If you've just graduated from college, the cause of any stress you're feeling is probably searching for a job that will support you, or looking for a place to live that's away from your university campus. If post-graduation health insurance hasn't crossed your mind yet, it should. As a college student, your health insurance for the past four or so years has probably come from your post-secondary institution, and it is nearing its expiration. Keep reading for five tips on finding affordable health insurance now that you're out of college.
Check Your Benefits If You're Employed
If you've found a job right out of college, or if you're keeping a job you had during college, check what benefits your company offers you. If you're working for a large company, then chances are you have employer-based health insurance. This usually has great benefits and won't be a financial burden for you. However, not all companies have the same package, so know what's covered and what's not. Additionally, not all companies can provide you with benefits. If you're working for a small smart-up company, or if you're working freelance, you will have to look elsewhere for health coverage.
Double Check Your Parents' Coverage
Just because you are now a college graduate doesn't mean you have to be completely independent, especially when it comes to health insurance. Check your parents' health insurance and see if you can still be covered under their insurance as a dependent. In some cases, you are eligible to be under their plan until you're 26. Some plans will cover you up to 30 providing you aren't married, and some plans require that you are reenrolled each year as a dependent. Be sure to check the state guidelines as well; the age of eligibility ranges from 19 to 31.
Consider Short Term Health Insurance
If neither of these previous options will work for you, consider purchasing short-term health coverage. If you're likely to find a job soon and are just searching for temporary protection, look for 6-12 month health coverage. Short-term plans such as the Blue Cross InstaCare or GoBlue have low monthly costs and provide you with benefits that would protect you financially in a medical emergency. Make sure you can drop out at any time without penalty in case you find a job that will provide you with better protection a few weeks down the road!
Get The App
You can do anything on the go now - even check up on your health coverage! Get the mobile app eHealth. This app allows you to research which plan would work best, track your health and track your spending on health insurance.
Don't Go Uninsured
There is always an affordable option, so never go uninsured. While paying for premiums may seem expensive and useless when you're trying to save money, the reality is you will save big time if an unexpected health emergency were to arise. Paying up-front for medical costs can be exorbitant, driving you into debt. Going without health insurance, even for a short time, is a huge risk financially.
Now that you're finished school, put health insurance on your list of things to think about immediately. You shouldn't question if you're going to acquire health insurance, but rather how you are going to acquire it. You have lots of options. Now is just a matter of researching your options and finding which plan works best for you now that you're out of college.
About The Author
For more information about health insurance after college graduation, be sure to visit the experts at 2HealthInsurance.net. Thanks for reading!
