If you can, get help from a parent or trusted friend when purchasing an individual health insurance policy. These policies can be expensive and require you to make some very important decisions (such as whether to pay lower monthly premiums and risk having higher expenses should a serious medical event occur.)
Private insurance carriers will require that you undergo a physical to determine if you already have or are predisposed to serious medical conditions. If you do, they may not issue a policy to you. If this happens, keep trying with other carriers who may have different eligibility thresholds.
There are generally two types of individual health insurance plans, managed care and indemnity. Managed care plans are typically more affordable but have more limitations on where you can go for care. Indemnity plans cost more but have more flexibility.
Before you buy a policy, make sure that the carrier and agent are licensed by checking your state’s insurance department website. This will serve to protect you against fraud.
Finding Low-Cost Health Services In Your Area
If you are unable to get health insurance coverage, there are government and private agencies that can help you.
Many colleges and universities have health clinics on campus. Find out what services they provide and ask them to refer you to low-cost options if they cannot meet your needs. Colleges and universities are interested in helping you succeed. They know that good health is important for student success. So, don’t be afraid to ask student services personnel for the help you need!
Some helping agencies that you might be referred to are listed below:
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) are centers designated by the government to provide primary health, oral, and mental health/substance abuse services to all individuals regardless of their ability to pay. FQHCs charge for services based on a person’s income and ability to pay. http://findahealthcenter.hrsa.gov/
- Community Health Services are usually connected to city or county assistance programs that provide health care to uninsured or underinsured people in that area.
- Unite for Sight is a non-profit organization that provides free or low-cost vision care services. They also maintain a directory of free clinics that provide all kinds of other health services.
- Prescription drug assistance is available from many companies and organizations. Ask at any of the low-cost clinics or check online.
- Helpingpatients.org contains links to patient assistance programs, pharmaceutical companies, government sponsored programs, and other organizations that offer thousands of medicines for reduced or no cost.
