BUYING
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Information
on health insurance.
BE
YOUR OWN BEST FRIEND WHEN BUYING HEALTH
INSURANCE
If you are
self-employed, have lost a job due to
termination or being laid off, or through a
divorce, you are likely to be in the market for
health insurance. Current estimates are that
there are 45 million people in the United States
who do not have health insurance. The reasons
that people go without health coverage are
varied however two of the most common reasons
are cost and exclusion due to pre-existing
conditions.
When it
comes to shopping for health insurance, your
best course of action is to be your own best
friend rather than falling prey to the schemes
and high cost policies that are very readily
available on the market.
SHOPPING
FOR HEALTH INSURANCE
Here are some steps to take to be your
own best friend when shopping for health insurance.
Get multiple quotes
Either visit the offices of insurance
companies locally or use the web to compare rates, benefits and policy
terms. Don’t take out any insurance plan until you review at least three
plans. Consider comparison shopping with at least two to three brokers.
Know the pros and cons of each plan
A
major medical plan will typically have higher rates than a short-term plan
however if you develop any health problems during the time of a short-term plan
then you’ll have the problem of pre-existing conditions either forcing you into
higher rates or placing you in the position of not being able to buy coverage.
Check out who the broker represents
Does your broker represent only one company or does the broker sell the plans of
multiple companies?
Bypass the broker and buy directly from the
insurance company
You may be able to save between 3 – 10% by doing so. Contact your state
commissioner’s office for insurance to learn which companies will sell directly
to you.
Check for licenses
Call your Better Business Bureau to learn if complaints have been filed against
the broker or company. Check with your state insurance commissioner’s office to
be certain that the broker and company is licensed to operate in your state. Be
sure you’re buying a legitimate policy and not a scam.
Taking charge of your health means taking charge of your health insurance. Shop
with your eyes open and your hands on your wallet.
Information
on health insurance.
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