| Shopping around for medical insurance can be a | | | | coverage is included and be sure you understand |
| confusing business. You need to keep your wits | | | | exactly what you can expect to receive.Think about |
| about you and keep track of the benefits and costs | | | | deductibles and what you could afford pay to reduce |
| of each policy and each type of policy. Too often we | | | | your insurance costs. But be very careful here, |
| tend to look at the price first and the rest of the | | | | because medical expenses tend to pile up quickly and |
| policy becomes a blur of fine print. And we're off to | | | | reach nearly insane levels for complex treatments or |
| check the next policy.Slow down. There some | | | | inpatient stays. Many drugs in common use are |
| important things you should do before you start | | | | ridiculously over-priced and depending on the specifics |
| chasing around to get a policy. Doing these few | | | | of your insurance you may not be able to use the |
| things will make the whole process simpler and | | | | least expensive sources.If you will end up with |
| clearer - and you're much more likely to make a good | | | | multiple sources of coverage, be clear about how |
| decision.You need to carefully consider your situation. | | | | they fit together and what the rules are about |
| Think about these questions and note your | | | | overlapping or combined benefits.Once you are clear |
| answers:What's the general state of your health?How | | | | on your current situation, your (and other family |
| old are you?Do you have any serious medical | | | | member's) medical history, and your projected needs, |
| problems currently or in your medical history?Do you | | | | you can begin looking in a organized way with a |
| have any history of recurring or on-going medical | | | | better sense of where you're going and what will |
| needs?Do you use tobacco? How much?Do you | | | | actually meet your needs. This may seem like a |
| drink? How much?Are you over- or under-weight for | | | | tedious process, but it will serve you well in finding |
| your height, body-type and age?Is your job | | | | appropriate and affordable health insurance and |
| hazardous?Do you participate in any activities or | | | | making sure your health care needs can be met by |
| sports that could affect your health?Now this may | | | | the medical insurance you choose.Take some time to |
| be unpleasant but if there's any chance an insurance | | | | work through these questions. Write down your |
| company could discover a history of drug or alcohol | | | | answers. Make a chart with your desired coverages |
| abuse or sexual behavior that might put you in a high | | | | and any special conditions the policy must meet. As |
| risk group, you may want to be direct and upfront | | | | you look at health insurance policies, note the rules, |
| about it - especially if it's in the past. Having a claim | | | | exclusions, information about pre-existing conditions, |
| denied later because you had failed to disclose | | | | any limitations, the dollar amounts covered and |
| medical information to the insurance company would | | | | especially any deductibles.Don't try to do too much at |
| be far more upsetting - and very expensive. The | | | | once. If you hurry, it'll become confusing and tiring. |
| same goes for any significant medical condition. | | | | You may hate it (I know I do), but you really do |
| Insurance companies are in it to make a profit - at | | | | need to read all that fine print and understand it. |
| least most of them are. Paying large claims isn't their | | | | That's not a task to rush through. You might as well |
| favorite activity, so they often do investigate.If | | | | face up to it, because it's a lot better to do it |
| you're seeking a family policy you'll need to make the | | | | BEFORE you need medical services than after you |
| same analysis for everyone and consider carefully | | | | get a bill for the uncovered portion that sends you |
| what kind of coverage you want.Do you need dental, | | | | into shock.So is it an impossible job to find health |
| orthodontic, pregnancy, mental health, and/or drug | | | | insurance that works for you? Not at all. There's a |
| coverage? Do you need long-term care coverage, | | | | world of resources on the internet to help you find |
| either inpatient or in a nursing facility? Assisted living | | | | the policy you need. Just be sure to do your |
| coverage? What about traveler's or international | | | | homework first.Copyright 2005 Richard KeirRichard is |
| coverage?If there's a possibility that you may require | | | | a writer, educator and consultant providing services |
| - or want - in-home care as opposed to a residential | | | | to medical, scientific and business professionals. |
| nursing or assisted living facility, be sure that | | | | |