04/15/2006
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If you are graduating from high school or college, congratulations! Graduation is an accomplishment that you will have for the rest of your life. One thing that is certain about this time of your life is that your life will change from this moment forward.
One typical change for our graduates is the status of their health and medical insurance coverage. Usually students are covered under their parents' policy until graduation. Once they are no longer a full time student, the coverage ends without the graduate being notified.
Hopefully graduates will have a job lined up that provides health benefits along with a stable paycheck. Many will not have that opportunity and will be forced to either risk going without coverage, or pay for high priced permanent health insurance.
A growing trend among graduates is for them to purchase temporary health insurance. Temporary, or short-term health insurance, is full major medical coverage for a fraction of the cost of permanent insurance. Although it costs less and has fewer benefits than plans with copayments, short-term health insurance offers the peace of mind that comes in knowing that if a health crisis occurs, policyholders can get the medical treatment that they need without having to mortgage their future.
Applying for quality coverage is easy at sites such as Short Term Insurance. Coverage can start immediately, and you can apply directly online and pay by credit card. If you have questions, any health insurance agent will be able to explain which plan would be the best for your situation.
Some people only need coverage for a single month, some for more than a year, and some graduates do not know how long they will need it. There are plans designed to meet individual needs.
Don't be caught off guard or without health insurance after graduation. You don't want to find out that you don't have insurance when you are in a doctor's office or hospital. Contact your insurance agent to make sure you have coverage until you get a job with health insurance benefits. If you don't, seek a short-term health insurance plan to meet your needs.
Brian Thacker is a health insurance agent. He has been saving his clients money for over 10 years, and is the owner of two Web sites dealing in health insurance. Visit: http://www.thackeragency.com and http://www.short-termhealthinsurance.com for more information.
© 2006 Brian ThackerThe views and opinions expressed in these articles do not necessarily reflect those of College Central Network, Inc. or its affiliates. Reference to any company, organization, product, or service does not constitute endorsement by College Central Network, Inc., its affiliates or associated companies. The information provided is not intended to replace the advice or guidance of your legal, financial, or medical professional.