How To Be A Smart Shopper For Health Insurance
2:34 AM
If you've lost your job due to the poor economy, and along with it your health insurance, it can be challenging to find good coverage that's affordable. I think it's a mistake though, to base your decision for coverage simply on cost alone. Good health insurance is one of the most important things you need for you and your family, so take some time to get it right.
First of all, know the details of the plan. Start by deciding who should be covered. Should it be just yourself or you and your spouse? If you have children what about them? After you decide who needs to be covered ask yourself some questions about health insurance policies.
What do they cover or not cover?
How much are the deductibles?
Are there co-payments? How much?
Who can you choose for a primary care physician?
What's the difference between costs in network, versus out of network?
How much are the coverage caps?
After you understand some of the information regarding health insurance, the next step is to get some quotes from several different companies and agents. An online referral service can make the process much easier . All you have to do is type in your age and Zip Code and you will be presented with many options. Your age, income, and health, will narrow the options , with monthly premiums ranging from $100 to $1,000.
Next meet with an agent or two that you have a quote from. Mind you their job is to sell you a policy so don't be pressured into buying right away. Ask the agent for a copy of the policy to take with you for your review. Advise them that you'll get back after you look it over.
This may sound simplistic, but take the policy home and actually read it. Although reading an insurance policy isn't the most exciting thing , it's necessary if you are going to have all the facts. Pay attention to exclusions, policy maximums, and other inclusions requiring high out of pocket expense.
Once you have the facts, contact the agents that you met with and ask them tough questions about the policies. Insist on straight answers and get all the details on each policy. When you feel confident that you understand the policies, and are satisfied with the answers to your questions, you're ready to purchase health insurance.
First of all, know the details of the plan. Start by deciding who should be covered. Should it be just yourself or you and your spouse? If you have children what about them? After you decide who needs to be covered ask yourself some questions about health insurance policies.
What do they cover or not cover?
How much are the deductibles?
Are there co-payments? How much?
Who can you choose for a primary care physician?
What's the difference between costs in network, versus out of network?
How much are the coverage caps?
After you understand some of the information regarding health insurance, the next step is to get some quotes from several different companies and agents. An online referral service can make the process much easier . All you have to do is type in your age and Zip Code and you will be presented with many options. Your age, income, and health, will narrow the options , with monthly premiums ranging from $100 to $1,000.
Next meet with an agent or two that you have a quote from. Mind you their job is to sell you a policy so don't be pressured into buying right away. Ask the agent for a copy of the policy to take with you for your review. Advise them that you'll get back after you look it over.
This may sound simplistic, but take the policy home and actually read it. Although reading an insurance policy isn't the most exciting thing , it's necessary if you are going to have all the facts. Pay attention to exclusions, policy maximums, and other inclusions requiring high out of pocket expense.
Once you have the facts, contact the agents that you met with and ask them tough questions about the policies. Insist on straight answers and get all the details on each policy. When you feel confident that you understand the policies, and are satisfied with the answers to your questions, you're ready to purchase health insurance.
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