Health insurance is important for everyone to have in order to ensure they are financially covered in the event of a health problem or emergency. Here are some tips for finding the right insurance to give you peace of mind. 

Consider Your Options

One of the first things to think about when trying to choose health insurance is how you are going to access the plan. For a lot of people, an employer will provide a few options to choose from as part of health benefits for employees and their families. If you or your spouse has a job that offers health insurance, this may be the easiest route to take. Even if an employer does offer insurance, there are still a few things to consider such as what plan types are available out of the provided options. 

Not everyone has access to an insurance plan through their place of employment. For example, people working as independent contractors or people starting their own business will need to look elsewhere for health coverage. Luckily there are many resources to help a person shop around and find health plans independently. 

Plan Types

There are a few different types of health insurance plans out there and they can be a bit confusing at first glance. The common types of insurance available are: 

  • Point of Service Plan (POS)
  • Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)
  • Health Maintainance Organization (HMO)
  • Exclusive Provider Organization (EPO)

Each option comes with its own pros and cons. A few details to look for are whether or not the provider allows you to visit hospitals and other facilities that are outside of their network, and whether you will need a referral from an in-network medical professional should you need to visit a specialist. 

Cost

No matter what kind of plan you are interested in, the cost of insurance will likely factor into your final decision. There are a few cost-related details to watch for when considering an insurance provider.

Premiums and Deductibles 

The first cost is the premium, which is simply what you pay to be covered by the insurance. Premiums are usually paid each month, but depending on the provider, this can change. 

The second insurance cost to watch for can be a bit more subtle. It is the deductable of your plan, which is the amount that you are responsible to pay before the insurance company will assist you. A high deductible means that you will be expected to foot the bill for any medical expenses up to that amount. 

Insurance provided by an employer often has lower premiums than insurance you find on your own. That being said, if you find yourself needing to find insurance independently, you can shop around and find a good deal. Be sure not to overlook the deductible, as some plans may look very affordable with low premiums, but have a high deductible that makes them less worthwhile should any medical expenses arise.  

Finding the Right Insurance

Finding the right insurance doesn’t have to be difficult. Keeping in mind the goals you have for your insurance can help you weigh the pros and cons of different options and find something that is right for you.