by Marco Angioni II

Created on: April 01, 2008

Other than the insurances that are required by law, such as auto insurance, students should seriously consider obtaining health insurance. Health insurance is extremely important because college is a new environment. If you live in a dorm, there are many other people that also live there and they are not always careful about preventing the spread of their sicknesses (whether such sickness is the common cold, the flu, or some other common disease). As such, you may have to visit the doctor more times during your college years than you normally would have visited in the past.

Obtaining health insurance can be a tedious task, especially if you are not familiar with the specific terms and plans that are available. As such, you may have to get the help of an insurance agent in order to obtain clarification on some of the terms and plans that are available. Additionally, you should also get price quotes from various insurers in order to discover the best deal that you can get.

One great thing about being a student is that many insurance companies will allow you to remain on your parents' insurance plan (should they have health insurance and you are on the plan) as long as you are a full time student. Each college has different requirements for what constitutes full time and therefore, you should check with the registrar's office in order to discover what is required to be considered a full time student. It is important to note that in order to prove that you are a full time student, all you have to do is send a student status sheet to the insurance company every semester that you attend college.

Remaining on your parents' insurance is great if you can do so, but even insurance companies have a limit for this. Usually, once you turn a certain age (usually between 23 and 25 years of age) you are not allowed to remain on your parents' health insurance and thus, you have to get your own plan. However, if you do the things outlined above, you should be successful in finding a plan that is right for you.

Try to stay on your parents' insurance plan for as long as possible (if this is an option for you). If, however, you are in a position where you have to get your own insurance plan, find an agent who can answer all of your questions and can help you obtain a plan that is right for you.

Learn more about this author, Marco Angioni II.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.