Check our complaint report summaries to see if there are any complaints against the insurance company.Check our licensee search tool to make sure the insurance company (and agent if you’re talking to someone) is licensed.Research the insurance company BEFORE you buy anything.There’s no such thing as a limited time offer or a “special” in health insurance. No matter what - don’t make a decision or buy a health policy after a single phone call or website visit.
Whether you’re shopping to find health insurance coverage online, a telemarketer calls, or you get an email selling health insurance, there are several important tips you should follow. Some plans only pay up to a certain dollar amount you may have to pay the cost beyond that amount.
Even with insurance, you pay the full cost of services until you meet your plan’s deductible.Īre you able to pay the full cost for services if the plan limits how much it will pay? The deductible is the amount you pay before your insurance company starts paying their share of the cost of care. The terms to know are “in-network’, “tiered network”, “non-participating” and “out of network.” Many plans pay more of the costs for services you get from doctors or facilities in the plan’s network.Īre you ready to pay the full cost for services until a deductible is reached? You’ll pay less to see providers that accept your health insurance – which may not include your family doctor or hospital. Many plans cover services to treat pre-existing conditions, but some don’t.ĭo you have any chronic health conditions, like high blood pressure, diabetes or an autoimmune disorder? Even if you haven’t been to a doctor, are you in pain or having problems you believe will result in any health care services or treatment? But remember, accidents and unexpected illnesses happen, so you might need services you don’t expect. Thinking about your family health history, your current health conditions, prescription drugs you may need, and the health services you need will help you understand the coverage you want. Others will cover you for an entire year and then that coverage can be renewed.ĭo you have a known health condition (a pre-existing condition)?Įven if you look and feel healthy, you may not be getting the routine care necessary to identify the unexpected. Some plans might be limited to a few months.
How long do you need health insurance – a full year or for a few months? You might need coverage just for yourself, just for a family member, or for the whole family. You should consider not only the cost of premiums, but also how much you’ll pay out-of- pocket when you need health care. Plans with lower premiums often have more limited benefits. Is the plan with the lowest premium really the most affordable? A single trip to an emergency room can lead to a bill of thousands of dollars. Insurance helps you prepare for the unexpected, like an accident or an illness. If you’re a senior, you can contact the South Carolina Department on Aging or call 1-800-MEDICARE to talk to someone about health insurance for seniors. You can find definitions of health insurance terms on, the Federal Marketplace for health insurance. If you need help to understand health insurance, you can visit with a licensed insurance agent or a navigator. This section offers some simple questions you can ask so that you are not taken advantage of by a scammer. Check out Phone and Online Solicitations section above. Scammers like the anonymity of telemarketing and take advantage of that confusion. With so many options and information out there, it makes it even more difficult to sort through when you get solicited for health insurance online or by phone. There are differences in what is covered and what you will have to pay out of pocket.
We all know health insurance can be complicated.