Insurance Information

When shopping for an individual health insurance policy, it pays to do your homework. Here are some questions you should ask yourself:

Do I want to keep my doctor? If you have a particular physician you like, that might dictate whether an HMO or a PPO health insurance is right for you. In an HMO, you must use the plan's network of doctors in order to receive coverage. A PPO health insurance plan will let you visit any doctor.

What is my household's current and anticipated health care need? Consider the services you and your family will need on a regular basis. If your child has asthma, will he have to see an asthma specialist routinely to keep it under control?

Does the health insurance plan cover prescriptions and X-rays? Prescriptions are one of the most used benefits of health plans. Review the coverage of any health insurance plan to determine if your current prescriptions are covered and at what level. X-rays are a routine part of some treatments, so it's wise to make sure X-rays are covered in each plan you consider.

Do I prefer certain specialists? Some plans limit not only your visits but also who you can see. If you want to see an acupuncturist or chiropractor, be sure to ask your insurance agent about coverage for these services. Psychotherapy and other mental health services will likely have specific limitations as well.