They are finally out of the house – and off to college!

Time to stop worrying about them?

No chance.

Even though your teenager is finally out of your house and off to college, there are still things to worry about – from the cost of teenage car insurance to renters insurance for their dorm room to health insurance for college students.

According to Minyanville.com:

Many people forego health insurance because of its perceived high cost. The health of most 18- to 21-year-olds makes insurance an affordable safeguard.

Your student’s college may have negotiated a group rate with a carrier that probably costs less than individual coverage. An individual policy allows you to tailor coverage to the needs of your student. If your student has no chronic conditions such as asthma or diabetes, consider a plan with a high deductible, moderate co-pay and hefty catastrophic coverage. Deductibles can range from $500 to $3,000. Be sure to compare premiums and deductibles.

Shop around for a plan that provides health and wellness checkups. Don’t over-insure, but be sure to cover any known conditions. Remember that the first step into adulthood may be uncertain and your student may simply need to talk to someone about academic pressure in a new environment. Many plans cover visits with a mental health professional up to a pre-determined amount.

There also temporary health plans offering coverage for 30, 60, 90 or 180 days. Such plans can provide stopgap coverage as you investigate permanent coverage or can be used to cover the gap between graduation and your student’s first job.

The key: Shop around to find the best coverage for your student’s needs at a good price. The insurance industry is highly competitive and carriers offer an array of plans to match various budgets.