Reader’s Question:

I will be going to college in Arlington, Virginia and I’m wondering if I should get myself a health insurance. Won’t the university’s services be enough?

Harry

Arlington, VA

Hi, Harry, I have an idea where you might be going in Arlington, Virginia but I will keep it to myself for now. True, there will be health care services provided by your university and because you are a legitimate enrollee you will automatically be included in their system. However, there are some limitations a university health care services will have. Number one, it will definitely not have specialists on its roster and should you require special services you will find yourself unprotected financially. Secondly, most universities will require you to pay for the expenses up front and just reimburse expenses with them. This will be a hassle for you if it will happen at a time when you are short in cash.

The best deal for you, Harry will be a managed health plan, which should serve as a prepaid health care plan. Once you have paid for it, you do not worry anymore about being stricken by disease when you have no money in your custody. And if you are worrying about the budget, you don’t have to because there are many affordable health plans in Arlington, Virginia and you just have to look around for them.

You can look for them by entering your zip code on the blank space at the top of this web page. That serves as a search tool which will give you several free proposals from different insurers without any obligation on your part to commit to them.

Reader’s Question:

I am still covered under my parents this year. I will be turning 23 next year and I will be dropped out soon from my parents’ health insurance in Virginia. What are my options?

Casey

Chesapeake, VA

Hello there, Casey.

It’s good that you are thinking about your health protection at an early age. Besides, if you are planning to attend graduate school after college, you might be required a student health insurance card on your own or from the school’s. Although, if you plan to work after your graduation (I’m assuming you will graduate this year), then you might be covered from your employer’s group health insurance. But whatever your choices are, it is to be your first priority to get your own health insurance coverage as soon as you are dropped out from your parents’ coverage.
Why? Because adolescents up to your age are one of the high risk age group that face serious health challenges. Although I am not saying that you are one of the statistics, but your age bracket include high rates of pregnancy, suicide, substance abuse, mental/emotional illness, poor nutrition, HIV, and other sexually transmitted diseases. As soon as you can, get all of the coverage you need. Don’t wait until the first ER trip pegs you a whopping $10,000 medical expenses.

Before you decide, you should have a clear picture of where you are heading and ask yourself questions like: Am I heading the military? Am I going out-of-state for college? Am I going to get a job that pays well? If you can answer these questions, then you will be able to decide on your health insurance options in Virginia.