Choosing Health Insurance

In the modern world of high expense and increasing inflation, procuring the right health insurance plan can mean the difference between physical prosperity and financial destitution. But with all of the insurance companies in the market claiming to have the best policies at the most affordable prices, how can you sort through all the red tape and find the coverage you need to become- and remain – healthy?

We all need health insurance, and you are aware of your own needs better than anyone else, so when insurance salesmen start hunting you down, barraging you with repeated phone calls and filling your mailbox with marketing brochures, don’t give in and buy the first health insurance policy you’re confronted with. Do your homework ahead of time so that you’ll be well educated and able to choose the health insurance plan that will fit you best. It is, after all, your health, and not that of the marketing teams who designed the brochures and flyers that matters.

To sort through all the offerings and find something you can live with, give these important issues careful consideration when searching for a personalized health insurance plan.

Customer Service

Just knowing your health insurance company is there when you need it can be a priceless assurance. While some companies work hard to serve your needs, others may take your money and treat you as a case number rather than as a person. A company who knows your situation and who will speak with you personally about your needs is invaluable. If you ever have to face a long-term illness, hospitalization or specialized treatment, worrying about your health insurance coverage is the last thing you’ll want to do. So look now for a provider offering you a wide variety of health insurance services, and who guarantees a voice on the other end of the line rather than an automated recording.

Analyze the coverage offered for medications and special equipment, experimental treatments, emergency care and rehabilitation. Find out which services are limited – or not covered at all – and consider whether each health insurance plan is a good match for you and your lifestyle. If a certain disease runs in your family, for instance, you will want to prepare for the eventuality of the onset of that illness, even if it never transpires.

Remember, the choices you make now could greatly affect your quality of life in the future.

Range of Options

What are your options when it comes to doctors, hospitals and other medical providers?

Make sure your present medical providers are listed on health insurance plans if you want to continue using them. If they’re not, this could easily dictate the type of policy you need to look for. You don’t want to end up with a big surprise the next time you need to visit your general practitioner.

What are your choices regarding specialists and specialty care? If you want to see a specialist, do you need a referral from your primary-care physician, or can you make those decisions on your own? These types of policies vary by company, and you definitely need to read the fine print when consider a specific provider. Make sure that your needs and the needs of your family are covered.

Locations of Physicians and Hospitals

Examine where you’ll go for the care you need. Are your doctors, hospitals and other medical care providers near where you live or work? Convenience and accessibility can be worth a lot when you’re in a hurry or don’t want to waste gas driving across town.

What about out-of-town care? If you get deathly ill while visiting Aunt Debbie 500 miles from home, will your health insurance cover a needed doctor’s visit or emergency procedure at the nearest doctor’s office or hospital? Or are you required to notify your health insurance company, then go where they direct you?

Prospective Costs

While no health insurance plan covers everything, part of your goal should be to analyze your health care needs (both present and future) and choose the policy that includes most of what you need (or may need) at the lowest possible cost. Although no one really knows what the future holds, we can make predictions based on age, health, and medical and family history.

Several costs come into play here, and together they determine your monthly and/or yearly health insurance premiums. Deductibles, coinsurance amounts, copayments, lifetime or yearly plan maximums, and cost of health care outside a particular network all make a difference in the price you pay for your health insurance. Find out exactly what you’re facing with each of these issues, and use the answers you get to compare policies side-by-side.

Using a consumer shopping service like www.insureme.com also helps defray costs. Online insurance shopping services like InsureMe can help you get competitive, affordable quotes from qualified health insurers in your area. This can save you time and money in your search for the best health insurance policy.

Find The Bottom Line

When looking for the right health insurance policy, get down to basics. Analyze your options and weigh significant factors like services, options, locations and costs. Then make a wise, informed decision – and protect yourself for years to come! You don’t want to be kicking yourself ten years down the line for the mistakes you made today; be prepared and educated on the factors that matter before making any sort of commitment.