| Our good health is one of the most important | | | | doctor is a prerequisite of emergency medical care. |
| possessions we have - and with the cost of health | | | | Some health insurance policies won't pay for |
| care rising, health insurance is one of those things | | | | weekend hospital visits unless you are referred by |
| that just makes sense. The possibility of you or a | | | | your doctor, and some will require that you wait until |
| loved one being affected by serious illness isn't | | | | a weekday if it's not a matter of life and death. |
| something you like to dwell on, but it definitely pays | | | | Check out these types of details before making a |
| to think about the consequences of such an event | | | | commitment. |
| before it actually happens. | | | | - Prescriptions - think about what prescriptions you |
| Chronic or serious illnesses are expensive, and | | | | currently need and what you may require in the |
| without health insurance, getting the medical | | | | future. Insurance plans vary as to the percentage |
| treatment you need may be difficult if not impossible. | | | | you are required to pay on prescriptions, and some |
| A comprehensive health insurance plan can take | | | | charge a flat fee rather than a percentage. |
| some of the worry out of life with the reassurance | | | | - Supplemental insurance - dental insurance and |
| of knowing that if the worst happens, your medical | | | | chronic or acute illnesses such as cancer are not |
| expenses are covered. | | | | usually covered by normal health insurance. Dental |
| When you're shopping for a health insurance plan, | | | | insurance is usually covered by an entirely separate |
| there are several things you'll want to consider when | | | | policy. Diseases such as cancer, or critical conditions |
| deciding what type of plan is best for you and your | | | | such as heart attack or stroke, can quickly become |
| circumstances. | | | | expensive, and supplemental insurance is designed to |
| - Your lifestyle will affect the cost of your insurance | | | | kick in when regular health coverage is exhausted. |
| coverage - if you smoke, are overweight, or have an | | | | Before you commit to an insurance plan, make sure |
| otherwise unhealthy lifestyle, your insurance costs will | | | | you're absolutely clear on what is and isn't covered. |
| be higher. Pre-existing medical conditions will also | | | | Your policy will list services that are covered, and will |
| increase the cost of your insurance coverage. | | | | also list those that aren't covered. Bear in mind that |
| - Most plans cover normal medical expenses - but | | | | your insurance company decides what expenses |
| before signing anything, think about what other | | | | they will pay for, not your doctor. |
| services you and your family are likely to need, and if | | | | Your doctor may decide you need a specific medical |
| the plans you're considering cover those needs. This | | | | procedure, but that won't make your insurance |
| is where it pays to know about the medical history | | | | company change their mind about covering it if it's |
| of your relatives, so that you can make decisions | | | | not included in your insurance plan. It's a good idea to |
| based upon what types of medical conditions might | | | | be very familiar with the terms of your policy, so |
| run in the family. | | | | that you can let your doctor know what you're |
| - If you require specialist care, make sure your plan | | | | covered for - when possible, your doctor can then |
| covers it. | | | | recommend medical care and services that you |
| - Emergency care - usually a referral from your | | | | insurance policy will pay for. |