The market is flooded with health insurance options and making the decision isn’t easy. That’s why it’s important to research different companies and the coverage that they offer. Now, to help you out we have some tips that you should consider. Just remember this isn’t professional advice (it’s always recommended that you consult with a doctor and a health insurance advisor) but common sense info that anyone can take advantage of.
Do You Need Health Insurance In The First Place?
Your employer may already have you covered with a quality health insurance plan. Chances are you already know about this, but if not you should find out about the exact nature of the coverage.
You may also be covered by your parent’s health insurance plan if you’re still a young adult.
It pays to make sure that you do indeed need to get health insurance in the first place.
What Your Doctor Thinks
Your doctor may be very knowledgeable about different health insurance options. They also know all about you as their patient, so they may be able to help match you with a plan most appropriate for your situation. That’s why it pays to give them a call and see what they think.
The Costs
Premiums are the monthly fees that you need to pay regardless of whether you get sick or not. Note that these premiums can vary significantly depending on the plan you select, the company providing it, and your demographical information (e.g., age, medical history).
The deductible is the amount that you will need to pay when you do get sick. Once this is paid your health insurance company will cover most of the remaining costs.
You will notice that plans with low premiums often have high deductibles and vice versa. However, this is not always the case.
Some people who consider themselves quite healthy may opt for plans with lower premiums and higher deductibles because doing so may save them money. Of course, it all depends on individual situations.
What Previous Policyholders Thought
It’s a good idea to read the review of different health insurance options. Doing so will hopefully allow you to get unbiased information about whether different companies and the policies they offer are ideal for you or not.
You don’t want to take the word of company representatives so make sure you read what actual policyholders thought.
The Network Rules
Before signing up for a policy, you should consider the network rules. Some plans will allow you to use almost any doctor, hospital or healthcare facility. However, some may limit your options, and you might not even be able to see your own doctor without paying out-of-network fees.
Final Thoughts
Good luck on your shopping trip for health insurance. Just like supermarket shelves are stocked with an abundance of food options, so too is the health insurance industry. That’s why it’s important to consider all the different policy options, exactly what they cover, how much you will need to pay, and what network you will be on.