10 Things You Should Do When Buying A New Health Insurance Policy

All too often, health insurance is the last thing on peoples minds. It only comes to mind when there is a medical need or a health crisis that must be dealt with. As such, it is surprising that many people are caught off guard in times of emergency when they realize that the insurance coverage they have taken out ten years back is sadly insufficient to meet their present requirements. The purchase of any insurance can be somehow confusing and at times intimidating. Do remember that you can buy any plan, but the more important thing you need to consider is the strength, reliability and reputation of the company underwriting your insurance. The following are things you need to do when you are buying a new insurance policy.

Get Full Disclosure from Insurance Firms

It is standard procedure during the purchase of an individual health insurance policy for the underwriter to carefully review your medical history. Before you shop for a new policy and compare rates, it is best to note down all relevant information so your comparison is on the level. This also helps you in identifying the type of information most insurance companies are cautious about. For example, if you notice that the insurance firm you are currently negotiating with does not seem to mind the medical report on your bungee diving accident a month ago, you may have to ask some more questions just to be sure that the company is not going to increase your premiums all of a sudden once you have taken out the policy.

Obtain Information from Independent Insurance Agents

You can have your fill of information about what is going on in the insurance industry merely by talking to a licensed but independent insurance salesperson. Since he is not beholden to any particular insurance firm, he can freely discuss any feedback or past experiences of his other clients with a specific insurance company to include his specific products and customer service.

Find Out What Conditions Your Prospective Insurer Classify as Pre-Existing

Generally speaking, insurance companies will not cover pre-existing conditions although some may allow coverage after a very long period of waiting. Then again, there may be a few that are obliged to provide "guaranteed issue" policies. It is to your advantage, therefore, to obtain a detailed listing from your prospective insurer regarding the conditions it classifies as pre-existing, the length of the exclusionary period, and the type of coverage it allows at the end of the same period.

Determine Policy Coverage Flexibility

Choose an insurance company whose products and policy coverage can be flexible to adapt with any changes in your life.

Go With the Health Plan Coverage You Prefer

When buying your health insurance, it is important to choose the network of health care providers with care. Be sure the coverage of the health plan you choose will effectively, sufficiently and satisfactorily meet your own preferences and requirements. For instance, if you are not very particular about the doctor who attends to you, you may be content with an HMO-type of package, which is actually a more economical choice. However, if you would rather consult with the doctor of your choice, then be prepared to pay for the more expensive PPO arrangement.

Find Out Co-Payment Requirements and Provisions

Read the fine print carefully and note the requirements and provisions regarding co-payments. Find out if there is a yearly limitation or cap on these co-pays. You may also want to clarify the insurance company's reckoning of annual caps, whether it is based on a calendar year or on a flexible 12-month period. Be sure to determine the extent of coverage in terms of percentage.

Ask About Additional Coverage You Need

There are companies that will offer their products bundled up in a package like coverages for both short-term and long-term disability, prescription drugs, and dental and vision. If you have needs for these things, you should ask about these other products from the insurance firm you intend to buy your policy from.

Make Sure the Insurance Firm is Accessible

Because you can't project when you will need health care services, particularly in emergency cases, it is important that your insurance firm is easily accessible. Check if you can contact the company even after regular office hours and if there is a toll-free number to call. Try to phone the company and observe how many times youve been put on hold, its hours of operation, and the kind of services you can get through the telephone.

Find Out Increases in Premium Rates

Know how often the insurance company of your choice has increased its premium rates over the past two years. You may ask people you know are insured with the same company or your agent, if you have one. This should give you a clear indication of what to expect when you have signed on with the company.

Determine the Insurance Company's Reliability

Do remember to check on your chosen insurance company with the Better Business Bureau. Be warned if you see that the company has been reported several times as not acting immediately on complaints lodged by its clients.