As a college student, can I afford a doctor's appointment? What are the financial risks?

Question

I haven't been into a doctor's office for over five years. For the last few months I've been experiencing some rather annoying recurring headaches in a specific part of my left forehead, sometimes along with mild, but stinging, pain in the center or right part of my chest. The chest pain has become much more severe and frequent in the last few weeks, and I'm starting to consider making an appointment at a clinic or hospital to make sure it's not serious.

I'm covered under my parents' health insurance (Blue Cross, Blue Shield of MN) until I turn 25 this October, and I'm one term away from graduating from college, though I might stay in for a master's degree. I currently have $400 and a part-time research job.

I know almost nothing about America's healthcare system. Can I afford this? If it turns out to be nothing, how much of a fee should I expect to pay for the appointment alone?

What happens if I need expensive tests? If it's something major, will I be able to obtain health insurance of my own in the future?

How do I find a doctor / clinic / hospital that I can trust (there are several to choose from here)?

Finally, if I use my parents' health insurance to cover the costs, will they eventually find out, and will their own cost of healthcare increase in any way as a result?

Answer 1

Most of the answers to this question depend on the policy that your parents have. The best way to answer it is to talk to the insurance company using the phone number on the back of the insurance card, or to talk to the human resources department of the insured parent's company.



Blue Cross doesn't run cut-rate programs, so chances are that your co-pay, the part that you pay up front, will run between 10 and 25 dollars and no, the visit won't raise your parent's insurance rates.

Answer 2

Dependent on what college you go to, most of them have an on-campus clinic that's covered in your tuition. If that's the case, you can usually just go to the doctor for free, and the only thing that costs money is whatever prescription they give you. They should let you know before they do any tests, and don't hesitate to ask about prices. They know you're a struggling college kid, and it's their job to help you out. :)



Good luck!

Answer 3

Use your parents health care policy, that's why they are paying for you to be covered. They probably care too. If you are receiving expensive care and you become 25 before the cure, most companies will continue the care you are receiving until you are cured.

Doctor visits in my town cost about $150. per Visit, not counting lab or other costs.