Sunday, January 2, 2011

Is there health insurance that only covers for catastrophic claims?

It seems that paying $100's each month for health insurance is a racket... couldn't we just save that amount each month and get a plan that will help us if we have a major hospital bill? (we don't have coverage through work)
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The options available to you will differ depending on where you live, of course, but it sounds like what you're looking for is a high-deductible health insurance plan. Generally speaking, the more you are willing to pay for your annual deductible (that's what you pay per year before your full coverage kicks in), the less your monthly payments will be. You'll find that most brand-name health insurance companies will offer high-deductible health insurance plans to individuals and families. Your other commenter, 4532, is right to point out, however, that the "cost" of health coverage is about more than just what you pay out per month. You have to decide what you can afford and what kind of financial risks you want to run. But you may find that some high-deductible plans will provide coverage for preventive care (checkups, etc.) with a simple copayment, rather than requiring you to pay the full cost of services like that toward your deductible. 4532 is also right to steer you in the direction of Health Savings Accounts. They can only be used with qualifying high-deductible health plans and can help you pay for medical expenses with pre-tax dollars (up to a limit) . Whatever you do, I'd recommend that you talk with a licensed agent. You might also want to visit a website like eHealthInsurance.com (where I work). You can get free quotes from top health insurance companies in your area, compare plans side by side, talk to one of our licensed agents and apply online if you find a plan that meets your needs and budget. I don't just want to promote our company, but it is convenient since it's online. Whatever you do, talk to a licensed agent to help you get an idea of what's really available in your area. - Bob H. licensed agent.
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