Health Insurance

As a college student you are probably no longer covered under your parent’s health insurance.   Now is the time to get your own health insurance policy.  Students that pay tuition and boarding fees can enroll in a college student health insurance plan.

About 30%, or 4 million college students in the United States do not have any type of health insurance.  When they need medical care they have to dip into their savings account or ask their parents for help.  Students without any health insurance are more likely to drop out of college for financial reasons.  They have to work immediately in order to pay off their medical bills.

Student health insurance can also be a good safety net to prevent academic failure.  Should you get sick during the middle of a semester, your medical insurance can cover the cost of your medicines and patient care so you can go back to school as soon as possible, and not fall behind on your school work.

If your school does not offer health insurance, go to your local hospital to see if you qualify for income based health insurance.  Almost all cities have some kind of insurance for people who can not afford regular health insurance.  Your premium is based on your income.  As a college student, you will probably pay the minimum or nothing at all.

Check with your student services office at your college or university, to find out if they offer student health insurance.

In the past few years, the number of insurance companies in Texas has risen dramatically.  If you live in the Lone Star state there are a lot of health insurances for you to choose from.

With a population of over 23 million, Texas is one of the most populated states.  There are many different languages spoken in Texas, because of how close it is to Mexico.  Almost all of the health insurance companies are fluent in Spanish as well as English.
Insurance companies in Texas insure all different types of situations and people: individuals, students, and families.  Even with all the different insurance companies in Texas, there are many people that are still un-insured.  A lot of people are losing their health insurance because they have lost their jobs.  There are health insurance plans to fit the lifestyle and monetary needs for almost everyone in Texas.

If you do not think you can afford health insurance, think again.  You may be eligible for a program called TexCare.  This program helps you afford health insurance even if you are currently working.  These type of insurance programs depend on your income and your family size.  If eligible, these programs help mothers and their unborn children during the pregnancy.

Even if a parent is not eligible for health insurance, their children are most likely still eligible.  The income levels for children are normally higher than they are for parents.  This is good news, because it means most every child in the state of Texas will have some type of health insurance.

Health insurance or medical insurance is an agreement between the insured and the insurance company.  The insured person will pay a certain amount, called a premium, and in return the insurance company agrees to pay for the medical cost of the insured if he or she is admitted to the hospital due to an accident or illness.

An insurance policy helps to pay off medical expenses.  It may also be used to cover disability or long term nursing care.  Having health insurance protects you from expensive medical costs.

Your insurance policy will list the kinds of services you are eligible to receive.  Exams, medications and treatment services are normally included in your policy.  You are responsible for payment of any expenses that your insurance company does not pay for.

You will receive an insurance card.  When going to the Dr. or hospital you will have to present this card.  Treatment will be provided to you, and your insurance company will be billed later.  The card is renewable annually or every 2-3 years.  You must pay the premium annually or every 6 months.  If you fail to pay your premium your insurance may be cancelled.

Individual health insurance will just cover you.  Family health insurance will cover you, your spouse, and your children.  Be sure to report any changes in your family to your insurance company right away.

Group health insurance is purchased for employees by an employer, company or organization.  The premium may be paid fully by the employer or partially paid by the employer and the rest is paid by the employee.

Having health insurance protects you if you become ill.  It is a good idea for everyone to have some kind of health insurance coverage.