College Graduates Gift Guide: Survey Results Show Cars Top the List, but Health Insurance and Rent Money Not Far Behind

May 21, 2009
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After Graduation; 26% Want Cars; 1% Want Gift Certificates; 14% Want Financial Security in the Form of Health Insurance

MOUNTAIN VIEW, CA, May 21, 2009 (MARKETWIRE via COMTEX) -- College graduates are facing an uncertain future due to the challenging economy, and their wish list for graduation gifts reflects these sobering times. A new car was the top-rated graduation gift on the list, but more pragmatic gifts like health insurance and rent money were considered to be more desirable than "fun" gifts like electronics and sporting goods, according to the national survey of college students conducted by global insights firm Kelton Research and sponsored by eHealthInsurance (http://www.eHealthInsurance.com).

14% of grads would opt for practical gifts like health insurance while 12% wanted money to pay rent. These types of gifts may reflect the challenging job market students are likely to face after graduation. More traditional and affordable gifts, such as gift certificates (1%), sporting equipment (1%) and hand-held electronics (2%) hovered near the bottom of student's wish lists.

For a complete summary of survey data and methodology, go to: http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/collegesurvey

The key findings of the survey include:

If you could only receive one of the following as a college graduation present, which would it be?

  • A new Car - 26%
  • A trip with family or friends - 19%
  • Money to spend on expenses such as groceries or gas - 17%
  • Health insurance - 14%
  • Money to spend on rent - 12%
  • Large electronics such as a computer, TV, or gaming system - 8%
  • Small electronics such as a cell phone or GPS - 2%
  • Sporting equipment such as a bicycle or snowboard - 1%
  • A gift certificate or shopping spree for clothing or beauty products - 1%

For helpful videos, tips and advice you can follow eHealthInsurance on our Facebook page or on Twitter. A complete summary of survey data, as well as top-line results and methodology can be found at: http://www.ehealthinsurance.com/collegesurvey

About eHealth, Inc.:

eHealth, Inc. (NASDAQ: EHTH) is the parent company of eHealthInsurance, the nation's leading online source of health insurance for individuals, families and small businesses. Through the company's website, http://www.ehealthinsurance.com, consumers can get quotes from leading health insurance carriers, compare plans side by side, and apply for and purchase health insurance. eHealthInsurance offers thousands of health plans underwritten by more than 180 of the nation's health insurance companies. eHealthInsurance is licensed to sell health insurance in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. eHealthInsurance and eHealth are registered trademarks of eHealthInsurance Services, Inc.

For media inquiries, please contact:
Nate Purpura
eHealth, Inc.
(650) 210-3149
nate.purpura@ehealth.com

Sande Drew
eHealth, Inc.
(916) 207-7674
sandrew@surewest.net

SOURCE: eHealth, Inc.