctors or hospitals in Dallas
  
• You might have to pay high deductibles
  
• If you want to manage your own care, a separate plan could work better
  

Example:

Tanya, a UT Dallas student, is covered by her parents’ plan from Oklahoma. But local clinics don’t accept it. She signs up for her own low-cost ACA plan through EIMA, which includes Dallas doctors and mental health coverage.

V. Option 2: Getting Your Own ACA Plan

If your parent’s plan isn’t right for you—or you’re not on one—you can get your own plan through the ACA Marketplace (Healthcare.gov). These plans are affordable for many students.

Who Can Apply:

• Students who file taxes on their own
  
• Students not claimed as dependents
  
• Students with part-time jobs or low income
  

What You Get:

• Doctor visits
  
• Mental health care
  
• Emergency room visits
  
• Prescriptions
  
• Checkups and vaccines
  

What It Costs:

• If you make less than about $25,000/year, you could pay as little as $0 to $10 a month
  
• Many plans have low or no deductibles
  

Example:

Luis, 22, attends Dallas College and works part-time. His income qualifies him for a $3/month ACA plan that covers everything he needs. EIMA helped him apply in less than an hour.

VI. Option 3: Student Health Insurance from Your School

Some schools, including SMU and UT Dallas, offer health plans for students. These are often billed through your tuition and accepted at your school’s health center.

Pros:

• Easy to sign up
  
• Works at campus clinics
  

Cons:

• May not cover care outside campus
  
• Often doesn’t include dental or vision
  
• Might cost more than ACA plans
  
• Ends if you drop below full-time
  

Example:

Emma, an SMU student, is on her school’s plan. She wants to see a therapist near her apartment, but the plan doesn’t cover off-campus providers. She switches to an ACA plan with help from EIMA.

Always compare student plans with ACA options—you might save money and get more coverage.

VII. Option 4: Medicaid or Other Low-Cost Plans

If you recently lost Medicaid or turned 19 and aged out of CHIP, you may still qualify for coverage.

Texas doesn’t offer Medicaid to most adults unless you’re pregnant or have certain medical needs. But you may qualify for a very low-cost ACA plan based on your income.

Example:

Jerome, 19, aged out of CHIP. He’s taking 9 credit hours at Dallas College and working part-time. EIMA helps him get a $0/month ACA plan with coverage for doctor visits and mental health care.

Even if you’re not sure you qualify, EIMA can check for you and help with the paperwork.

VIII. What If You’re an International or DACA Student?

If you’re not a U.S. citizen, your options are different.

For International Students:

• Most schools require you to buy their student insurance
  
• Some private plans are available if your school allows them
  
• You usually can’t get ACA or Medicaid
  

For DACA Students:

• You can’t get ACA or Medicaid in Texas
  
• You may still get private insurance or use your school’s plan
  

EIMA can’t sign you up for ACA if you’re not eligible, but we’ll explain your options clearly and help you take the next step.

IX. Why Students Choose EIMA Health

EIMA Health is local. We’re based in Dallas, not in another state.

We’ve helped students from:

• UT Dallas
  
• SMU
  
• Dallas College Brookhaven, El Centro, and Richland
  
• And other schools all over the area
  

We keep things simple:

• We answer your questions clearly
  
• We help you apply for the best plan
  
• We find doctors near your school
  
• We’re here if things change later
  

Most students finish everything in under an hour, and many pay $0 to $10/month for coverage.

X. Conclusion: Get Covered Without the Stress

Health insurance might not be the first thing on your mind—but it’s something that can really help you if you get sick or hurt.

Whether you:

• Stay on your parent’s plan
  
• Get your own ACA plan
  
• Use your school’s insurance
  
• Or qualify for a low-cost plan
  

There’s a way to get covered. You don’t have to figure it out by yourself.

EIMA Health is here to make it easy. We’ll help you pick a plan, sign up, and stay supported all year long. And we do it for free.

Ready to talk?

📞 Call EIMA Health at (972) 728-0386
🌐 Visit https://eimahealth.com/contact-us/

We’ll help you get covered, save money, and stay healthy—so you can focus on school, not stress.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

This article has been a collaboration between EIMA Health and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Created on July 22, 2025, it combines AI-generated draft material with EIMA Health’s expert revision and oversight, ensuring accuracy and relevance while addressing any AI limitations.

Emily Ima Founder

Hi, I’m Emily Ima, founder of EIMA Health and a proud Dallas resident. I started this agency with one mission: to make health insurance simple, affordable, and accessible, especially for families and individuals who feel overlooked or overwhelmed by the system. Living with Sickle Cell, I understand firsthand how frustrating and confusing healthcare can be. That’s why I take a personal, compassionate approach with every client whether it’s walking you through your ACA Marketplace options, helping you transition from Medicaid, or finding the best Medicare plan for your needs. You’re never just a number here. I take the time to listen, explain, and advocate for what’s best for you and your family. I serve clients across the country but have a special place in my heart for the Dallas community. When I’m not working, you can usually find me cheering on my daughter Emma at volleyball games, walking the trails with my family and our Goldendoodle Teddy, or exploring new recipes and restaurants around town, from southern food and Italian to Nigerian dishes and some good ole’ Texas BBQ. I’m a proud alumna of both Midwestern State University and the University of Texas at Dallas Go Mustangs and Comets! If you’re looking for someone who genuinely cares and will take the time to help you understand your health insurance options, you’re in the right place. Let’s get you covered with peace of mind.

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Sickle Cell Warrior Health Insurance Advocate Medicaid & Medicare Dallas ACA (Marketplace)