A Word of Advice
Regarding Student Health Insurance: It is an expense included in your initial bill for the semester, but students have the opportunity to waive the college’s health insurance plan if they are covered under a parent/guardian or another plan.
Be careful with this. I waived the college’s insurance with the intent of avoiding the additional cost, because I am covered under my mother’s health insurance. This may not have been the best decision for me, financially, though. I broke my wrist playing football this season, so I needed to make a few trips to Essentia Health’s 3rd Street Clinic for x-rays, casts, and doctor’s exams. My mom’s insurance only covers half of any expense at the hospitals in Duluth, so if I want full coverage, I am forced to drive back to the Twin Cities. This left us in a bit of a bind, being I did not want to miss classes for a trip home to see the doctor. I chose to bite the bullet and stay in Duluth for treatment, resulting in significantly more out-of pocket costs for my treatment.
My tip to you: Before waiving the CSS Health Insurance, check with your current provider for coverage in the Duluth area, as it may not be what you were expecting.
On another note, I am not trying to cast a negative light on the 3rd Street clinic, because they were extremely helpful and I would recommend them to anyone who needs medical attention here in Duluth.
Tags: advice, bills, Student Life
