In today’s era, just about every college has some sort of health services department, and it’s up to you if you want health insurance, or not.  I would strongly encourage it, because you don’t want to wake up one day needing surgery, and you have to spend every dime out of your pocket on something that could have been covered by insurance.

Many people have the assumption that insurance is expensive, and while it can get costly, there are many alternatives that you can get for a low cost, if you don’t go through your school.  For example, services like EHealthInsurance have many high deductible plans that would only cost you around $40.

If you do decide to go through your school, here are some things that you should know, before you sign up for the health plan.

What’s in your plan?

Every health insurance plan is different, and before you join, you’ll want to know what’s covered, and what’s not.  You’ll want to know where you can use your insurance, and how much is going to be covered.  Just because you’re going through your college, doesn’t mean it’s going to be the greatest insurance in the world.  I would meet with an advisor, and ask for a brochure to see exactly what you’re going to get in your particular plan.

What is it going to cost?

Every health insurance plan is going to vary in price, and that is why I encourage most students to look at eHealthInsurance to compare quotes to the school’s quote.  I know you can put your health insurance on your student loans, but you’ll want to be cost savvy as well, because you’re going to be paying for it sooner or later.

How is the provider of your school rated?

Just like any company in the world, insurance companies can be considered the root of all evil.  When you’re messing with your health, you want to be working with a company that cares.  If you find that you’re working with a company is rated poorly online, you may find that some of your surgeries, doctor’s visits, etc won’t be covered.  US News had a great article on top health insurance companies a while back that I recommend you read.

Your health is something that you shouldn’t mess with.  As long as you know what you’re getting, and at what cost, you should be fine as long as you’re insured.