|
|  |
|
.gif) |
 |
|
|
 Consumer
Tips For Buying
Health Insurance
Try to buy health insurance through a group insurance plan where
you work or an organization to which you belong.
Buy a disability policy with a longer waiting period before
benefits begin.
If you need a lot of health insurance, be sure to include major
medical in your insurance coverage instead of limiting coverage to
hospitalization.
Increase your major medical deductible.
Buy a major medical plan that pays a certain percentage of the
"usual and customary fees" instead of a plan that pays benefits of
fixed amounts.
Avoid duplicate coverage. Very seldom will you be able to
collect from two sources, so it's not worth the extra cost in
premiums.
Shop around. Compare companies, policies and premium prices.
Just be sure you're comparing the same types of coverage from each
company.
Buy insurance that cannot be cancelled.
Pay premiums annually if you pay the
premiums directly.
Buy from a reputable insurance company or a
reliable non- profit organization (is the company licensed in your
state?
Compare benefits of different policies.
Understand the limitations in policies
Consider your situation. What types of
medical needs are likely to occur? What types of medical expenses
are you likely to have?
Determine how much of your income can be
allocated to health insurance, considering protection needed,
against all other insurable risks, such as damage to the home, death
of income earner, and hazards to others for which you are liable.
Plan your health insurance program. Most
people have a limited number of dollars to spend for insurance. The
problem then becomes one of deciding how to use these insurance
dollars to good advantage.
Figure the protection you have from
Medicare or Medicaid if you are over 65.
Take your time. On the other hand, don't
put off an important decision that would provide protection for your
family. Make sure you fully understand any policy you are
considering, and that you are comfortable with the company, agent,
and product.
When you purchase a policy, make your check
payable to the insurance company, not to the agent. Be sure to get a
receipt.
If you have a complaint about your
insurance agent or company, contact the customer service division of
your insurance company. If you are still dissatisfied, contact your
state insurance department. Most departments have a consumer affairs
division that can offer help, and some have a toll-free number to
respond to consumer requests.
Review your policy periodically or when your situation changes
to be sure your coverage is
adequate.
|
|
|
|
This site is
intended for personal use only and may not be used for any
commercial purpose. |
|
| |
|
