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Affordable Health Plans - FREE Instant Quote!

Individual health insurance is a good option if you work for a small company that does not offer health insurance or if you are self-employed. Buying individual health insurance is not easy because coverage varies from company to company. You have to consider what medical services are covered, what benefits are paid, and how much you must pay in deductibles and co-insurance. Although there is no one "best" plan, there are some plans that will be better than others for you and your family's needs.

Using an agent doesn't cost you anything. Buying direct or not doesn't save you any money. So use a professional help. An agent can save you both time and money when shopping for health insurance.

Are you overweight? Pregnant? Currently taking expensive medications? Most companies worry about these things along with many other concerns too. Let the agent know these things up front, because good agents know how to direct you to the right company that will take your particular problem.

A pre-existing condition will make finding individual health coverage more complicated and pricier. So, there is no guarantee that an insurer will take you on. If you have health problems, individual plans are medically underwritten and the insurer may reject your application or attach exclusions to your policy. Consult with your insurance agent

If you have a particular physician in mind, that might dictate whether a PPO or an HMO is right for you, depending on whether he or she belongs to that insurance company's network. If you want a comprehensive plan — and don't want a lot of out-of-pocket expenses — an HMO provides a very cost-effective way to cover you from womb to tomb. But if you're in your 20s or 30s, have no children and some extra savings, you can save by buying a policy that covers only catastrophic illnesses. You'll have to pay out of pocket for every routine doctor's visit or laboratory test.

Decide how high a deductible you can afford. The higher the deductible, the cheaper the policy.

Pay Premiums Annually. Although paying premiums annually may seem like a hassle, it is well worth the effort. You can avoid the service fee and receive a discount for pre-payment! Ask your agent for availability and eligibility.

Do you like to get acupuncture, homeopathy, massage therapy, etc? Make sure these things are covered.

Understand your responsibilities under your health plan. Do you need a referral from your primary care provider for services and procedures your PCP cannot provide?

Don’t hesitate to pick up the phone and call the number on your insurance ID card for assistance in understanding any part of your policy you don’t understand.

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Affordable Health Plans - FREE Instant Quote!