Questions to Ask When Shopping for Health Insurance

When you’re shopping for a health insurance plan, you should know the answers to all of the important questions. Of course, there are a lot of questions to ask depending on your situation and the plan you’re interested in. HealthMarkets can help you get started.

What Type of Plan Is This?

The two most common types of plans are PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans and HMO (Health Maintenance Organization) plans.

PPO plans have a network of providers that are considered “in-network.” If you choose to visit in-network doctors or specialists, you will pay less than you would for out-of-network providers. You do not have to choose a primary care doctor. You are free to visit any provider that is in-network.

HMO plans typically require that you choose a primary care physician (PCP). All of your health care is coordinated through your PCP. Make sure your PCP is in-network before choosing this type of plan.

Is My Primary Care Doctor “In-Network”?

This question is a direct follow-up to the previous question. You likely already have a doctor whom you see regularly. Regardless of the type of plan you choose, you will want to confirm that your current doctor is in-network or find a new doctor who is in-network. Out-of-network doctors will cost more with PPO plans and may not even be an option with certain HMO plans.

How Much Will My Monthly Premium Cost? How About My Copays?

One cost that you can count on is your premium. This is the fixed amount you pay monthly for health insurance. If you have an individual plan, you may pay this on your own. If your health insurance is provided through your employer, they may pay for some or all of your monthly premium.

A copay (copayment) is a fee you are required to pay for specific medical services. Depending on your plan, you may have different copays for doctor visits, specialist visits, and prescriptions.

What Is My Deductible?

Some health insurance plans require that you pay a certain amount out of pocket before your medical expenses are covered. This is known as a deductible. Once your deductible is met, your plan may cover some or all of your expenses.

Is This a Coinsurance Plan?

If you have a coinsurance plan, your provider will pay a percentage of your expenses and you pay the rest. Be sure to find out about the maximum yearly out-of-pocket expenses while shopping for your health insurance plan as well.

What Happens if I Go to the Emergency Room?

Depending on your plan, you may be required to contact your primary care physician within 24 hours of an emergency room visit for your health insurance provider to cover your medical expenses.

It is also important to understand any deductibles or copays associated with an ER visit. Some plans require that you go to specific hospitals or service providers. These are all important things to know and understand before you purchase your plan. Don’t wait until there is an emergency to start searching for answers.

Another thing to keep in mind is that many urgent care facilities can perform a lot of the same functions as emergency rooms, often at a lower cost. Research the urgent care options in your area so that you’re prepared in the event of an emergency.

Where Can I Begin Shopping for Health Insurance?

If you’re in the market for a new plan, HealthMarkets can help you find health insurance, at no cost to you. Start reviewing your options online today, or call (800) 827-9990 to speak with a licensed insurance agent.