Health insurance is important, but when you have always been on your parent’s plan, it is easy to take it for granted. Going out to find your own insurance may seem intimidating, but it’s not as hard as it seems. So, if you are getting close to aging out of your parent’s health coverage, there are a few things you should know to make the transition a little bit easier.
How to Get Your Own Insurance
The first thing you need to think about is how to get your own insurance so that you won’t have to spend time without coverage. You can find new insurance coverage in a variety of ways depending on your situation. If you are working full time, you may be able to find insurance through your work. According to The Balance, schools often offer insurance plans to their students as well, so that might be an option if you are in college. If you are not in either of those situations, you can look for health insurance through the marketplace during the period around your birthday. There are a variety of plans available to you that will help you to cover your health needs.
Get Procedures Done While You Can
Sometimes you can’t afford insurance that has as good of coverage as the insurance your parents had. That’s why it is important to take care of important procedures in the time while you are still on your parents’ insurance. If you have a medical condition that requires surgery, try to take care of it before you age out of your parent’s insurance. For example, according to Showtime Smiles, wisdom teeth can erupt at any time between ages 17 and 25, so you should get them removed if you haven’t already.
Start Looking Early
If you have the chance, it is in your best interest to start looking at insurance for your health needs at least a few months before you turn 26. That way you can make an informed decision about what insurance is right for you. According to Oscar, you should try talking to your friends and family members who have already aged out about their experiences so you can get a better feel for how the transition works.
Finding your own medical insurance is an important step in adulthood. Whether you think you need coverage or not, it is important to have at least a little in case the unexpected occurs. Start looking now so you can find a plan that works for you.
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