Columbia University Health Services

Basic Level of the Plan

The Basic Level of the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan is designed to provide a level of coverage that is adequate for many people attending college or graduate programs. It is appropriate for students who:

• do not expect to need health care services frequently
• are looking for essential coverage at a reasonable cost
• are interested in utilizing a "pay-as-you-go" strategy: participants pay a lower insurance premium at the outset but a higher proportion of the cost of any services that may be utilized

The total maximum aggregate lifetime benefit available is $300,000 per condition. 

Comprehensive Level of the Plan

The Comprehensive Level of the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan includes all of the benefits provided by the Basic Level of the Plan as well as more extensive benefits in certain areas:

• enhanced benefits for prescription drugs, physical therapy, and other health care services

For students who have chronic health conditions, take prescription drugs regularly, or anticipate utilizing mental health services in an ongoing way, this level of the Columbia Student Medical Insurance Plan may be appropriate. Students will:

• ­pay a higher insurance premium up front
• pay less in out-of-pocket expenses as services are actually used

The total maximum aggregate lifetime benefit available is $1,000,000 per condition.