What is the best health insurance for Grad Students?

Question

I need health insurance.

I'm a graduate student at a private law school. Their "student plan" BLOWS. It sucks...big time. My father's insurance dropped me...won't pick me up again, even though I'm a student.

What is my BEST option? Is there a plan specifically for graduate students?

How do I even pay for it? Is it monthly, annual, etc.? Anyone? I am completely lost. I don't want to just "hope" I don't come down with cancer / get in an accident in the next year.

I'm so fustraited, torn and upset. I feel like my own country just wants my poor *** to die so they can harvest what little assets I have and put it towards Operation Iraqi Freedom. ;-(

Answer 1

Contact an insurance broker that handles individual health policies.

Answer 2

It sounds like you may be a good candidate for purchasing your own individual health insurance policy.  Depending on which state you live in, there are quite a few options to choose from and some of them can be quite affordable.  Individual health insurance plans are usually paid on a monthly basis.  Depending on the rules in your state, it is possible that you could be declined for this kind of coverage based on your medical history.  If you have a pre-existing condition, that might be one reason to stick with the school plan.

Is the student plan offered through your school bad because it’s too expensive, or because the coverage is so poor?  Your answer would tell a lot about what you want out of a health insurance policy.  Are you willing to pay more monthly in order to have lower copayments and deductibles?  Or would you prefer to pay less monthly but have a higher deductible before your coverage really kicks in?  You may be able to find an affordable high deductible plan that will still provide you with meaningful coverage in case of an unexpected accident or hospitalization.

I would recommend that you talk to a licensed agent in your area or visit an online health insurance agency like the one I work for, eHealthInsurance.com.  Through our website you can get quotes from leading insurance companies in your area real fast, compare plans rates and benefits side by side, and apply for coverage online.  You can talk with one of our licensed agents at 800-977-8860.  Working through an agent is a good idea – it won’t cost you any more to purchase your plan and you’ll get the benefits of personal service and a broader selection than any one insurance company can offer.

Good luck!

Amir M, licensed agent

Answer 3

In many states it is possible to buy a health insurance policy that is stripped of mandates (mental health, drug and alcohol, etc) if you fall below a certain income level.  Call your state insurance commissioner and see if you state has such a plan and who sells it.  

Call some health insurance brokers and see what they offer.  This is a problem and most policies will not be that great.

Answer 4

Some companies offer a policy designed for students.

https://www.studentselect.com/SS/Home/

You can usually pay your premiums monthly, quarterly or annually.

But with all the different health carriers and plans available most people really should use a health insurance broker. A Broker represents multiple carriers and can help you sort through all the different insurance companies and plan options in your state.

For example a typical broker can have access to 10 major carriers and 60 different plans just for one state.

You can try doing your own research on the internet, but if you give a good broker 5 minutes they will be able to make suggestions on which carrier may fit you best.

I suggest using yellowpages.com to search for health insurance brokers in your area.

Don't call your auto and home agent they specialize in property and causality insurance. You need someone that specializes in health insurance.

Good Luck