Reliable and affordable health insurance is on the forefront of everyone's minds. With recent economic concerns, many people who formerly had health insurance may now find themselves completely uninsured. If you have always been covered through your employer, it may seem very difficult for you to find health insurance. This guide will help you determine the best way to find and keep affordable and dependable health insurance.
Instructions
Understand Your Needs
1. Research your previous health care plan so you know exactly what was covered. Did you find that there were some expenses that you had to pay out of pocket for because they weren't covered by your insurance plan? If they were substantial, make sure to record them so you can try to get them included in your next plan. For example, if you have vision problems and regularly need new contacts or glasses, make sure that you are properly covered or it can cost you quite a bit down the line.
2. Determine if you had coverage for items that were unnecessary. There may have been some items you were paying for that you never used. If you don't foresee needing them in the future, this might be an area where you can cut back on expenses.
3. Plan for the future. If you are expecting some major life event, such as a surgery or a pregnancy, make sure that you keep this in mind when you are reviewing your policy.
4. Think about whether you felt properly covered during previous medical needs. If you went through a major life event under your previous insurance plan, did you feel as though your needs were properly met and that you were provided with excellent service? If so, you may want to keep that company on your short list for potential carriers later down the line.
Comparison Shop and Buy Your Policy
5. Utilize your resources as much as possible. Many websites such as ehealthinsurance.com and insureme.com (see Resouces below) will allow you to quickly compare policies with a variety of companies based on your specific needs and your budget. This is an invaluable source of information and much less intimidating than calling each individual company.
6. Contact your old insurance company if you had an insurance plan that was satisfactory. People often think that it is impossible to afford these plans when they're paying individually instead of as part of a group plan. However, great service is extremely important when it comes to insurance, so contact your old company to see what it has available.
7. Be honest and up front when applying for a new health insurance policy. Even if you have a condition that comes and goes, include it. It could be a tragic situation if your insurance company refuses to cover a condition later down the line because you did not disclose it in the initial application process.
8. Conduct the proper follow-up. Make sure you get all the exams your policy requires, if this applies. Do this in a timely manner, and make sure your paperwork is returned to the company and that you are properly and adequately covered.
Keep Your Insurance Policy Valid
9. Always pay your insurance premiums on time. You don't want to be stuck with a huge bill because you accidentally let your policy lapse.
10. Notify your insurance company if you have a major change in your health condition. Full disclosure is important as it may refuse to cover you if it is not aware of conditions.
11. Shop around--even after you buy. If you find that your insurance policy doesn't provide great service or that your lifestyle and health has changed, don't be afraid to shop around again. You should not stay with one provider if it is not flexible and helpful for your personal situation. There is nothing more important than your health, so give yourself the best care possible.
Tags: health insurance, make sure, down line, insurance company, insurance plan
