Health insurance, though very important, is usually not taken seriously.

Among college students, statistics show an increase in those without health insurance. There is an easy explanation for this; health insurance is expensive. Though many students are covered by one of their parent’s plan, many are not. For most insurance companies, the cut off for a dependent is 23. This can be an issue because people are staying in school longer.

A student struggles with going to school and working part or even full time. Most of the time, health insurance isn’t even on their mind especially while healthy. But the wrath of being uninsured happens the minute you get sick or have an accident. Just to see a doctor can cost roughly $100. This doesn’t include medication or treatment to get well.

Luckily for those without health insurance, Mesa College offers a Health Services department for students and staff. It is located in building L-504 across from the tennis courts. Health Services have a qualified staff of 15 personnel including Dr. Calvin Wong, the Medical Director, and five highly qualified nurse practitioners. Dr. Wong is also a San Diego Chargers team doctor.

Health Services accepts walk-ins and can be seen by appointment. To see Dr. Wong is by appointment only on Wednesdays. All appointments at Mesa College Health Services are free of charge.

The mission of the Mesa College Health Services is retention and success. The program is there to help students stay healthy so they don’t miss class or drop behind on assignments. It is also there to give some assurance that if something unfortunate does happen, you have somewhere to go.

The clinic offers woman’s wellness exams, physical exams for personal and DMV purposes, vaccines, lab tests and prescription medication. Coming soon is also a man’s wellness exam. A list of fees can be found online and at building L-504.

The Mesa College Health Services also offers psychological, marriage, and many other types of counseling. They also provide information on day-to-day issues like stress, smoking, asthma, STD’s, and so on.

An issue Suzanne Khambata, Director of Health Services, stressed is to get your flu shot. Depending on your medical history, flu shots range from $5- $15. This would help prevent some of the risks of getting sick. All students and staff are encouraged to receive the flu shot to prevent sickness at Mesa.

“Come in before you get sick,” states Khambata.

With all these benefits offered at Mesa, it would still be wise to obtain health insurance. One of the best ways to start is to ask your employer what they offer and go from there. If your business doesn’t offer health insurance, you still have options. If you are prior military, the VA has a reasonable plan. You can go online to www.va.gov and see if you qualify. Another option is searching through student insurance companies. Be sure to shop around because some are cheaper then others. Also research what that particular plan covers and what your deductible is. Khambata recommended www.estudentinsurance.com.

Though it may seem like you are paying into nothing, you never know when you may get sick, break a bone, or worse need surgery. Healthcare is very expensive and shouldn’t be taken lightly. But during the rough times of being a student in San Diego, it is nice to know that Mesa offers a program that can keep you well without burning a hole in your wallet.