With the everyday distractions that University students endure, many may not be aware of the status of their personal health insurance.
While insurance may not be a very intriguing subject, something many students’ parents have always handled, good health insurance could prove to be one of the most important things a student can possess.
Medical treatment has never been cheap and a trip to the doctor can mean very serious medical bills, especially for a student.
In fact, some people have had to drop out of school completely because of massive medical debt.
Celeste Carney, the LSU Student Health Center Insurance Office coordinator, recommended that uninsured students obtain insurance before things go wrong.
“I’ve heard of students with thousands of dollars worth of bills stacking up and having to drop out of school,” Carney said.
“The number one reason students should get insured is for financial security.”
According to the LSU Student Accident and Sickness Insurance Plan, a student has the option of choosing a basic medical plan, which covers the student’s medical expenses up to $25,000, or a major plan, which covers up to $50,000.
An insured student can expect to pay between $12 to $20 for a doctor’s visit at the on-campus health center, but the rates increase if a student goes to a doctor off-campus.
If a student is unable to pay, they may defer payment to their fee bill.
There are many other health insurance plans and if her office does not have the right plan for a particular person she will help find a place that will.
John Finkle, a history senior, said being insured makes him feel safe.
“It gives me a sense of security,” Finkle said.
“If I get injured or sick I have that security and don’t worry so much about the cost.”
Many students still are covered by their parents insurance plans, but around age 23 they might lose their coverage, depending on their parents’ plan.
Carney also recommends that students searching for health insurance use caution.
“About two years ago a student and his wife purchased an online policy through a supposedly reputable company,” Carney said.
The couple ended up paying several hundred dollars a month for a policy with a five thousand dollar a month deductable, which is extremely high, she said.
“I was in disbelief of what was sold to them,” Carney said. “They failed to read underlyers and ended up with a horrible plan.”
Students wishing to purchase a health insurance plan through the University may buy one that covers the entire year, just the fall, spring and summer or summer only.
The deadline for purchasing the spring and summer plan is February 6.
The University requires all Non-Immigrant International Students to have adequate insurance, either through LSU or another provider.
For more information about student health insurance students can call 578-3304 or go to the Student Health Center Room 176.