Essential Tips for Choosing Health Insurance Turning 26

Up until age 26, you can remain on your parent's health insurance plan. But turning 26 means it's finally time to sort out your own health insurance coverage. It’s important to make sure that you find a plan that meets your health needs, and that's within your budget.

In this article, we'll help you find a plan that meets your lifestyle and give you plenty of information so you can make an informed choice. 

At Health Plans of NC, we specialize in helping anyone from North Carolina find the right health insurance coverage. If you’re about to turn 26, here are our top recommendations for finding the right health insurance for you. 

Do Your Research

Whether you've been covered by your parents or finished college, so you no longer have access to coverage through your university, it's time to discover your options. Like any big decision, it's essential to explore all your options so you can learn about the different health insurance options available to you. 

For example, if you've started working full-time, your employer may offer you insurance as part of your benefits package. This type of insurance can be an affordable option that gives you access to various essential health services. Before you sign up, though, make sure it covers everything you think you'll need and is within your budget. Sometimes, a private health insurance plan may be a better option. 

You can explore individual health insurance plans through the Health Insurance Marketplace. If you're not working, you may also be eligible for a subsidy or Medicaid, which can give you significant discounts on healthcare. 

Consider Your Healthcare Needs

Different insurance plans offer varying levels of coverage based on the level of healthcare services you may need. Consider your medical history and overall health. Think about how often you're likely to seek medical care. 

Look back over the past 12 months and add up how many times you've visited the doctor and the types of appointments you've had. This review can be an excellent way to determine what you'll likely need in the short and long term in terms of healthcare. If you have any chronic conditions, such as asthma or diabetes, or need surgery, you should consider all of these when choosing your health insurance plan. 

Once you’ve done your review, you can compare health insurance plans to find the one that aligns with your healthcare needs. 

Check Preferred Providers

If you have a preferred doctor you see for all your medical appointments, check that they're in network for the insurance plan you're considering. You can do this by contacting your doctor's office. Or you can check with the insurance provider directly. They can provide a provider network for each plan so you can see which healthcare services you can access if you sign up. 

At Health Plans of NC, we check providers for each plan we recommend to ensure your preferred healthcare providers are in-network. That way you’ll not only have comfort that you're seeing someone you trust and know, but you can also save money because you won't have to pay any additional out-of-pocket costs. 

Seek Advice

Talk to your parents, relatives, or even colleagues and friends to get their advice about what coverage they have. They'll typically have more experience dealing with health insurance, so they can help you navigate the process.

Alternatively, seeking advice from an experienced health insurance agent is another great way to get unbiased professional advice. At Health Plans of NC, we understand what plans work best for younger people. Particularly those living in North Carolina.

Choosing the right health insurance plan helps to ensure your health and well-being now and into the future. With some research, guidance, and advice, you can find the coverage you need to keep you fit and healthy. 

Our team of health insurance agents is here to help. We'll help you find the right plan, whether it's Marketplace insurance or employer-sponsored, to meet your specific requirements. Contact us today to get started on securing your health insurance.