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Health insurance: Choosing a Policy that is Right for You

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Determining what type of health insurance is the most beneficial can be quite tricky. There are many different health insurance policies available and all of the numbers can become quite confusing. Here are a few tips for choosing a health insurance policy that is right for you.

Self Examination

Your current situation is something that needs to be considered when shopping for health insurance. If you are a young male and in good health, likely, you do not need a plan that covers prenatal care. However, a woman in her mid to late thirties will want to look for a health insurance plan that includes the cost of a mammogram. Consider your family history and your health care needs first.

Costs

Read: The Benefits of Getting a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC)

One of the most important considerations for most people is the cost. Look closely at the health insurance plans that you are considering for the maximum out of pocket expenditures. Choose a policy that offers the lowest out of pocket expenses and find reasonable co-pay. The higher the deductible that is chosen, the lower the cost of the premiums will be. However, consider the amount of surgery/”>money that you could afford to pay out of pocket should you need surgery or other expensive procedure.

Company Research

Finding an affordable plan with the coverage that you need is the first step. Once you find the program, it is vital to research the company before purchasing a policy from them. Check their records and look for appeals processes as well as the availability of service representatives. Read reviews from people who are insured by the company. It is also a good idea to check the financial standing of the company to ensure they will be able to pay any medical bills that you may have. An excellent resource for reading information about an insurance company is the government website for your state.

Types of Plans

There are three main types of plans from which to choose. Indemnity plans offer flexibility in choosing your health care provider and medical facilities. However, these plans typically have the highest out of pocket costs. These types of programs are becoming more difficult to find.

Managed-care plans will offer a personal care physician that tends to most of your needs. To see a specialist, you will have to have a referral. The costs are typically low as long as you use an in-network physician.

The HMO plan is the most restrictive type of insurance when it comes to choosing a physician or medical facility. However, as long as you stay within the HMO network, you will find that this is the least expensive type of plan.

Take time to research and learn about the types of health insurance that are available, and you will be able to choose the perfect plan to fit your current needs.