Your resume is pristine. Your references are lined-up. But, have you
even given a thought about your health insurance? Probably not.

You recently graduated from college and you are looking forward to
the new opportunities ahead of you and striving toward your career
goals. But, no one has mentioned health insurance before now. . .

Most likely, you've never had to understand health insurance before
since you were covered under one of your parents' plans. Like
thousands of other new grads, you may have lost your coverage
unexpectedly. Your coverage may have been terminated upon
graduation since you are no longer considered a "dependent." If you
were unaware that this could happen, you need to find out if it truly
has before you find yourself without coverage right when you need it
most.

First, to determine if you are covered, contact your family's health
insurance provider right away and have your policy number when you
call. Ask about your current status and eligibility. Some policies will
continue coverage until a graduate reaches a particular age or no
longer continues in full-time studies. If your policy does not continue
health insurance coverage upon graduation, then you need an
individual health insurance policy.

With all of the other expenses you have, you may be tempted to
forego health insurance. You may be asking yourself if you really
need it since you're young and pretty healthy. In today's world, you do
really need your own health insurance coverage because:

-If the unexpected happens, you couldn't pay for all of your
medical expenses.
-You can have peace of mind, knowing you will receive the
care you need.
-The burden won't be placed on others to care for you.
-You can go to the doctors and hospitals you choose.
-You could receive reimbursements on gym membership,
massage, and sports equipment on some policies, which would help
cover the cost of the policy itself.
-You can receive covered ??Valued Added Benefits?? such as
discount dental, eye care, massage, chiropractic, and other expenses
you are paying for on your own right now.

Now that you are sure that you need health insurance coverage, there
are many factors to keep in mind as you start to look into buying your
own health insurance policy. These include:

-monthly cost
-out-of-pocket expenses
-doctor networks
-prescription drug coverage

You should also examine your job outlook. If you are just beginning
to look for employment or don't have any firm prospects, it could be
months until you obtain coverage from your new employer. You can't
afford to go that long without health insurance coverage. When you
do find a job, you won't have insurance through your employer until
their coverage comes into effect. Nowadays, the effective date is often
six months to a year after your first day of employment, leaving you
without coverage and in need of your own health insurance policy.

There are many options and variables for you to consider in
determining the right health insurance plan. Too many it seems. You
may go online to find coverage and settle for an online site or
telemarketing company that doesn't know or care about your
individual needs or situation - they are just looking for the next sale.
When making a major decision, such as buying health insurance, you
must talk to an expert to ensure you make the best choice for your
situation.

If you choose to look at coverage from several companies, here are a
few things to consider or outright ask:

-Is the company licensed to sell insurance in your state?
-Does the company represent multiple ??A?? rated insurance
carriers or do they only sells plans for one insurance carrier?
-Is the company selling you a plan based on how it meets
your needs? (i.e. Is anyone listening to your needs and then
recommending a specific plan that meets those needs?)
-Is the company resourceful and responsive by returning your
calls quickly and answering all your questions?
-Will the company service your account throughout the
lifetime of the policy?

Also, keep in mind that health insurance premiums are filed with the
State Department of Insurance. It doesn't matter if you buy from an
agent or directly from the health insurance company, you'll pay the
same monthly premium for the same plan. If someone is telling you
that they can give you an exclusive rate, don't believe them.

With all of the health insurance plan options and types, along with the
variances by state, it would be difficult to outline everything in this
article. To ensure you get the a quality health insurance plan for your
needs and budget, find a trustworthy health insurance advisor who will put your best
interest first and assist you through the decision-making process.