Saturday, June 26, 2010

How to get health insurance

What is Health Insurance?

Like any other insurance strategies, health insurance pays up for your medical bills. Its another way of pooling up cash for medical risks, before those risks occur. Government bodies or private organizations fund these health insurance programs. In this system, the individual taking up an insurance policy has to pay premiums monthly or annually, depending upon the insurance program they have bought, so that their medical expenses are covered when they need them.

How to get Health Insurance?

Although health insurance can be a bit expensive, you can find the insurance plan which suits your budget. Here are ways to get your health insurance policy:

• The best way to sign on to a health insurance is to get through your employer. It has more chances of being the cheaper option.
• For those of you who have left your employer recently, there is Consolidated Omnibus Reconciliation Act of 1985, COBRA. You can extend the premium date to eighteen months after your leaving date. However, the premium has to be paid by you.
• The national Association of Health Underwriters can help you find an apt insurance broker to compare your plans and costs near your area.
• A fee-for-service plan, gives you complete control to choose your doctor and decide when you need to see them. However, there is an out-of-pocket cost when your doctor charges you more than the customary fee.
• Some organizations provide you a list of doctors to select from. Such like Preferred provider organization or PPO. If the preferred doctor is within the list, your co-payment turns out to be low. This organization is the most flexible among all insurance plans, but cost is more in monthly and out-of-pocket costs.
• Another such company is POS, Point of Service, except your doctor chooses the specialist for you.
• Health maintenance organizations, HMO, are the least expensive among all the companies. They make you to see a doctor within their network.

Why to have Health Insurance?

So, why should you get an insurance policy? Well having an insurance scheme with you can help you get timely medical care. Moreover, it takes care of your medical expenses when you may not have that kind of money in your saving. Therefore, it is essential to always have an insurance policy. After all, it’s always better safe than sorry.

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