Top 5 Tips for Choosing a Health Insurance Plan

Are you trying to pick out a health insurance plan, but aren’t sure which one to choose?

Choosing a health insurance plan can be incredibly difficult. There are a lot of different terms to decipher, rules are different in each state, and there are a lot of different care plans to choose from.

So, how can you choose the right health insurance plan for your needs?

Read on to learn about the top five tips for choosing a health insurance plan.

1. Consider Your Doctor

Do you have a certain doctor who you love going to? Whether it’s a psychiatrist or general physician, for many people, the right doctor can make all the difference.

Some health insurance plans require you to use their network of doctors. Therefore, if you have  a physician who you’d like to keep seeing, it is very important that you check to make sure this doctor is included in the health plan that you are considering.

If the health care plan requires you to choose a new doctor, be sure to thoroughly research a doctor’s credentials and reviews before choosing one.

On the same note, you will also want to consider whether or not you may need to see a specialist in the future. If the answer is yes, check the plan to see if it will always be necessary for you to contact your primary care doctor first. And if you already have a specialist, make sure they are covered in your new plan.

2. Take a Look at Your Health Insurance Company

If you have the option to change your health insurance company, it may be worth looking into, as sometimes that’s the best way to find your best health insurance plan.

You can google different health insurance companies online. Or you can check out this thorough list of the best health insurance companies for 2019.

3. Consider the Additional Services You May Need

When you are comparing different health insurance plans, it’s also very important to consider what additional services you may need. For some people, additional services are absolutely vital.

Additional services may include things like mental health care, home healthcare, drug and alcohol treatment, counseling, hospice, nursing home care, or chiropractic care.

If you foresee yourself needing any of these types of treatments, it’s crucial that you find a plan that will cover them.

4. Costs

Of course, we can’t forget to talk about the one thing that is on everyone’s mind: pricing.

Before choosing a health insurance plan, it is very important to figure out what deductibles you will be required to pay and what percentage the health insurance company will pay after your deductible has been met.

You will also want to consider what percentage your plan will pay should you ever need to see a doctor or specialist who is out of your network.

You will also want to find out if there will be a co-pay. A co-pay is the fee you are required to pay anytime you visit a hospital, emergency room, or doctor.

5. Regular Health Screenings and Physicals

Last but not least, you will also want to make sure regular health screenings and physicals are covered if you are someone who likes to get those on a regular basis.

Typically, managed care plans will cover health screenings and physicals. However, some independent plans will not.

With these five tips in mind, it will be much easier for you to choose a health insurance plan that is right for your needs! Comment below if you have any questions.