By: Health Insurance
Submitted: 2009-11-11 20:48:05 | Word Count: 430
If the poor economy has cost you your job, and you don’t have 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. 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 coverage, answer these questions about health insurance policies.
[ advertisement ]
What do they cover or not cover?
How much are the deductibles?
How much are the co-payments?
Can you choose who you want for a primary care physician?
What are the costs in network, versus out of network?
How much are the coverage caps?
After you have a pretty good idea of what you’re looking for, the next step is to get quotes from several different companies and agents. This process can be made easierby using an online referral service. 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.
Take the policy home and look it over. 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.
Contact the agents you met with once you have the facts, and ask them tough questions about the policies. Get all the details and insist on straight answers concerning each policy. You’re ready to purchase health insurance when you feel confident that you understand the policies, and are satisfied with the answers to your questions.
