Purchasing Health Insurance

By: Dan Hughes

For most people today, researching and buying health insurance is a very difficult and head spitting problem. It’s easy for the people who don’t need to go out searching for their own health insurance because their companies offer them coverage. However, especially in today’s economy, people have to go out looking for their own health insurance, and they have to do it without any help. For the most part, many people don’t really know what to look for and don’t know what questions to ask when they finally see somebody. According to some experts, there are five crucial questions that one should ask when purchasing health insurance.

1. How much are my premiums and will they change?

It is important to get the price of the premiums in writing and to find out how long you will be charged this particular rate. These quoted rates sometimes don’t last that long.

2. What are my deductibles and co-pays?

Always know what you’re paying for. Even if you meet your deductible, you most likely will still be responsible for a co-pay whenever you see the doctor.

3. Is the insurance company licensed in my state?

4. Am I buying a short-term or a long-term plan?

Be wary of short-term plans. When you go to reapply after a short-term policy, some companies will treat you as a brand new customer. This could be a problem for people who have conditions that overlap different policies.

5. Should I consider going with COBRA?

COBRA is a program that allows you to keep your employer’s insurance if you happen to be laid off or are working much less hours. However, you have to pay the whole premium, which may deter some people.

Always remember, though - if a policy sounds too good to be true, it most likely is.

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