<p>Along with the insurance card, you should also explain to your child what constitutes an "emergency" and what doesn't. For instance, if they have a medical issue, they should start at student health services, which is generally covered by fees. If it is after hours, generally an urgent care/walk up clinic is next level for some insurances and ER is truly the stop of last resort! I found my kids really needed to have that spelled out for them...they assumed if they were sick, they would visit the ER if student health was closed....$200 charge on our HMO!!!</p>
<p>Definitely get extra cards from insurers. It may be worthwhile to tell your child about the free student health services they would have to pay for at home (eg a rapid strep test perhaps)- why make a trip home to see the doctor et al when it could be cheaper at school? I remember an OOS parent at the summer orientation parents' session noting that it was cheaper for the student to get the meningococcal vaccine at the student health services than through their home medical clinic. Do take time to read the fine print online regarding student health services at your child's school. Check the cost of prescriptions locally versus through the college...</p>