Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Individual Health Insurance

Individual health insurance is usually taken out when health coverage is not available through the employer. Usually this insurance is expensive and less consumer-friendly compared to a job-based insurance. But it is better than having no health insurance at all.

The best way to start looking for individual health insurance is by trying to find an independent agent. An independent insurance agent has to register with the Department of Insurance in the state. Therefore, you can check with the department for a list of registered insurance agents who are licensed to sell health insurance in you state.

Or else, you can check out the National Association of Health Underwriter website to find an independent agent. Another option that is very popular these days is the Internet, which gives you the freedom to search for health insurance companies online.

It does not matter where you purchase the policy, as long as you compare different policies and select one that is best suited for your medical needs. Here are some things that you should look for when purchasing your individual health insurance policy.

  1. Make sure the policy cannot be cancelled and offers you guaranteed renewable coverage. In other words, as long as you pay the premiums and do not attempt to cheat the insurance company, the policy cannot be cancelled. Sometimes, insurance companies cancel policies when the insured fall ill and this is legal in many states. By having a non-cancellable clause, you can be assured that your policy will be valid even if you fall ill. Another option is go for conditionally renewable policy where the insurance company can cancel all policies similar to yours, but cannot just cancel your policy alone.
  2. The policy should have clear terms where it lists what is covered, what is not covered and when the coverage actually begins.
  3. Your policy should have a 10-day rescission period during which you can carefully study the relevant documents to see whether the policy is right for you. If you decide it is not and you do not like the terms of the policy, you can cancel the coverage within 10 days and get back the premium you paid.

There are many different levels of coverage available under individual health insurance and if you do not understand anything, make sure you ask the agent or insurance company to explain it to you. Do not wait to fall ill to figure out that the policy does not cover the health care service you need.

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