Check with your family whether you will continue to be covered on their policy after graduation. Coverage varies enormously, so you must determine this individually. Barnard College offers an extension of both the Basic and Supplemental Student Insurance through August 19, 1998. To enroll, the premium must be paid by May 15, 1998. See Debbie Witzeman in Health Services for a brochure and application.
Group insurance is almost always cheaper than individual plans.
Please note that basic medical and regular major medical insurance are not offered, but recommendations can be made. You may also find that some other group of which you are or may become a member offers medical insurance as well. Pre-existing conditions are most likely to be invoked when there is a gap, even a day, in your current insurance and a new plan. Information released to an insurance company, including a diagnosis provided for reimbursement, is not bound by the same standards of confidentiality that protect your medical records in a hospital or doctor's office. Medical insurance is a benefit that is not automatic with employment, particularly part-time work.