Finding the right health insurance providers and then selecting the best insurance policy can be rather tricky. The simple fact is that health insurance is immensely complex and the fine print is often stuffed with jargon, making it difficult to comprehend. The good news is that you can work with insurance specialists who can explain the details of what is and is not covered in a given plan. Regardless, a bit of knowledge can go a long way, so we’ve outlined four elements that you should ensure are covered.
1. Are Annual Checkups Covered?
Annual checkups with a doctor can prove crucial for many patients. Among other things, a physician may notice signs of a serious condition or that your health is deteriorating due to lifestyle choices. Given this, it’s smart to make sure that the health insurance plans you’re considering provide coverage for checkups.
2. Is Dental and Vision Covered?
Unfortunately, a great number of health insurance plans don’t cover dental or vision and you’ll likely have to take out a separate plan. That said, health insurance plans are required to provide coverage for children. Before taking out a separate dental or vision plan, make sure you’re not already covered.
3. Am I Covered Overseas?
If you plan to travel abroad, you’ll want to make sure that your insurance policy provides coverage in foreign countries. If not, it’s smart to contact health insurance providers to see if they offer stand-alone plans or add-ons. Getting treatment abroad can become a nightmare if you lack coverage.
4. What Providers Are Covered?
Health insurance may only cover care at specific hospitals or through defined networks. If you receive treatment from an unauthorized medical provider, you may be on the hook for the bill. You’ll want to consider where you can get treatment with a specific plan. Then, you’ll want to make sure that you can access approved medical providers in your area.
If the nearest covered hospital is three hours away, you may want to consider other policies. Besides hospitals, check for local specialists and make sure that the ambulance services serving your community are covered. It’s smart to take out coverage for non-emergency transport as well because ambulance rides can be shockingly expensive.
As you can see, there is a lot to consider. Given that health insurance policy costs are expensive and are expected to increase by 6% or more in 2024, according to Money.com, you’ll want to make sure that a specific plan is a good fit. If you need assistance with insurance policies or are looking for health insurance providers, please get in touch with us at Insurance Advisors Agency, Inc.