Saturday, February 28, 2009

Important considerations when selecting a health insurance plan

By Elliot Bigman

The following information will provide individuals and families shopping for insurance with basic considerations to assist them with getting the best health insurance policy for their health care needs.

What premiums can you afford on your budget? For those who can't pay the higher monthly premiums, choose a high deductible plan that will cover the important health care expenses in case of emergencies. Many policies have $1000, $2500 or even $5000 deductibles that can save your family from financial crisis when a medical emergency arises.

Do you need temporary or long term health insurance coverage? If you are a student or unemployed, you may consider an inexpensive temporary policy that covers 1-6 month period while waiting for employer insurance. When looking for long term coverage, make sure you understand what the policy covers.

What happens if you seek treatment outside of the preferred network? Make sure you are covered outside of the network. Many insurance policies do cover this situation, but read the information about deductibles, out of network claims, and maximum out of pocket expenses for these claims.

How large is the network of doctors and hospitals that the insurance company covers? Many policies require you to visit a network doctor or hospital in your area. Make sure to check specialized doctors and access to medical treatment when traveling. Does the insurance company allow out of network medical treatment? Carefully check the network of doctors and hospitals and ability to choose your own doctor before deciding on an insurance company.

What happens if you seek treatment outside of the preferred network? Make sure you are covered outside of the network. Many insurance policies do cover this situation, but read the information about deductibles, out of network claims, and maximum out of pocket expenses for these claims.

How large is the network of doctors and hospitals that the insurance company covers? Many policies require you to visit a network doctor or hospital in your area. Make sure to check specialized doctors and access to medical treatment when traveling. Does the insurance company allow out of network medical treatment? Carefully check the network of doctors and hospitals and ability to choose your own doctor before deciding on an insurance company.

Does the health plan cover the important medical procedures? Choose a health plan that covers the basics like doctor visits, routine physicals, outpatient testing, and blood work. Also choose an insurance policy that covers infectious diseases, cancer treatments, transplants, critical illness, and traumatic accidents. Make sure to find out the lifetime maximum payout amount as well as if the policy has limitations or exclusions for coverage.

Check the insurance company for professional experience, helpful staff and track record in the field. They should specialize in health insurance and be willing to answer any questions and concerns. Having a professional agent can greatly simplify the entire process of choosing the right health insurance policy for you.

Check the insurance company for professional experience, helpful staff and track record in the field. They should specialize in health insurance and be willing to answer any questions and concerns. Having a professional agent can greatly simplify the entire process of choosing the right health insurance policy for you.

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment