| Everyone knows that health insurance is a | | | | policyholder to go to whatever doctor he or |
| very important thing to have. However, some | | | | she desires. |
| people don't know that there are alternatives | | | | |
| to group health insurance. While group health | | | | Managed care plans, such as an HMO or a PPO, |
| insurance usually costs less and offers more | | | | are very popular. Health insurance companies |
| benefits, some people cannot get it. People | | | | contract with select doctors and hospitals in |
| who are self-employed or work for a small | | | | these types of insurance plans. Therefore, |
| company have the option to choose individual | | | | policyholders are limited to a select group |
| health insurance. Individual health insurance | | | | of doctors and hospitals. Some plans, like |
| is exactly what it sounds like; an individual | | | | PPOs, may allow the policyholder to visit |
| buys health insurance for himself or herself. | | | | doctors outside of the network, but it will |
| | | | cost more. People with this insurance policy |
| It can sometimes be difficult to get | | | | generally pay a very small co-payment at a |
| individual health insurance (especially if | | | | doctor visit. Some states have requirements |
| you are over 50 years old). Many insurance | | | | in place that force managed care plans to |
| companies may require you to take a medical | | | | have an "open enrollment" period each year. |
| exam to determine if you are insurable. For | | | | The timeframe is usually a month, and managed |
| this reason it is important to look at many | | | | care plans are required to let anyone join |
| different insurance companies. Unfortunately, | | | | the plan even if they have a serious medical |
| you may run into some companies that simply | | | | condition. |
| think you are too great of a risk. However, | | | | |
| it is also a good idea to shop around for | | | | Association-based health insurance is |
| insurance policies because different | | | | acquired through a trade or professional |
| companies give different benefits at | | | | association. If you belong to a professional, |
| different prices. You will be paying for the | | | | community, or religious organization, you may |
| policy on your own, and so it is important to | | | | be eligible for their insurance policy. |
| get the best deal for you and your family. A | | | | Naturally, you should learn more about your |
| few things to consider when looking for a | | | | group's insurance policy before signing up. |
| company are the amount and types of payments | | | | |
| you will have to make, the amount of coverage | | | | High-risk pools can be sources of insurance |
| you will receive, what exactly the plan | | | | for people who have not been able to get |
| covers, and if there are any limits to the | | | | other types of insurance because of a serious |
| plan. | | | | medical condition. This type of insurance is |
| | | | seen as a last resort, and the policies |
| There are a number of options available for | | | | regarding it vary from state to state. |
| individual health insurance. The options | | | | |
| include fee-for-service insurance, managed | | | | Although individual insurance plans cost more |
| care plans, open enrollment in managed care | | | | than group insurance plans, it is still very |
| plans, association-based health insurance, | | | | important to be covered. Researching |
| and high-risk pools. Fee-for-service | | | | different companies and deciding which type |
| insurance, which can also be called indemnity | | | | of plan is right for you can help. Today, |
| insurance, is a more traditional type of | | | | many people need hospital treatment, and |
| insurance. The insurance company will pay for | | | | those without insurance face many |
| part of the cost of hospital stays and doctor | | | | difficulties. Even though it may cost a bit, |
| visits, while the policyholder pays for the | | | | in the end, if you have a serious medical |
| rest. This type generally costs more than | | | | problem, you will be happy that you signed up |
| other insurance types, but allows the | | | | for insurance. |