Individual Health Insurance - Health insurance advice for adults ...

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Individual health insurance plans are typically purchased from an insurance company by a person who has no access to group insurance coverage. Group insurance coverage is typically offered by an employer for all of their employees.

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Someone looking to purchase individual health insurance will likely be self-employed or work for a company that does not offer health coverage. This type of coverage is for the single person who does not need to have other family members on the plan.

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Some of the things you may need to do before you can buy your policy are:

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1. Undergoing a physical exam

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2. Reviewing your medical history

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3. Filling out and answering a long list of health questions

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This is all done to determine if there are any underlying or pre-existing conditions that the insurance company needs to be a ware of.

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This information is then usually sent to a company called an underwriter and if they do not turn you down then you are eligible to buy your policy.

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If you do happen to pass this stage of underwriting then your policy will remain in effect until or unless you stop paying your premiums.

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It is best for you to talk with your own personal agent that you hold other policies with like your home and/or your car. If this agent?s company also offers health policies you may have a better chance of paying lower premiums on your new health care policy.

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If you do not have an agent already in mind to use then look for a state-licensed agent or broker who sells this type of plan.

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The agent will sell different plans from several different companies, which will give you the opportunity to compare several plans all at one time. The agents are paid by the companies they deal with, so you should not be charged for this service.

You can receive contact information for local agents through the consumer page on the National Association of Health Underwriters website.

Compare the premiums for each type of plan. You will likely be presented with a quote from each company on its PPO, HMO and indemnity policies.

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With a PPO (preferred provider organization) plan, you will need to see a physician in the health insurance network for full coverage.

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HMOs (health maintenance organizations) require a referral from your primary physician to see any specialists you may need at any time.

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Indemnity plans allow the insurance carrier the freedom to choose your doctor for you.

Read carefully what is included in each policy offered to you by each company. Each policy will be different and you need to match your needs to what they offer.

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This includes deductible and copay amounts as well as the ratio of how much they pay to how much you will be responsible for after the deductible has been met. Find out about any limitations on preexisting medical conditions.

Find out if you will pay less for your individual health insurance coverage with a higher co-pay amount or if you opt out of a prescription drug program.

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Source: http://www.healthinsuranceforadults.com/individual-health-insurance/

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