It's a Dirty word - INSURANCE
By p1kef1sh
@p1kef1sh (45681)
July 2, 2009 6:10am CST
This is a plea for advice from anyone who has a child in College or is in college themselves. My daughter is starting college in North Carolina in August. The college expects her to have medical insurance and has sent her details of cover that costs $283 a semester or $56 a month. This is comprehensive cover. Is this a good price or can she do much better elsewhere? Is there a company that can be recommended? What have your experiences of on campus medical life been like?
4 people like this
18 responses
@Humbug25 (12540)
•
2 Jul 09
Hey there p1kef1sh
I know I am going to be of no help cos I know nothing about insurances in the US but I just wanted to congratulate your daughter into getting into the college, she is going to have a fantastic time out there, not so good that she doesn't want to come home though. She will have a great experience there and I wish her all the best and much success. That is great news, you must be so proud of her.
@guybrush (4658)
• Australia
2 Jul 09
That's horrendous, P1key - but I know medical expenses in America are very high. I hope one of our American friends can steer you in the direction of other companies who might have more reasonable premiums. We were lucky with our daughter - she did her degree at a military academy, so she was fully covered for all medical expenses as she was a member of the defence force.
2 people like this
@cynicalandoutspoken (4725)
• United States
2 Jul 09
https://www.ehealthinsurance.com/
Go there. They give you free quotes with no obligation to buy. Compare what the college of offering with what you can get through local NC companies and see how the college measures up.
I'm not a fan of comprehensive coverage because it is so limited. I work for a health insurance company and comprehensive is like the least coverage last resort but great if there is an accident coverage.
I don't see why your daughter couldn't get set up on a nice HMO for about the same cost.
And just as an FYI....NC is only a 6 hour drive for me. My daddy lives there.
@cynicalandoutspoken (4725)
• United States
2 Jul 09
Well first, they don't pay the 80% until you reach your $500 deductible. So if you have a $10000 claim they are only paying 80% of $9500. The first $500 and then the rest comes out of your pocket.
That is why I suggested a nice HMO. They are usually a few dollars more expensive but they cover 100% and there is usually only a co pay of $10-$30 per service.
American insurance is plenty confusing but if you need help on this I am available. And I haven't heard your voice in so long I'm going through withdraw.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
2 Jul 09
LOL. I'll talk insurance or anything else to you anytime.
I don't understand it though. Why would I pay insurance premiums when the insurance doesn't meet my costs. Deductibles I understand. Here, you pay the first $500, after that the insurance company meets the costs. That's why they screw you for so much money. It's not health cover, but partial cover.
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
2 Jul 09
Thanks for that Cyn. They couldn't get as low as the one that the University has offered. I don't understand some things though. Let's say that you have a $10,000 claim. You have a $500 deductible. They will pay 80%. So that means that you still have to find $1,500. How do you plug that gap?
@OConnell87 (1042)
•
2 Jul 09
i suppose its different in the UK when i went to uni we didn't have to do this, we just had to register with the gp on campus and if we needed anything it was free
2 people like this
@dreamhealer (812)
•
2 Jul 09
Just glad I went to university when I did. Even in the UK now, it costs an arm and a leg to study for a first degree. At least we still have the NHS, so UK students aren't expected to buy medical insurance. It was on BBC radio 4 this morning though, that the government are cutting back on student support AGAIN, while allowing universities to raise tuition fees. 
1 person likes this
@p1kef1sh (45681)
•
2 Jul 09
When I was 18 hardly anyone went to university and those that did got grants not loans. My daughter will graduate with about £20,000 worth of debt. I have to ask the question: Why do so many young people go to university in the first place? My view is that it's all about showing off to Euro neighbours and not about improving the level of real education in the UK. We should invest more in manufacturing and start giving youngsters real jobs rather than raising their expectations only to dash them for many when they enter the world of work (if they can these days).
1 person likes this
@bhanusb (5709)
• India
2 Jul 09
Insurance is tricks of sucking money from the clients.You don't have to pay $56 a month for your daughter's treatment. In the USA foreigners have to pay big amount of
money to the doctors or hospitals if they fell sick. Because they have no health insurance.
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
2 Jul 09
$56 a month? it is nothing...I pay $400 a month for my insurance....
If she is on visa status, maybe is much better to have an insurance for her for UK..
I have visitors from Europe in my house and they always buy insurance travel fro Europe...it costs much less and covers much more in case is needed...
@polachicago (18716)
• United States
2 Jul 09
not really ...:(
It is long list of treatments not covered, even exams...
Insurance in US and health care is the mess...cost the fortune, covers just a fraction of the cost...
@tamarafireheart (15384)
•
2 Jul 09
Hi p1key,
Wow!! your daughter is going to America? that is brilliant, all the congrts to her, $56 works out around £30 something a month, that is not bad maybe somewhere else would be cheaper, but I've no idea, good luck, hugs.
Tamara
xxxx
@camomom (7535)
• United States
23 Jul 09
Sorry, I have no idea. hope it's been worked out by now though.
@greeneyedlady (1439)
• Netherlands
2 Jul 09
I can honestly say that I do not know very much about medical insurance for college students P1key but I do know about medical insurance in general in The States and I would venture to say that this does sound like a very reasonable if not cheap deal for an entire semester. I wouldn't think you could get it much cheaper but of course it depends on the deductible, what is covered etc. The good part about it is that it is coming from a school, (they are not furnishing the coverage but they went out and made a deal with the company that is furnishing the coverage), and they are not really there to rip students off for an insurance policy but they are more trying to help the students out in helping them get medical insurance just in case something unforeseen should happen. 
@greeneyedlady (1439)
• Netherlands
2 Jul 09
That's good P1key, if you feel that way in your heart then you are probably right, most peoples instincts are usually better than what they give them credit for!
Good luck to her, I hope she enjoys her semester abroad!
@nitu1952 (286)
• India
2 Jul 09
I think insurance is not a dirty word because ther exist so many diseases whether we do nt make a gurrante that for how much time one lives. there are various types of insurance such as health insurance, medical insurance, insurance of household appliances which makes us feel relax.
@nanas99 (42)
• United States
2 Jul 09
I am surprised that the college expects her to have medical coverage. I don't think they can actually require it. Are you sure they are not just giving you an option?
I graduated from a California University in 2004. They never once mentioned medical insurance. Their only requirements was that I prove I have had my MMR vaccinations.
In fact my college provided a health facility that was free to go to. The cost was already included in my tution.
As far as the cost of the medical insurance they are offering it is not bad. Most medical insurance should be around the same amount.
There may also be another option if you have your own medical insurance. Your child can remain on your medical as a dependent as long as she is under the age of 25 and a full time student. I remained on my parents insurance until I graduated from college.
@EAWilliams (14)
• United States
2 Jul 09
I would recommend looking at the details...like how much will a routine well-woman visit or a problem visit cost your daughter (copay and coinsurance as well as deductible information is something you'll want to know because these terms mean you will be paying more money in addition to the monthly rate.) If you, (her parents) have insurance check with them because she is in college most insurance companies will cover her if she provide proof that she's in college. (Like her school schedule)Hopes this helps :o)
@lingli_78 (12822)
• Australia
3 Jul 09
hi p1kef1sh... i'm not living in US so i don't really know about the insurance policy and price in the US... i can't help you much unfortunately on this matter... but all i can say is the price of health insurance everywhere is very expensive... even here... i and my hubby pay heaps for my insurance and hospital cover... congratulations anyway to your daughter for going to college... take care and have a nice day...
@bdugas (3578)
• United States
3 Jul 09
Is this considered manitary at the school, my daughter is in nursing college and she isn't required to have medical insurance or at least she never said anything to me about it. Maybe something they just started, will be interested to see what others say.
@catdla1 (6005)
• United States
2 Jul 09
I would check with your own family coverage plan. Most, where children are dropped at 18, extend it for children that are in college. When my son was in school, my family plan extended the coverage while he was in school, or until he was 23. $56 per month seems excessive, when most people in that age group really only need a major medical plan.
