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Old 05-28-2012, 09:43 AM   #1
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Hi Nontrads!

I've come to the age where I can no longer be on my parent's health insurance plan, but school doesn't start until the middle of August. Anybody in a similar position? Are you planning to get short-term health insurance? Or just cross your fingers that you don't have any health problems? Does anybody know of insurance that covers emergencies only and doesn't have some ridiculous deductible?
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Old 05-28-2012, 10:25 AM   #2
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Hi Nontrads!

I've come to the age where I can no longer be on my parent's health insurance plan, but school doesn't start until the middle of August. Anybody in a similar position? Are you planning to get short-term health insurance? Or just cross your fingers that you don't have any health problems? Does anybody know of insurance that covers emergencies only and doesn't have some ridiculous deductible?
The American Medical Student Association offers a relatively inexpensive (and quite comprehensive) healthcare plan. As a pre-medical student, you are eligible for coverage. AMSA membership is $75, and the health insurance comes out to something like $100/110 per month, which is pretty affordable for complete health coverage.

I know their plan starts/ends in August, so they might have some discounted price available for the remainder of the term.
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Old 05-28-2012, 01:05 PM   #3
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I have Anthem BCBS, no contract for any length of time, decent enough plan, ~$150/mo for me, but I'm 35 and a woman... It depends on where you live, but you should be able to find something
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Old 05-28-2012, 01:17 PM   #4
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The American Medical Student Association offers a relatively inexpensive (and quite comprehensive) healthcare plan. As a pre-medical student, you are eligible for coverage. AMSA membership is $75, and the health insurance comes out to something like $100/110 per month, which is pretty affordable for complete health coverage.

I know their plan starts/ends in August, so they might have some discounted price available for the remainder of the term.
Do you recommend to get health insurance through AMSA or through school?

The one at my school cost about $950/yr but I can't go to hospital or small clinics directly if I have emergency. I need to go to the student health center on campus first, and then get a referral before I'm allowed to see the specialist.
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Old 05-28-2012, 02:20 PM   #5
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Do you recommend to get health insurance through AMSA or through school?

The one at my school cost about $950/yr but I can't go to hospital or small clinics directly if I have emergency. I need to go to the student health center on campus first, and then get a referral before I'm allowed to see the specialist.
AMSAs is slightly more expensive, but it has much better network options. I'm pretty sure you can go to anyone that's in network for United Healthcare.
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Old 05-28-2012, 02:21 PM   #6
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Is your 950/yr based on 9mos? If so, I would find your own private insurance, you can probably find something similar in cost with better options...
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Old 05-28-2012, 02:25 PM   #7
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Is your 950/yr based on 9mos? If so, I would find your own private insurance, you can probably find something similar in cost with better options...
950/yr based on 12 months. I just thought it would be very inconvenient if something really happen to me and I need to go to emergency room right away.
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Old 05-28-2012, 05:22 PM   #8
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Thanks for the responses. I'll look into AMSA.
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Old 05-28-2012, 06:17 PM   #9
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950/yr based on 12 months. I just thought it would be very inconvenient if something really happen to me and I need to go to emergency room right away.
Look at this more closely, usually in a 'life or limb threatening emergency' you do not need a consult to go directly to the ER... It is for things that aren't life/limb threatening that they make you go see them first, like you cut your finger and need stitches...
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Old 05-28-2012, 06:24 PM   #10
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Thanks for the responses. I'll look into AMSA.
They also have a $50 NEJM subscription, which I think any premedical student should be reading.
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Old 05-28-2012, 07:00 PM   #11
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Look at this more closely, usually in a 'life or limb threatening emergency' you do not need a consult to go directly to the ER... It is for things that aren't life/limb threatening that they make you go see them first, like you cut your finger and need stitches...
that's good to know, I did not know that. thank you
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Old 05-28-2012, 09:52 PM   #12
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If you're in decent health, a few months without health insurance won't screw you.
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Old 05-29-2012, 06:50 AM   #13
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That is true if you have nothing they can call pre-existing... They may have to insure you, but they don't have to cover the condition, & having a gap of more than 90 days causes trouble...
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Old 05-29-2012, 10:43 AM   #14
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If you're in decent health, a few months without health insurance won't screw you.
This seems like a terrible idea if you can afford the insurance....
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Old 05-29-2012, 11:07 AM   #15
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If you're in decent health, a few months without health insurance won't screw you.
Accidents, drunk drivers and illnesses happen. Not worth the risk imo.
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Old 05-29-2012, 11:18 AM   #16
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Do you live by your school? I feel like most schools offer summer insurance.

Before school last year, I was put on provisional part time insurance. And this year, I am required to have school insurance for my M1 summer.
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Old 05-30-2012, 11:51 PM   #17
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Getting a short term insurance is okay. But I suggest that you should get a long term insurance cause you will benefit a lot from it in the future.
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Old 05-31-2012, 10:57 AM   #18
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You should be able to go on COBRA for a month or two, which is an extension of your parents insurance just for situations like this.
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