What is Tonik?

So if you have checked out my www.healthygrads.com site you know that I'm a big fan of Tonik. It's a great health insurance but it's not for everyone.

So what is Tonik?
Basically, Blue Cross launched a new group of health insurance plans called "Tonik" specifically targeting active young healthy people who needed health insurance but hate forms and jargon. Their goal is to create fun, easy to understand plans that you can apply for in minutes.

As a young active individual myself, I've been waiting for plans like these. But my partners and I were skeptical at first since, as we all know, health insurance companies are notorious for making everything more confusing than it needs to be.

Well if you can get past the whole extreme sports theme it turns out that Tonik plans ARE easy to understand, easy to apply for and very affordable.

Here is the cool part: Tonik includes health insurance, dental coverage and vision discounts for one low monthy premium. If you’re 19– 29 years old, rates can be $64 – $123 per month. Other comparable plans often cost as much but do not cover doctor visits or dental. The price will vary based on your zip code, type of plan and your age.

There are three plans to chose from. Check them out at my plans details page. My favorite is the "calculated risk taker." It offers unlimited trips to the doctor for $40 plus a 1,500 deductible.

So why is it not for everyone?
While Tonik offers medical, dental & vision, low copays, low deductables, and generic percriptions, tonik does not cover maternity or brand name perscription drugs. If you are thinking about having a kid or you want cutting edge drugs that are still under a patent, Tonik is not for you. Give me a call at my office, 888 285 6334 and I'll find a plan for you.

One good thing about Tonik is that it's not just limited to young active kids. If you are under 65 you can qualify for Tonik. If you want to learn more or apply for a plan visit the tonik plans website.

Can I get covered under my parents plan?

If you are a full time student and under 25, most insurance companies will still cover you under your parent’s policy. Once you graduate, however, you are on your own. Your your parent’s plan will cut off your benefits usually within 3 months of graduation. You may be eligible for COBRA after that but it can get expensive.

Can I get health insurance for "free"?

Yes, there are a few ways to get "free" health insurance. Consider the following "free" techniques before purchasing health insurance.

A) Get a J.O.B that offers health insurance benefits. There seems to be less and less benevolent employers out there but some of the bigger companies will set you up with a good medical plan. This is the best option for grads that plan on working for "the man." Remember that most companies have a waiting period of 6 months before you are covered under the office plan so you may need short term coverage.

B) Marry someone who currently gets health insurance through their work. By no means are we suggesting that you become an insurance Gold Digger. All we are saying is that some companies extend their employee benefits to their spouses and if you happen to marry someone who has this benefit, jump on it.

For recent grads that don't fall in to category A or B above, you definitely need to purchase health insurance.