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.

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

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