Try to buy health
insurance through a group insurance plan where you employment or an
organization to which you belong.
bargain a disability policy with a longer ready
and waiting(p) period in front 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.
gain your major medical deductible.
Buy a major medical plan that pays a certain
percentage of the "usual and customary fees" or else of a plan that
pays benefits of frozen 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 straight.
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 equal
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 circumscribed 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 caller, not to the agent. Be sure to get a
receipt.
If you have a charge about your insurance agent
or company, contact the customer service division of your insurance
company. If you are still dissatisfied, contact your state insurance
section. Most departments have a consumer affairs division that can
offer up 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.
