Most employers would provide for their employees' health insurances. However, since healthcare costs are rising, more companies are finding it difficult to do this. Other than that, not all businesses follow this practice. If you are an employee to one of such companies, you can still buy a policy as an individual.
Individual insurance, however is believed to be more difficult to obtain, can be more expensive and less consumer-friendly compared to job-based coverage. But, that is not to say that you should consider not getting your health insurance altogether. This is because, you seem to be healthy at the moment, it can take just one hospitalization to wipe out your finances. Individual insurance can be obtained by looking for an independent agent. Individual insurance agents would have to register with your state department of insurance. This department holds a list of people licensed to sell health insurance in your state. To make it easier, you can visit the National Association of Health Underwriters' website to find an agent in your state. If you find that troublesome as most people would, you can rely on the internet. Individual insurance like other insurances is also already being offered online. You can search the web for providers who are willing to show you their policies. You can compare them and their quotes as well. This is one very convenient and helpful feature of online insurance companies. You may get lost when you are looking for a health insurance you would purchase on your own. Most insurance provided by employers have already been studied for the benefit of employees. To help you, here are the things you should look for in an Individual insurance policy:
* Non-cancellable, guaranteed renewable coverage - this means that you cannot be cancelled as long as you continue to pay the premiums and do not try to defraud the insurance company. Sometimes, insurance companies will cancel health insurance policies because the insured becomes sick. Unfortunately, insurance companies have the right to do this in many states. If they turn out to be cancelable, go for those which are "conditionally renewable", which means that the insurance company reserves the right to cancel all policies similar to yours, but cannot single you out for cancellation.
* A 10-day recession period - Most insurance companies will allow you 10 days to examine the policy documents carefully and decide whether or not you want this coverage. If you decide you do not like the terms of the policy within the 10 days, you can cancel the coverage and get your premium back.
* Clearly defined terms - you should know What is covered, What is not covered, When the coverage begins. The coverage under individual health insurance policies varies, and you should expect more options because your employer is not preselecting certain types of plans for you to choose from. If terms are not clear, ask your agent and/or the insurance company to explain them.
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