Health Insurance 101: Know It Before You Need It

You don’t think about your health insurance… until suddenly you have to. You wake up with a raging sore throat. You twist your ankle. You break out in a mystery rash. And suddenly the questions start:

Where do I go? Who do I call? Will this cost me a fortune?

That’s why knowing how your health insurance works before you need it is one of the smartest things you can do for your future self.

Why It’s Important:

• You can get the care you need faster
• You’ll avoid unnecessary bills or visits to the wrong place
• You’ll know who to contact and where to go in an emergency
• You can ask better questions and make better decisions
• You’ll stress less when something does go wrong

What You Should Know (And Write Down Somewhere Safe):

• Your insurance provider
• Your member ID number
• What’s covered (physical health, mental health, prescriptions, etc.)
• Your copays (what you pay at the doctor, urgent care, ER, etc.)
• Where you can go for:
  • Regular care (primary care doctor)
  • Urgent care
  • Mental health care
  • Emergency care
• Whether you need referrals to see specialists
• If you can message or email your provider online
• What’s not covered (out-of-network costs, dental, vision, etc.)
• Your pharmacy benefits (where you can get prescriptions filled)

Example “Oops” Scenarios:

• You go to the ER for a sore throat—but it could’ve been handled (and cost 10x less) at urgent care.
• You schedule a therapy session, only to find out it’s out-of-network and $200 per session.
• You call a doctor—but you’re not even sure if they take your insurance.
• You need to refill a prescription, but you don’t know what pharmacy to use or if it’s covered.
• You’re away from home and don’t know if your coverage travels with you.

If You’re a College Student: Know Your Campus Health Center

• Most schools have a student health center with basic services—appointments, walk-ins, vaccines, mental health, and more
• Check what’s included in your tuition/fees vs. what your insurance covers
• Some services might be free; others may charge a fee or use your insurance
• If you’re sick, injured, or stressed, the campus health center is often the first, best stop
• You can usually schedule online or walk in—check your school's website

Grab our free Health Insurance Quick Guide + Info Tracker on our FREE Resources page.

And for more clear advice that keeps you sane and supported, grab: 
Unsolicited Advice for the High School Graduate: A Practical Guide for Becoming Independen