Health insurance, prepaid read a policy of Medicine, part of that breath of life called health and we all have the obligation and the need to preserve. But before choosing the plan that suits us, taking into account several key issues such as the types of policies, coverage, services, quality and price of these premiums is good to contemplate a number of variables.
As is known, medical costs are soaring and it is an incontrovertible fact that health insurance is needed and is indispensable for purchase at preventing any accident, serious illness, pregnancy or otherwise. As a first step, any policy does not cover health problems that began before the time of taking it. It may be beyond any possibility to achieve adequate coverage, but knowing the key specifications to be met by medical insurance will help you make a selection that suits your needs.
Types of Policies
The two main categories are:
- Plans for compensation or reimbursement: allow you to choose your own doctors and clinics and are paid in full, in part or to a certain sum per day or a certain number of days, both inside and outside their country of residence.
- Plans directed health care: usually offer greater coverage, but represent a contract between the insurer and a selected health care providers (doctors, hospitals, and other) network. Within these systems there is a trial or doctor who coordinates and approves patient care and refers to the existing specialist within the health network
Coverage
A good insurance should cover certain types of coverage such as:
- Hospital costs (clinical room, food and incidentals).
- Surgical expenses (fees surgeon and anesthesiologist, costs associated with surgery).
- Medical expenses (office visits required medical, physician visits to hospital).
- Checks 'executive', including all laboratory tests and diagnostic imaging.
- A major medical insurance must offer broad coverage with a maximum benefit to protect against loss in the event of catastrophic illness or injury.
- Primary Medicine: general and pediatric care, ambulance services and emergency department (home or outpatient).
- Specialized diagnostic or surgical procedures Assistance for consultation or hospitalization.
- Programs such as childbirth, cardiovascular care and others.
- Telephone medical assistance 24 hours, psychology, second medical opinion, emergency assistance abroad, others.
Compare and decide
Weigh the pros and cons of each company must be based on the following aspects:
- If you provide additional benefits such as prescription drugs, preventive care, extensive benefits to mental health, maternity care, vision and dental.
- If these services are not available to the monthly premium you pay cost. Besides this, the insurance may involve other costs, especially if other family members as children covered by your policy, who often visit the doctor.
- Each company offers own plans and not all provide the same coverage. For example, it is important to consider the age of the affiliate, as some health care companies require a maximum age of 64 years old link while others offer plans specifically designed for seniors.
- Find out if the insurer has his home near medical facilities, if they are own or contracted to ensure preferential treatment. These centers are in good condition, also provide facilities for accompanying and available technology and modern equipment.
Other costs
Look carefully for the insurance you are contemplating it agrees to pay any of the following expenses:
- Copay: Amount to be paid each time you visit a service provider, whether a doctor or hospital. Often, the mere fact of entering a clinic for the emergency requires you paid.
- Deductible: How much to pay medical expenses (usually annually) before the insurance company begins to pay its claims.
- Coinsurance: The percentage of their you pay after you reach the deductible that applies in your case medical expenses.
Modalities affiliate
The possibilities of linking are basically two:
Group Health Insurance
In some countries the employer is not required to offer health insurance to their subordinates. However, many employers offer it as a way to provide added value to their workers. It is common for cooperatives and employee funds hire insurance plans group, in which case the costs and risks associated with health care are distributed among many people and are subject generally to the rules of law in force in each country .
Individual Health Insurance
Contrary to what happens in group policies, the individual is issued based on a personal medical history. Any pre-existing condition such as heart disease or diabetes, may affect the acceptability or increase your premium.
The types of individual benefits are similar to those offered health insurance group, with the only difference that the individual health insurance should be specific to each person.
