Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Private Medical Insurance Basics

If you are in need of private medical insurance, it may be due to a lifestyle change that has happened recently. Private medical insurance is also referred to as just health insurance, private medical health insurance, or PMI.  You could be a new entrepreneur just starting out or maybe your employer is a small company that does not offer a plan. You might be searching for coverage because you have recently become unemployed.  It is possible to purchase private medical insurance by doing some research.  Actually, a lot of research. Once you put in the work to find the best private medical insurance options available, you will be off to a good start.


Before you begin your search for private medical insurance, decide what the plan will need to do for you. There are various types of plans.  Supplemental coverage is one that you can get if you already have insurance from your employer.  It helps to fill in any areas that your primary insurance does not cover. What if your employer’s plan only offers medical? You could get a supplemental policy or multiple policies and add on a prescription drug plan, a vision plan, or even a dental plan. Think of it as a private medical insurance buffet!  You are in control and can choose the options you want.

Private medical insurance companies typically will provide a quote based upon your selections.  Depending on what you need your plan to cover will determine your premium.  It is strongly recommended that when you get a private medical insurance quote that you be prepared for it to be expensive.  Some states regulate health insurance.  Depending on the state that you live in, you may get multiple types of pricing for private medical insurance quotes. The premiums for these plans are reviewed annually and may differ from one year to the next. These can increase with age; especially at age 50.  If you are still in your 20’s the quotes should be reasonable. While searching for the right plan, accept COBRA coverage from your previous employer if possible.  Pay them your premiums and you will remain covered under their group policy.

It is very common that someone may only need coverage for a short amount of time.  Think of a college graduate, for example. Gap insurance is specifically for that. Sometimes gap insurance is offered by alumni associations.  They are quite aware of the need new graduates face. This gives them the opportunity to have temporary coverage while they are beginning their new endeavors following graduation.

Be aware of pre-existing conditions when you apply for private medical insurance.  This is factored in when they determine your eligibility.  It is a factor included in the premium, also.  There is the possibility that a pre-existing condition can cause you to be denied coverage in most states. One exception to this; residents cannot be denied due to a pre-existing condition in New York or Massachusetts.

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