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The cost of college has risen sharply in the past few years. While this is an excellent time to pursue higher education, it can be challenging for students and parents who are trying to come up with the money for tuition. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the cost of a college education without giving up your favorite guilty pleasures or settling for less. Reducing your health insurance costs as much as possible is a top priority when you’re looking at ways to save money on college without compromising your future – and It shouldn’t be any different if you’re going to be living on campus. There are several affordable health insurance options available that won’t break the bank either.
The Importance of Health Insurance for Students
Just like your car, your health insurance is a significant investment. If you have health insurance while you’re in college, you’ll be able to access high-quality medical care without the hassle of paying out of pocket. You’ll also have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you have health insurance coverage if something serious happens. This is especially important if you’re a college student who is extremely active.
Finding an Affordable Health Insurance Provider for Students
When you’re looking for an affordable health insurance provider, you want to make sure you can get a discount of some kind. Usually, there are discounts available for students who sign up for health insurance through their school or who are members of a student organization. If your school has a health clinic or student health organization, ask if you can sign up for health insurance through them at a reduced rate. If not, try visiting a health care provider that accepts Medicare, Medicaid, or other student-specific programs. You may be able to get a discount by showing your school ID or other documentation that proves your status as a student.
High-quality, low-cost Health Coverage
If you’re interested in finding an affordable health insurance option, consider signing up for a high-quality plan with a low monthly premium with plans that have high deductibles. A high deductible plan may seem expensive at first, but it will save you a ton of money once you get sick. You’ll be able to see a doctor as soon as you’re sick and won’t have to pay huge medical bills that you’ll end up paying for the rest of your life because you can’t afford insurance.
Get a Discount on Your Campus Health Insurance
Most colleges give students discounts on their health insurance premiums. To find out if your school does this, call the Student Health and Wellness Center and ask to speak with a health insurance agent. If your school has a health insurance discount, ask your guidance counselor or your school’s financial aid office to let you know.
Join a Specialty Club
Many specialty clubs charge a fee to join, but they offer discounts on health insurance premiums. If you belong to a computer science club, a law society, a debate team, or other common college extracurriculars, ask your school’s student organization office if there are any health insurance discounts available through your school. You may be able to get a significant discount by joining a student organization that offers a health insurance discount or by becoming a member of a popular club.
Shop Around for the Cheapest Plan
If you don’t have insurance through your school, you can look for a standalone health insurance plan. You’ll need to shop around and compare prices to find the cheapest plan available. However, keep in mind that some plans are less expensive than others depending on your age, location, and other factors.
Request an Increase in Financial Aid
If you’re still unable to find affordable health insurance, you can always ask your school’s financial aid office to increase your financial aid award. This can increase your financial aid award by 25% or more if you’re eligible for it.
Don’t Forget to Bundle Other Costs Together When You Calculate the Total Cost of a College Education
If you’re thinking of ways to save on college without giving up your favorite foods or activities, you need to consider the total cost of a college education. When you calculate the total cost of a college education, you should also include other important factors such as room and board, books, and transportation.
Bottom Line
Finding an affordable health insurance option is a top priority when you’re looking at ways to save money on college without compromising your future. High-quality, low-cost health coverage is an excellent option and will help you when you get on trouble with your health. Health insurance is a significant investment, so it’s important to get coverage that provides quality care. Moreover, it’s essential to protect yourself financially against the unexpected costs of medical care.
