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Individual Health Insurance

The subject of buying individual health insurance today is one peppered with often explosive concerns. From questions like who can/should have it and how our government asserts itself there; to the potent (and prevalent) issue of how to afford a solid plan-- traversing the minefield of buying a healthcare plan can be challenging.

If you're a person without employee insurance benefits or a spouse, the task can seem nearly impossible-- especially today, where the average hourly worker in America makes under $500 per week-- a mere pittance in comparison to the skyrocketing cost of living and fees for individual health insurance. When we researched individual health insurance quotes online through reliable websites like einsurance.com and insurancedirect.com, we uncovered some astounding rates with full-coverage individual health care plans starting at around $200 per month with a $5,000 deductible, to $800 per month with deductibles under $1,000. For the unmarried college grad, the self-employed contractor, or the single mother who works two jobs-- these prices can be overwhelming.

However, it is possible to find an affordable individual health insurance policy if positivity, patience and perseverance become your key words while on your search. Below, we've outlined important things to know that will assist you when buying an individual health insurance plan.

Most Important: If you're like many of us who make just enough money to pay the bills, then first begin with your local government. Many states have implemented low-or-no-cost health insurance coverage and/or healthcare to people who fall below a certain income level. Always check here first. You may be surprised at what you qualify for. And for those of you whose pride may impede this first step, consider this: accepting a little help from your state is better than being stricken with an illness or an accident that might bury you in medical debt, sometimes for the rest of your life.

Know your individual health insurance plan facts: Whether you're looking for simple healthcare cost coverage or a plan replete with dental services, it is vital you learn the individual insurance plan lingo. Below are key terms to remember:

HMO: Short for Health Maintenance Organization. This type of individual health care plan revolves around the premise of preventive care. You pay a small monthly fee to belong and then varied co-pays for doctor care. Upside: This type of plan is often costs significantly less than other forms of coverage. Downside: You are only allowed to select your doctor from an approved list of providers, often leading to long waits for non-emergency visits. Even worse, many HMO's won't cover medical costs incurred through care given outside your provider's network, unless your doc gives you a referral-- a decision entirely made by your insurance company and your doctor.
PPO's: Short for Preferred Provider Organization. PPO's differ from HMO's in that you are allowed to choose your own provider from any network and are able to see a specialist or use emergency care without a referral. Downside: Often more expensive than HMO's, both in monthly costs and out-of-pocket expenses.
POS: Short for Point of Service. A newer hybrid of HMO and PPO with the freedom of choices a PPO provides but with HMO pricing.
Deductible: The amount of money you must pay before your insurance coverage comes into effect, in any situation.
Co-Pay: A pre-priced cost of services fee you pay directly to your doctor.
check out healthinsurance.org for a complete list of terms

Know what you can afford: Look honestly at your budget and determine what it allows for healthcare. Buying an individual insurance plan is no small investment-- albeit an important one-- and your decision to purchase should be made carefully. You can get free individual health insurance quotes online from both of the companies mentioned above, 24 hrs a day, instantly. Take time to fill out the questionnaire accurately and if you have any questions, call a representative to help guide you. And be patient-- it takes a lot of research and effort to find an affordable individual healthcare plan but if you stick with it, and come to the search prepared, your return is sure to be fruitful.