You’ve just Left Home. What about Health Insurance?

If you have just graduated from college or have been out of school for a couple years, you could be facing a health insurance dilemma. Chances are you were under your parents' health insurance policy while you were a full-time student. But most health plans will cut the apron strings once you reach age 22 to 25.

If you don't have a job lined up, or if your new employer doesn't offer health insurance benefits, you must decide which you can least afford: going with health insurance or without it. Even though you might not want to spend the money on health insurance premiums, don't be tempted to go without at least some kind of health insurance to pay for hospital or doctor visits should you become sick or injured. All it takes is one car accident, an ankle broken shooting hoops, or an allergic reaction to a bee sting to saddle you with massive doctor and hospital bills for years to come if you don't have insurance.

Even if you are on a tight budget or if you'd rather spend your money on fun stuff, you have a variety of options for health insurance that start for as little as $20 a month, from a minimal hospitalization plan to comprehensive HMO coverage.