Do You Need Student Health Insurance?

Tuesday 14 October 2008 - Filed under Health Care Insurances

Going to college or university is expensive enough, do you really have to spend more on student health insurance? The truth of the matter is that no matter how healthy you may be, you never really know if and when you’ll need medical care. Worse, most standard health care insurance policies – even the family ones – do not cover children over 18. When you go to college, you will need your own policy to cover your needs.

In choosing a student health insurance policy, you need to realize that you have two major choices. One, you can get an individual policy. Two, you can take the standard policy that some schools offer. The second option is not offered in all schools, though. If it is, and you are relatively healthy, you might do well to choose the second option as it is usually more affordable.

Still, you also ought to know that there might be several options that a school offers. In this case, it is always a good practice to ask around so that you can get the best deal.

Comments Off  ::  Share or discuss  ::  2008-10-14  ::  admin

Coverage and Cost of Short Term Health Insurance

Tuesday 19 August 2008 - Filed under Health Care Insurances

You might find yourself at a point where you will need short term health insurance, but do you know what will be covered by the policy? Do you also know how much it will cost you?

Let’s start with the coverage. The good news is that is that in general, short term health insurance policies have the same coverage as standard policies. However, most short term health insurance policies usually only cover fee-for-service issues – preventive maintenance such as check ups will not be covered. More so, dental care and optical care are usually not covered as well.

As for the cost, the news is even better. Short term health insurance policies are considerably cheaper than the standard policies which are renewable. How does $25 to $100 a month sound to you? That is how cheaply a short term health insurance policy can come. For a stopgap measure, it really is something that you should consider.

Comments Off  ::  Share or discuss  ::  2008-08-19  ::  admin

What is Short Term Health Insurance?

Sunday 8 June 2008 - Filed under Health Care Insurances + Insurance

Health insurance is usually meant for a long period of time, but there is such a thing as short term health insurance. This kind of health insurance is meant to be a stop gap measure. Sometimes, there is a short period of time in between the renewal of standard health insurance policies. Alternatively, when one decides to change providers, there might be a short period – several months at least – wherein the individual does not have health coverage.

Why is it necessary to take out short term health insurance?

You never really know what might happen in the months between your old and your new standard health insurance policy. Taking out a short term insurance policy can give you the security that you need.

It is important to remember, though, that you should not see short term health insurance as a substitute for standard policies. This kind of insurance is usually non-renewable anyway, so you will really have to rely on standard policies.

In the next post, let’s take a deeper look at short term health insurance.

Comments Off  ::  Share or discuss  ::  2008-06-08  ::  admin

Factors to Consider in Choosing Health Insurance – Part 2

Wednesday 5 March 2008 - Filed under Health Care Insurances + Health Care Providers

In the previous post, we took a look at several tips that can aid you in your quest for an affordable health insurance policy. Let us take at a few more to complete the series.

1. Ask for a trial.
While this may not have occurred to you at first, it is possible to ask for a free trial from some health insurance policies. While not all health care insurance providers will say yes to your request, there will be those that will do. With a free trial period, you’ll get to know more about the provider and the policy.

2. Opt for a Health Savings Account instead.
If you’re healthy and do not really go to the doctor often, you might want to opt for an HSA instead. This account can save you some money as well, and when you turn 65, you can withdraw what you haven’t used.

3. Don’t be afraid to negotiate.
At the end of the day, when you’ve found several choices, you will need to negotiate for the right price and terms.

Comments Off  ::  Share or discuss  ::  2008-03-05  ::  admin

Factors to Consider in Choosing Health Insurance – Part 1

Wednesday 2 January 2008 - Filed under Health Care Insurances + Health Care Providers + Insurance Agents + Medical Insurance Companies

Health insurance is all but necessary these days. Finding one that is affordable and yet offers ample coverage is not a joking matter, though. Still, it is not an impossible task. In this post and the next, let us take a look at some factors that you should consider when looking for a health insurance provider. They will help you lower your costs.

1. Location, location, location
Healthcare insurance costs and coverage vary from one state to another. Of course, you have to take out an insurance policy where you reside, but the idea is for you to take a look at all – if possible – providers in your state.

2. What are your priorities?
Do you have preferences when it comes to your doctors or are you willing to go to other doctors? If you are okay with the latter, you may be able to find a cheaper provider.

3. Don’t shy away from brokers.
Brokers have more information than you. They also probably have more resources than you do. You might want to consider taking on their services in order to find a provider.

Comments Off  ::  Share or discuss  ::  2008-01-02  ::  admin