The sheer number of options in terms of buying health insurance provides more harm than help, as average citizens do not always have the time and capabilities of choosing an optimal plan for themselves and their families. There is a number of factors one must consider before signing up for any type of health insurance.
Ask Around
It is more than likely that your friends and extended family members have their own preferred insurance provider. In addition to doing your own research in person and online, you should ask them whether they are satisfied with the service provided, as well as the medical conditions that are covered by different premiums. The optimal situation would be the one where you already know someone with a serious medical condition and the coverage they receive. This, by no account, means that you should follow their advice blindly, but rather keep your options open.
Government or Private Sector
Ask yourself this: are you more comfortable putting the health of your family in the hands of a government, or a corporation? While private health insurance may be more costly, the chances of getting proper treatment in time tend to be somewhat more efficient. Of course, this is just an estimate, as the policies of government agencies and private companies differ from state to state. The rule of thumb is to compare the potential policies before you proceed.
Pre-existing Conditions and Coverage Limits
There is a lot of controversy surrounding this particular topic, as handling pre-existing conditions is anything but affordable in most states. Make sure to ask your would-be insurance provider on the benefits you and your family will enjoy as their client regarding pre-existing conditions. Will there be co-pay or can it be handled by your monthly premium?
While we are on the topic of premiums, each of them comes with a limit. It is vital that you do research on all of the potential emergencies the company will cover. The details of providing this service bring us to our next point.
Read the Fine Print
Regardless of how heartwarming their marketing message is, insurance companies look at their clients as just that – clients. As such, it isn’t uncommon from your contract to include a clause or two that is not there entirely for your benefit. Read the contract carefully and, if you are not certain what some of the clauses mean, consult a lawyer. If a lawyer is not available or within your budget, google the explanations and take time to interpret them.
This might seem paranoid and excessive, but you can be certain that the company you sign on with will pay special attention to your end of the bargain, while not being completely transparent about the service they are expected to provide. Should you sign a contract you are not happy with, the process of signing on with a different insurance company can be tedious and expensive. This step ensures you save your money and health in the long run.