Five Tips on Buying Health Insurance
Buying health insurance can sometimes be a tricky and confusing process, which is one of the reasons why this site was developed to help guide you through it. Below are five important things for you to keep in mind when comparing insurance providers and shopping for health insurance in California.
- Low Premiums Aren't Everything:
- Do Not Cancel Your Current Coverage:
- Check for Providers in Your Area:
- If You Are Healthy and Strong:
- If You Have Pre-Existing Conditions:
This is a common mistake that many people make when shopping for health insurance. Picking the plan that offers the lowest premium without first checking the reasons why that premium are so low can lead to disastrous consequences later. The premium could be low for any number of reasons, for example a sky-high deductible in case you ever need care, or perhaps it is so low because your options for care are very limited. Be sure to check the policy plan and offerings carefully before you jump at the lowest premium price you can find.
If you fill out a quote through this site or elsewhere, do not assume that you are immediately covered for health insurance and cancel any policy you currently have in effect. Often these offers have to go through underwriting or a verification process before you are officially covered under the plan. If you have health insurance currently, be sure to wait until you receive actual coverage notification from your application before cancelling it.
No need to tell you that California is a very big place. Do not be swayed by simple numbers such as "Over 10,000 medical service providers", because it is entirely possible that all of them live in Northern California while you and your business are in Redondo Beach. Check the provider directory before agreeing to a plan, to make sure there are plenty of medical care providers in and around your zip code.
Consider a high-deductible low-premium plan for yourself. Many people in California and the nation go uninsured as a matter of choice, since they rarely get sick and do not feel a need for insurance as a result. Accidents can happen to anyone, though, and a medical emergency can lead to financial ruin for the uninsured. There are catastrophic plans available that cover just that type of emergency, however and are not built to cover regular doctor's visits for the sniffles.
Don't feel left out - there are plans that accept those with pre-existing conditions as well. Typically you will have to be prepared to pay significantly more in premiums for such a plan and you may be required to undergo an examination or provide proofs pertaining to your condition before coverage can begin, but if you are suffering from a chronic or life-long condition, it does not mean that you cannot find health insurance in California to meet your specific needs.
What about other insurance types? Health insurance is not your only option and you should also consider other insurance types to protect yourself as well.
