Sunday, November 3, 2013

Health Insurance Tips; What You Have To Know

Health Insurance Tips; What You Have To Know

By Sara Ezan


Health insurance is something that some people put off getting. But people do not realize how very valuable it can be. One catastrophic illness can completely wipe out your saving and leave you in debt. You can even lose your home. This article can help educate you about what kind of heath insurance you need and how to get it.

As your children age into adults, their health insurance coverage will eventually run out. You need to begin talking to them early (say, in the last two years of college) about their insurance needs so that they understand how the transition will occur. Since many employers are cutting benefits, parents are keeping children on their policies longer and longer, but this gets expensive. Perhaps the best advice is to point out the advantages of full-time employment which will provide them with their own independent health coverage.

Long-term care health insurance can help cover the cost of assisted-living facilities for the elderly. It can be expensive or impossible to get if you wait until you need coverage. The time to buy is when you are in your fifties, and it's best to look for a policy that provides protection against future cost hikes.

If you jump out of planes for a living, or go rock climbing on the weekends, make sure and disclose that when you are purchasing insurance. You will more than likely pay a higher amount for your insurance. However, if you do not tell them that information they can choose not to pay out for your claim if it was a result of those activities. Be honest, even if it will cost you more.

Check over your policy carefully before re-enrolling. The health insurance company that you have your policy through may have made changes over the last year and when you re-enroll these changes will take effect. Make sure you know what those changes are before paying your premium and re-enrolling.You may find that you do not like the changes and want to change providers.

The right medical insurance exam is one that does not take into consideration your past medical issues. There are plenty of old disorders that have been treated and cured, that do not have to be disclosed, if they are not an issue now. Make sure to get insurance from companies that look at your current health.

Track your health insurance premiums to cut down your tax liability. Few people understand that health insurance premiums are tax-deductible. You can deduct money that you pay in for your package's deductible, as well as other health insurance-related items, like prescriptions and doctor visits. Be sure to check the separate guidelines for state and federal tax differences.

Making sure that you renew your health insurance is extremely important, especially if you have children. Allowing your coverage to lapse is a bad idea. Accidents or illness can happen at any time, and most insurance companies will not allow you to come back with one of those evil "pre-existing conditions."

When considering health insurance policies, look carefully at which hospitals are utilized in your policy. Many people think about their doctors when choosing a policy, but few consider the hospitals. Making sure that the hospital closest to you is covered, or the hospital that your doctor practices at, can make medical emergencies easier to tend to in the future.

Brush up on your first aid skills. Some injuries and sicknesses do not require a doctor visit if you're knowledgeable and prepared. Reducing the number of doctor visits you have each year will reduce your out of pocket expenses, even with the best insurance plan. Get a simple first aid kit today.

Don't sign anything without reading the fine print. If you find an affordable health insurance plan that works for you, get a full copy of everything before paying for it. Study the entire policy, keeping an eye out for any exceptions or clauses that may deny you coverage. If you don't take the time to do this, it may come back to haunt you in the future.

Read your health insurance policy carefully before you go out and buy glasses or get your teeth fixed. Most healthcare insurers offer dental as a separate policy, and many do not offer vision insurance at all. Better to know up front whether your vision care is covered than to be greeted with a bill from the eye doctor and not be able to pay it.

Keep an itemized list of all your medical expenses and health insurance payments. Even if you're not self-employed, you may be able to deduct at least some of them on your income tax. Co-payments, dentist visits and treatment, deductibles, premiums and uncovered health spending, can all be deductible, so be sure to check with an accountant.

Did you know that you are sometimes able to test out your health insurance plan before fully signing? Insurance companies refer to this action as a "free look". They usually provide you with a trial period in which you are able to get your money back if you are not satisfied with your plan.

Look for a policy that has limitations to your out of pocket expenses, in the event of a catastrophic illness or injury. Catastrophic illnesses are the most costly and your out of pocket expenses can add up quickly. If your policy places a limit on your out of pocket expenses, it can have a positive effect on your financial situation.

It was made clear in the article above that insurance is one of those things that you really need but just don't realize it. Too many people learn about it the hard way and that is heartbreaking. By studying this article and taking advice on life insurance, you can make informed decisions and that is the easiest way to learn.



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