Top Questions to Ask before you Choose a Health Insurance Plan
Choosing health insurance can undoubtedly be a confusing proposition. You have to sort through piles of paperwork and there are numerous factors that have to be considered. It can be very confusing for people, particularly when they don’t have any knowledge about insurance. If you are wondering how to choose the right health insurance plan for your needs, here are some of the top questions you need to consider:
- What kind of plan is it?
The first thing you need to look for is whether it is a managed care system or an indemnity health plan. Managed care would either mean a health maintenance organization (HMO) or a preferred organization (PPO) and it keeps your out-of-pocket expenses to a minimum. If you go for HMO, you have to pay a fixed monthly fee for health-care services, but you can only visit a doctor who is part of the network. With a PPO, you will get a discount if you visit a doctor within the network. You can see a doctor outside the PPO, but it will cost more. As for indemnity plans, they are also known as fee-for-service plans. They require you to pay a percentage of the medical expenses and the rest is paid by the insurance company. You can choose your own doctors under this plan.
- How much will I have to pay for medical care?
In order to calculate your cost, you need to know how much premium you have to pay for your health insurance plan. You should also think about the co-payment that will be charged.
- Can I use my current doctors?
You should also ask the insurance company about being able to choose your own doctors or hospitals. Obtain a list of hospitals and doctors that are covered to decide if the plan is suitable for you or not.
- What benefits will be provided?
It is also important to know what benefits you will get from your health insurance plan. Will it cover vision and dental care or any other special services you require? You should also ask about the cost of prescriptions.
- Is there coverage for routine examinations?
You need to ask about routine examinations, such as immunizations, pap tests and mammograms, and other checkups.
- What are the restrictions on pre-existing conditions?
If you suffer from a chronic condition, it is possible that the health insurance plan may not cover related medical costs. You should ask if these pre-existing conditions are included or not.
- What happens when I am traveling?
There can be situations when you are traveling and need to go to a doctor. It is best to know how much of the costs will be covered by the plan and how you will be reimbursed for the money you pay.
- Is the company stable?
Last, but certainly not the least, make sure the insurance company is financially stable. You don’t want to get a good policy with low premiums, only to find that you can get coverage for only a short time.
