Introduction
Many people have a hard time understanding exactly how student health insurance works. However, it is easier then it seems at first. The following will show you how easy student health insurance is to understand and help you get started on the path to more affordable, quality coverage. You should use this knowledge to your advantage.
Purchasing student health insurance on your own often results in higher policy costs compared to group plans offered through an employer. You might have to get a smaller coverage or have a higher deductible, and for some people it will be both. Make sure you consider all your options before purchasing student health insurance.
Step 1
Make sure your doctor is part of the network if you are considering an HMO. With new student health insurance, changing doctors can cause frustration. You can avoid this by making sure your doctor participates in the insurance's network.
Step 2
Be aware of what the law allows for and requires when it comes to student health insurance. This information is readily available online for all states. You are going to want to know what the exemptions and variations are for your state when you are looking for a new student health insurance plan.
Step 3
It is very important that you comb through all of your student health insurance papers to find out what is covered, and what is not. Going to a physician who is not in your network can cost you quite a bit more than it would to stay in the network.
Step 4
Double check what your catastrophic insurance option covers. You need to make sure the student health insurance covers the catastrophic events that pertain to you. Once you have chosen your plan, start a HSA (health savings account) and make deposits that will cover your deductible, just in case the worst does happen.
Step 5
When a student health insurance company calls you as part of the application process, never volunteer information. If you have a condition and they don't ask about it, withold that information. Remember that the student health insurance companies are trying to make money, and anything you say can and will be used against you, in the form of raising premiums or denial of coverage.
Tips
Refrain from pulling out your credit card to pay for student health insurance. Many health insurance providers will charge you up to fifteen percent extra if you chose to pay your insurance premiums with a credit card, and on top of that they could also charge you an admin fee.
When choosing student health insurance, it is important to know what your coverage will encompass. If you have student health insurance which covers incidents like these, it can make a difference in paying for the down time you need to incur.
Sources and Citations
As you've read, people often believe that it's too difficult for them to educate themselves about student health insurance. If you properly educate yourself in this topic, it doesn't have to be like this. This article has already given you the opportunity to start your student health insurance education, and learn tidbits that are essential when it comes to being properly covered.