Popular perceptions about medical health insurance are often wrong. Here are a few of the more misunderstood concerns that folks have with regards to obtaining health care coverage.
This is a follow-up to Health Insurance Myths - Part I.
Myth#6: Most individuals could possibly get health insurance if they really want it and can afford the premiums.
Fact: This may be true in case you are healthy or if you have access to employer-sponsored medical health insurance. But if you are interested in private individual medical insurance, this may be another story. The insurance companies generally in most states can decline applicants should they have certain medical ailments (pre existing conditions) provided that the underwriting standards are equally sent applications for like individuals. As an example, if you have diabetes or have recently were built with a heart attack or cancer, you most likely will not be eligible for an individual health insurance policy although you may can afford the premiums. You may be defined as "uninsurable" by some companies.
Myth#7: I will get individual medical insurance even if I'm over weight.
Fact: Not at all times true. Insurance firms use weight and height underwriting guidelines. In case you are obese looking to get medical health insurance on your own, there exists a good chance you'll be turned down. This really is due to the health problems associated with excess fat. Even if you are not turned down, you will probably pay more for coverage, sometimes up to twice the premiums of the person who is within the weight guidelines.
Myth#8: All insurance companies have about the same coverage and premiums and so i really don't have to shop around for health insurance.
Fact: Not the case. It is important that you should shop around with different insurance companies to see if you are obtaining the coverage you'll need at an affordable price. Today, medical insurance plans are so diverse it's tough to decide who to utilize. There are specific company qualities that you ought to pay close attention to before picking just any health insurance plan. Understanding the answers to these questions will probably be valuable. Get questions answered in regards to the history of the company, the monthly premiums, any deductibles to cover, what are the co-pays and co-insurance and what services are covered.
Myth#9: Individual and group medical health insurance is the same.
Fact: Incorrect. There are many differences between individual and group medical health insurance. With private individual insurance you work directly with an insurance company and must meet certain underwriting requirements. Coverage may be for the individual or also can include members of the family. The insurance company can decline coverage according to both current and past health issues of any person to be covered on the policy. Once insured, they could not cancel your policy due to changes in your health or for claims you submit so long as you pay your premiums punctually. There may be exceptions so it's best to always see the fine print. Any future rate increase in premiums will apply to all policyholders with similar kind of policy. You own the policy so it's not associated with your place of employment. Changing jobs will not present an issue.
With group medical insurance, the policy may cover tons of individuals. The terms are negotiated using the insurance company because of your employer or organization. Usually the average person has little, if any, decision in the benefits or coverage. One main advantage, that is guaranteed issue medical insurance. You are not declined because of preexisting conditions. Coverage may be for the individual or it can also include members of the family. If employer-sponsored, the policy will usually end if employment ends.
Myth#10: The uninsured have the identical access to healthcare as the insured.
Fact: Not true. While some believe the uninsured have the health care they want, studies have indicated the contrary. They are more prone to forgo needed care and preventive services such as screening for breast, cervical and colorectal cancer. They're usually not able to correctly manage chronic diseases due to a lack of healthcare. Uninsured adults with chronic diseases, for example cardiovascular disease, end-stage renal disease, diabetes and HIV infection, are more unlikely to receive the right care. Even if hospitalized for serious health issues, they are more prone to die within the hospital, receive fewer services, and experience substandard care than are insured patients.
Check out my other guide: cheap medical insurance, family medical insurance and individual dental insurance
