It seems like health insurance costs keeps increasing every year. Health insurance for college students and new graduates is important even if you think you can survive without it.

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Saving Money on Health Insurance

When comparing health insurance policies, please remember to check the coverage offered, not just the premiums. You don’t want to be uncovered for a major illness because you have a horrible policy.

Buy the best health insurance you can afford. It can be a huge benefit if you get ill or are in an accident.

Tips on Cutting Your Health Care Expenses

  • Don’t be a smoker: This habit can cut your life short and it has been linked to other health problems. This in turn leads to higher costs.
  • Exercise regularly: Try being active 3x a week for at least 20 minutes. You may also want to consider participating in an amateur sports league to get yourself committed to a routine.
  • Watch what you eat: Obesity can increase your chances of diabetes, heart disease, and joint problems.
  • Get a hobby: Hobbies can reduce the stress that you feel. That in turn can help your mental health and enrich your life.
  • Go for generic drugs when possible: Some drugs are available in generic form at less than half the cost.
  • Do routine exams: It’s better to catch something early than to wait until it develops into something worse.
  • Try health clinics: If you’re pinching pennies, this could be a good option. With my health insurance, I pay $30 a month for birth control pills. By going to the university health clinic, I pay $40 for 3 months’ supply. I save $240/year just by doing that.

Please talk to your doctor before you go on a diet or change medications. It’s amazing how much health insurances charge even if you’re in good health.

Try to maintain a healthy lifestyle and it’ll reap dividends beyond money saved.

Photo credit: NessieNoodle

Laura Martinez

Laura Martinez