Everyone should have some form of health insurance or basic medical coverage so they can see a doctor for yearly physicals or when they are ill. Private health insurance used to be something only the wealthy could afford, but there are companies that can make medical coverage a reality for you.
Shop Around and Ask Questions
Medical coverage varies from one company to another with many different plans available to serve your individual needs. Shop around, ask questions and take notes. At first, you may not know what to ask. As you visit with different insurance agents and hear about the different plans offered, you will become more familiar with the process and you will soon know just what you are looking for. Do not purchase a policy with the first company you make contact with; all insurance agents are trained to sell. The next one you visit will sound just as good. Maybe after shopping around, the first company will sound the best. This is why I recommend taking notes. You can always go back to the first company and ask questions.
With private health insurance, you will be responsible for paying the premiums rather that splitting the cost with an employer. Private health insurance is not as costly as it used to be with the competition among many local insurance companies. Be very selective when buying private health coverage; do not accept the cheapest package just because of the price. If it doesn't provide the care you need, you're just throwing money away. In this case, you're better off just paying the doctor bills! It's better to spend more money to get what you need than to spend less money and get nothing.
A good insurance agent will ask you the appropriate questions to determine the coverage you need. Maybe you just need something to cover regular doctor visits or coverage in the event of serious illness or injury. Some people need more; they may need long-term care in a nursing home or assisted living facility. No matter what your needs are, be sure to select the plan that suits your needs and your budget.
More Resources
The internet is a great place to do some research. You can take all the time you need to learn about the many different types of plans that are available. Many insurance companies have websites where you can "click here for a quote" to get an idea of how much the coverage is going to cost, with no obligation to do business with them.
Friends and family are another great resource for information. Ask them about their health coverage and who they do business with. Everyone likes to talk about what they know about. Most people are thrilled to be able to give advice; many try to force it on you even when you don't ask for it. Imagine what you can find out if you ask!
Your doctor will also be able to give you some recommendations. Find out what type of insurance your doctor accepts, especially if you're very comfortable with your doctor and have no desire to switch medical providers. If you get a great deal on coverage that works for you, it's no good if your doctor cannot accept it.
Your Insurance Agent
Another import issue when shopping for health insurance is an agent that you can easily communicate with. If there seems to be a personality conflict with an insurance agent, you may want to continue shopping around. No matter how good of a deal you're offered, what good is it if you have difficulty filing claims? A good insurance agent will continue to be available to answer your questions and concerns even after making the sale.
Put all you eggs in one basket?
Many people only deal with one insurance agent for all their insurance needs. Did you know that most auto or homeowners insurance agents also provide health insurance? Some insurance agents are financial advisors as well. A full service insurance agent is not a bad idea. Your insurance agent is sort of like your doctor. He knows all about your financial situation and your liability needs. Why shouldn't he also know about your health care needs? There is often a nice discount when you have multiple policies with one insurance company. If you like your automobile insurance agent or your homeowner's insurance agent and the company is good about taking care of you when you file a claim, this is probably the place to start with your shopping for private health insurance.
All types of insurance can be very expensive, but they can also be very reasonable. Be sure to ask around and find a plan that suits your needs and your budget. Make sure you can effectively communicate with your insurance agent should you have questions or concerns. It is also a good idea to schedule an annual appointment with your insurance agent to review your policy to be sure your coverage is adequate.
This article was written by Ted Lewicki, a Farmers Insurance Agent who represents several insurance companies. Ted has been in the insurance business for nearly 50 years; he has been a member of the Better Business Bureau with no reported complaints. He is always available when his customers have questions or concerns or they need to review their insurance coverage. http://www.a-oneinsurance.com/ services Oakland County, Michigan with many clients in Waterford, Pontiac, Rochester, Auburn Hills, West Bloomfield, Keego Harbor, Milford, White Lake, Walled Lake, Wixom and neighboring cities and communities.
Long-term care, Senior Care Package, Family care package, Financial Planning, home Insurance, auto Insurance, life Insurance, health insurance
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