SUBMITTED NEWS RELEASE
Nevada college students have spent the first weeks of the school year finding their classes, buying books, meeting new friends and perhaps even studying. One thing your average college student isn’t doing is thinking about insurance.
Even if it’s not the most exciting thing for a college student to be concerned about, the Division of Insurance (Division) has five quick and easy tips that can save every college student money.
Know your providers
If you have health insurance check your provider directory to find out which Urgent Care and hospital services near campus are covered by your insurance. Accidently rushing to a health care provider not covered by your insurance plan can leave you with big medical bills that you have to pay out of pocket. Call your agent if you have any questions about your benefits, including emergency room services, while at school.
Student health centers
Does your university have a student health center? How much does it cost to get care? Does it accept your insurance? If not, which is cheaper: A visit to the student health center, or a visit to a provider covered by your health insurance? Knowing the answers to these questions can save you money when a trip to the doctor is not an emergency situation.
Student health insurance
If you have limited coverage or no health insurance at all, another option is a student health insurance plan. These plans are sold by an insurer that has contracted with a college to offer coverage to its students. In general, these plans have more limited benefits and more exclusions than traditional health insurance plans.
Protect your valuables
You brought a lot of valuables to school with you, such as laptops, clothes, bicycles, appliances and books. You may be covered by your parents’ homeowner’s policy. Have them call their agent to find out what coverage extends to you. If coverage is limited, a low cost renter’s insurance policy for your dorm or apartment will be more affordable than the cost of replacing a stolen laptop and text books.
Change your address
If you are moving to a new area for school and bringing your car with you call your insurance company and tell them. It may save you money.
For more college insurance tips visit the National Association of Insurance Commissioner’s College Insurance Needs guide.
If you have questions, concerns or complaints about insurance in Nevada, please call the Division at (888) 872-3234; or email in Northern Nevada at [email protected] and in Southern Nevada at [email protected]. You can also file a complaint online at http://bit.ly/inscomplaint.
About the Nevada Division of Insurance
The Nevada Division of Insurance protects the rights of Nevada consumers and ensures the financial solvency of insurers. The Division investigated more than 2,400 consumer complaints during fiscal year 2010. The total premium dollar amount of all lines of insurance in Nevada for 2010 was approximately $11 billion. The Division is an accredited member of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, a national organization comprised of state insurance regulators dedicated to the development of good public policy in insurance. For more information about the Division of Insurance, visit doi.nv.gov.
