Is healthcare expensive for college students in Texas? I'm scared of getting sick. 🏥

[Robert]

I'm a pre-med student, so you'd think I'd be less worried about healthcare. But honestly? I'm terrified. A recent survey found that 26% of young adults in Texas delay or skip care because of cost. That's the single biggest barrier .

I work part-time, but my job doesn't offer insurance. My parents can't afford to add me to their plan. I'm looking at university health plans but they're expensive too.

The survey also said young Texans face some of the highest uninsured rates in the country . How am I supposed to focus on organic chemistry when I'm one illness away from financial disaster?

Does anyone know which Texas schools have decent, affordable health coverage? Or free or low-cost clinics near campus?

 

[Alice]

The "one illness away from financial disaster" fear is SO real. I had appendicitis sophomore year. Without insurance it would've been like $30k. With my school's plan I paid like $500. Terrifying but also... the plan paid for itself in one emergency.

Check if your school has a health center that does basic labs and X-rays. Mine does cheap bloodwork and even some imaging. Way cheaper than going off campus even with insurance.