Not every health insurance provider is created equal. Click here to learn what separates the best providers from the rest of the industry.
Is it time for you to shop for a health insurance provider?
You already know not all health insurance plans are the same. If you want a plan that is affordable and covers everything you need, you must do some research.
We’re here to help you. Read on to learn what to look for in a health insurance plan.
First, Consider a Few Factors
Before you set out to find a new health insurance provider, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
By putting your health needs into perspective, you will ensure you get the right amount of coverage for your needs.
The last thing you want is to be uninsured and have to overpay.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you’ve been going to the same doctor for years, chances are you want to continue care with that person. After All, they already know your medical history and you feel comfortable.
If this is the case, you will want to inform the doctor you intend to switch your health insurance provider.
Find out from your doctor what other health providers they work with, so you can keep in mind.
Add Your Total Costs From The Previous Year
Calculating what you spent the previous year, is a great way to put things into perspective.
Make sure you add everything you spent on co-pays, deductibles, and prescriptions.
What was your deductible for the previous year? Did you hit your deductible?
If you realize that number seems too high, you’ll have a point of reference when you’re choosing a new plan. If you’re comfortable paying that amount, it’s also good to know.
How Much Do You Want to Pay
Once you analyzed how much you spent on health insurance, then you can come up with a number you’re comfortable paying.
Having a high premium will mean you have to pay more each month. If you can’t afford a high deductible, you might want to find a health insurance provider that offers a lower one.
What Are Your Medical Needs?
Although it’s hard to predict if you will remain in good health, you should take your current medical needs into account.
Someone who is healthy with no history of pre-existing conditions probably only goes to the doctor for routine checkups. If this is the case, you should stick with a plan that offers basic coverage.
If you suffer from a pre-existing condition or have had serious health issues in the past, you should pick a plan that will cover this situation.
You might need to pay more each month if it ensures it will cover more procedures and any prescriptions you might need.
The important part is to find a health plan that will fit your medical needs the best while ensuring you’re protected from the unexpected.
Compare Insurance Plans
Now that you have basic knowledge of what you should consider when it comes to health insurance it’s time you look at the providers.
Like shopping for everything else, you never want to settle for the first product you see. You should shop around the market.
Check out a service like Insurdinary allows you to compare services and plans all in one place.
Before you go around comparing health plans from different companies, it’s time you understand what they are.
HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)
HMO is perfect for those who want to have lower premiums. This plan is lower because it requires you to have a primary doctor who will coordinate most of your health needs.
You will need the referral of your primary doctor in order to see a specialist. They’re also the ones who can order tests.
With HMO you won’t be covered if you visit an out of network doctor unless it’s an emergency.
PPO (Preferred Provider Organization)
With PPO you have a network of doctors they work with and they prefer you to use. However, they’ll still pay if you visit an out of network doctor.
PPO tends to have higher premiums since they give you more freedom. You don’t need a primary doctor referral if you want to see a specialist.
EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization)
EPO also has an exclusive network of doctors they prefer you to stick to. EPO doesn’t cover you if you see an out of network doctor unless it’s an emergency.
However, with EPO you don’t need your primary doctor’s referral to see a specialist. As long as you stay in network, you’re covered.
POS (Point of Service Plan)
Think of POS as a less restrictive HMO. You still have to stay in your network and have a primary care doctor, but you can get referrals to any doctor even if it’s out of your network.
How Extensive is Their Network
Since it’s more affordable to visit doctors in your network, you should compare how extensive the health insurance provider network is.
Ensure you pick a provider who has a wide variety of doctors in your area and eliminates those providers who don’t The last thing you want to do is travel far every time you need to see your primary care doctor.
Check the Out-of-Pocket Costs
Great health insurance providers will have competitive out of pocket costs. Make sure you read the plan in detail and outline all of the possible out of pockets costs you’ll be responsible for.
This is especially important if you’ll have many medical expenses in the future such as planning to have a baby, chronic condition, need surgery, or take brand name medication.
Check the List of Benefits
Since you already know the type of health care you need, it’s time you begin comparing benefits.
Choose the provider who will be able to better match what you need based on your health history.
Pick the Best Health Insurance Provider
Not all health insurance providers offer the same benefits.
You can find the right health insurance who better fits your lifestyle if you only do your research. Make sure they offer plans that best serve your health needs.
If you’re interested in learning more health tips to live a healthier lifestyle visit our blog.
