Cheap Health Insurance for Students
Health insurance can be very expensive, but cheaper options are available for students to consider. It is important to have health insurance so you can pay for any medical emergencies and protect yourself from medical bankruptcy. Students have several insurance options available to choose from to find the least expensive plan.
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Insurance through College
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Most major universities offer a plan to college students. Although initially the plan may not look to be any cheaper, these insurance plans usually cover costs 100 percent if you visit the medical center on campus instead of going to off campus doctors. This can significantly lower the costs you will pay out-pocket and may make up for the slightly higher premium you may pay. It is also a good option for someone with a preexisting condition, and it makes it easy to receive medical care if you do not have your own transportation.
Insurance through Your Parents
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The cheapest option may be to stay on your parents' plan while you are still in college. This will allow you to continue the same coverage you had while you lived at home. If your parents are unwilling to pay the cost of the premium, you may be able to work out a deal by which you pay the difference if they allow you to stay on the plan. The disadvantage of this option is that the campus medical center may not accept it and you may have a difficult time finding approved providers if you attend school out of state.
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Individual Plans
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Looking into individual plans may help you find a cheap insurance rate, since most healthy college age people qualify for lower rates. As you choose a plan you need to consider the amount medical care under the plan would cost you in deductibles, co-payments and co-insurance. You should also weigh the life time maximum coverage amount. A high deductible plan may offer the most affordable option, although it will not cover anything until you meet the deductible, so you will have to pay for a few visits to the doctor out of pocket.
Work for Insurance
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Another option is to work for an employer that will offer insurance to part-time employees. Many retailers and other companies such as UPS offer competitive insurance packages to part-time workers. They are also often flexible with working hours, and allow you to work out a schedule that will work with your school classes.
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References
- Photo Credit doctor image by JASON WINTER from Fotolia.com
