Insurance can be a tricky topic, especially if you’re new to the field. Finding out about the differences in policies, the differences in rates, and even the differences in carriers can seem like a huge task, regardless of how much experience you have with purchasing insurance. This article contains helpful advice that will help you to avoid common pitfalls of purchasing insurance.
It is imperative to have a full, working knowledge of how your health insurance coverage works. It is vital to have extra coverage if it turns out that you are not able to return to work for a considerable amount of time.
Ask your employer about any existing employee wellness program. A lot of employers give out incentives for their employees in order to have their lifestyle and health assessed. Joining certain fitness programs may help your company pay less for its insurance coverage.
Individual policies tend to cost quite a bit more than a group plan, so be sure that you plan out your finances accordingly. You might find yourself forced to compromise on both coverage and deductible. Look around for the best rates and coverage.
Catastrophic Coverage
To save money on your health insurance premiums, opt for catastrophic coverage rather than comprehensive. Comprehensive health insurance covers everything, whereas catastrophic coverage only covers a visit to the emergency room or hospital care.
Having health insurance can lead to tax deductions! A lot of people are unfamiliar that their health insurance premium is tax deductible. You can also deduct the money you spend paying for your deductible, prescriptions or any visits not covered by your insurance. Check your state tax guidelines to ensure you’re adhering to both local and federal rules.
When you apply for insurance, the company will give you a call. Ensure that you don’t volunteer any information they don’t specifically ask for. Simply respond to whatever questions they ask. If you give them additional information they did not ask for, they will record it, and could find a way to raise your rates or possibly deny you for coverage.
It does not matter which type of health insurance you have, everyone will save money if they choose to get generic drugs when filling a prescription. In very rare circumstances a generic won’t be available to you. Generics have been proven to be as effective as any name brand.
Make sure you choose a plan that covers any medications you currently take, as well as the basics, like antibiotics. This changes every year, so you should ensure you look over the list yourself when you re-enroll, so that you won’t be shocked when you refill your prescription.
Getting insurance with a group or through your employer is much cheaper than purchasing insurance by yourself. You can avoid higher costs by joining a trade organization who offers members insurance.
Take note of your bills. You might find some surprises on your medical bills, even when you are supposed fully covered by an insurance plan. One of the most common unconsidered costs that add up are those associated with prescription medications. Many doctors just write out these prescriptions for brand-name meds without mentioning generics. Also make sure that you shop around. Different pharmacies have varying prices on generic medications.
Medical Condition
Be sure to do your homework researching potential health insurance coverage, especially if you are dealing with a pre-existing medical condition. There are many companies who won’t give you coverage if you already had a medical condition before signing with them, or they will charge you signifcantly more. By researching all of your options, you’ll be able to choose the best coverage for the lowest premium.
The information laid out here should provide the confidence you need to make the best choices for your insurance. This will help you get the most for the money you spend and feel assured that you have the coverage you need at a price that is right for you.
