With less than three weeks until graduation, seniors have a multitude of things to worry about, including the search for health insurance.

Seniors will be dropped from their parents’ health insurance soon after graduation, so, it’s best to start examining companies and policies now to avoid undue stress later.

Depending on your parents’ insurance provider, you could be dropped from their policy immediately after graduation or up to a month afterward. If students decide to continue their education, they may still be covered up until they reach the age of 26.

Students should first consider the type of coverage they want. Basic plans only include medical and prescription benefits. If a student desires dental or vision plans, they should seek out a company that provides these extras.

Next seniors should examine their own health.

“Everyone’s not looking for the same thing,” said Teresa Rock, a representative at Blue Cross Blue Shield. “Insurance policies are typically based on health problems.”

Some pre-existing conditions may not be covered immediately by the provider. Farm Bureau’s health insurance is one of the few agencies that will even consider covering these conditions.

Most insurance companies see them as too much of a possible liability to take on immediately. Therefore, they will only cover them after a 12-month probationary period.

“It drives up the cost,” Rock said. “We can’t take the hit all at once, because it would increase premiums for everyone else.”

Students should also check the rates of different insurance companies, because they may end up paying more if they are at risk for future conditions. Companies examine family history as well as profession and habits when deciding on payment. Habits such as smoking might lead to bigger premiums.

“Smokers tend to pay more,” Rock said. “They usually have more resulting health problems later in life.”

Even if a student thinks he is perfectly healthy, Rock said insurance is still a necessity because you never know what might happen.

“Anything can happen at any time,” she said. “If you have a car accident and you’re hospitalized, that could lead up to about $15,000 in debt right away. Most people don’t have that kind of money just lying around. You don’t plan on illnesses, but they have a way of happening at the worst time.”

Since most seniors plan to gain employment following graduation, they should consider investing in a short-term policy, which lasts up to one year and costs about $21 a month.

“It’s less expensive than long-term coverage and a great solution for a graduate who may eventually find a job that provides health benefits,” said Wendy Ebster, public relations representative for E-Health Insurance. “It’s also a great idea for a healthy individual who only wants coverage in case of a major accident.”

Ebster said E-Health Insurance offers coverage to everyone regardless of health problems.

“This is very important if someone has a pre-existing health condition such as asthma, which can make it very difficult to get coverage,” she said.