Many Americans choose to be insured through a group health insurance plan offered by their employer. While this is common, it is not the only option you have. If you do not like the group plan your employer offers, you can decline it and get your own insurance.
Declining Coverage
When you start working for an employer, you may have the option of being covered under group health insurance. Typically, a waiting period goes into effect when you are hired. You may have to wait three to six months before you can get coverage. During this stage, you can simply tell your employer that you do not want to participate in the group health insurance plan. You may have to sign something that says you declined coverage.
Individual Health Plans
If you do not get group health insurance coverage, you can choose to find an individual health insurance plan, whether just for you or for yourself and your family. These plans are offered by many health insurance companies and can provide you with the same benefits as a group health insurance plan provided by your employer. These plans come in many varieties and allow you to choose the features you want.
Freedom of Choice
One of the advantages of getting your own health insurance plan is that it allows you to choose the features you want. When you get an insurance plan through your employer, the employer generally chooses what plan or plans you have access to. You are given a predetermined premium to pay and you simply have to pay it. With an individual plan, you can shop around and find a plan with as little or as much coverage as you want.
Considerations
Although you may want to get an individual health insurance plan, you may not qualify for one. Before you can get an individual insurance plan, you typically must take an exam and answer health questions. If you have serious medical issues, you may not qualify for coverage. With a group plan, you are usually accepted, regardless of your past medical history. If you are in poor health, the group plan may be your only option for coverage.
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