Individual health insurance is a critical element of your overall
health and wellness. Typically, those who do not have health insurance
are less likely to receive the medical care and attention they need
in a timely fashion.
How Can I Get Individual Medical Insurance?
Individual health insurance is usually acquired in one of two ways.
The most common way is through an employer. Many employers provide
optional medical plans for their employees, usually after they've
worked for at least 3 to 6 months. A portion of the costs would
be deducted from your paycheck automatically, but a significant
percentage of the insurance costs are covered by the employer.
The other method of purchasing individual health insurance is choosing
a private plan. There are dozens of health insurance providers who
can work with you to choose a plan that fits your needs and budget.
Most of these providers also offer free
health insurance quotes to make it easier for you to shop around.
What Should I Look for in an Individual Health Insurance Plan?
By taking advantage of the free
health insurance quotes offered by providers, you'll be able
to compare the premiums, deductibles, and service they offer. There
are a few important things to look at before making a decision.
First, be sure that your current doctor is part of the provider's
network. Most insurance plans require that you choose a physician
in their network, or they won't pay all or any of their fees. Unless
you plan on switching doctors, you'll want to be certain that your
doctor is in their network.
Second, choose a moderate deductible. The deductible is how much
you'll have to pay before the insurance starts covering your medical
expenses. A deductible that is too high may mean you're paying out-of-pocket
for almost everything, especially if you are relatively healthy.
On the other hand, a deductible that is too low may cause your premiums
to be unaffordable.
Finally, compare premiums. Individual health insurance through
a private provider is usually expensive. A study conducted by the
Kaiser
Family Foundation found the average monthly premium for individual
health insurance plans was $173. If you have a pre-existing health
condition or if you are over 35, your premiums are going to be higher.
Premiums for family insurance
coverage are also higher.
Individual Health Insurance
Resources and References
