Before You Switch Health Insurance Companies…
While there may be downsides to switching almost any type of insurance, switching health insurance has its own particular issues. There might be differences in the coverage offered by the old and new health insurance policies, and you may be faced with waiting periods, so proceed with caution.
Image by jfcherry
Pre-Existing Conditions and Health Insurance
Indeed, this is the “big one” – many people worry about whether they will be able to get coverage for pre-existing conditions. The simple answer is that you cannot be denied health insurance, but there may be a waiting period before your new policy covers pre-existing conditions.
Your new policy will specify the waiting periods for different types of pre-existing conditions to be covered. It will also explain how pre-existing conditions are defined. For instance, your new policy may define it as having recently received medical advice or treatment for a problem. Or you could meet the “prudent person” definition, relating to a situation in which symptoms were present that would be expected to cause a prudent person to seek treatment.
These kinds of definitions are important to be clear about – make sure you know how your private health insurance policy works. Claims for the cost of health care may be denied if you have underestimated the waiting periods on your policy.
Health Insurance in Transition
Take a long look at your coverage and needs before switching private health insurance. These points will be important to consider before you start your health insurance quotes comparison.
Sure, the premiums and excesses are relatively straightforward, and the basics of a private health insurance policy are easy. However, you may want to check whether your preferred doctors/specialists are covered by your potential new policy. Certain special needs such as coverage for contacts or glasses, oxygen supplies, or mobility aids may not be covered as standard. Your current medications represent yet another point that you’ll need to consider; losing coverage that you’re accustomed to using may undermine your budget.
Use these factors to compare medical insurance policies and consider your options. You wouldn’t want to switch companies in haste and end up regretting it later.
Timing a Health Insurance Switch
Is the date approaching when the switch will need to take place? Don’t wait to the last moment to do your medical insurance comparison, unless you don’t mind being left without private health insurance coverage for an interim period while you rush to make new arrangements.
You should also make sure that you have the necessary information ready to go, if you need to switch medical professionals to be treated within your new medical insurer’s network. Data you’ll need at the doctor’s office include:
- Full address, telephone, and fax numbers
- Date of last consultation or treatment
- Previous health care provider’s business details
- Current medications and treatment programs
- Health insurance information
With your essential information in hand, you can be ready to switch health care as well as insurance. Your physician can usually send your medical records directly to your new healthcare provider.
Overview
Be aware ofthe potential drawbacks of switching health insurance. For some health problems, such as pre-existing conditions, you may be left without coverage for a set waiting period. If you have a number of special health needs, you may wish to consult with an insurance professional. Alternatively, you could ask individual insurers’ customer service representatives to clarify the coverage available for your requirements, as well as any ambiguous or otherwise confusing policy points. Perhaps that could give you some peace of mind if you are wondering where you stand in regard to private health insurance cover.
No related posts.