My friend broke his leg and he does not have health insurance. He will not go to the doctor and he is in so much pain. what can he do?
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He needs to see a doctor. Most ERs and some doctors offices will see patients without insurance. Its expensive but most places will take people without insurance as self-pay clients and most hospitals and clinics offer payment plans to pay for services.
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Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Is there a Conservative out there who is not satisfied with their health insurance or lack of insurance?
Have you been turned down because of a preexisting condition? Do you think there is ANY need for reform in the health care system? Are you paying exorbitant prices for medication? Are you really satisfied with the status quo? What, if anything, would you change?
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Polls show that the majority of conservatives believe that we need to reform health care. In fact the Republicans have introduced their own version of Healthcare reform. Some of its major features are: ?Number one: let families and businesses buy health insurance across state lines. ?Number two: allow individuals, small businesses, and trade associations to pool together and acquire health insurance at lower prices, the same way large corporations and labor unions do. ?Number three: give states the tools to create their own innovative reforms that lower health care costs. ?Number four: end junk lawsuits that contribute to higher health care costs by increasing the number of tests and procedures that physicians sometimes order not because they think it's good medicine, but because they are afraid of being sued. I agree we all need to make health insurance available and affordable. However, I don't think that we need to put the Federal Government in charge of our health care.
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Polls show that the majority of conservatives believe that we need to reform health care. In fact the Republicans have introduced their own version of Healthcare reform. Some of its major features are: ?Number one: let families and businesses buy health insurance across state lines. ?Number two: allow individuals, small businesses, and trade associations to pool together and acquire health insurance at lower prices, the same way large corporations and labor unions do. ?Number three: give states the tools to create their own innovative reforms that lower health care costs. ?Number four: end junk lawsuits that contribute to higher health care costs by increasing the number of tests and procedures that physicians sometimes order not because they think it's good medicine, but because they are afraid of being sued. I agree we all need to make health insurance available and affordable. However, I don't think that we need to put the Federal Government in charge of our health care.
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Kidney Stone and no health insurance. At home remedy?
I have had kidney stones in the past and usually can pass them on my own with prescription pain meds and lots of water. But i was laid off and have lost my health insurance so I can't go to the Dr. Any at home remedies that can help with this pain is appreciated. It is the most horrible pain ever!!
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i ended up in the hospital from the pain i had with mine (even vicoden didnt work) so im doubting theres anything thatll help with the pain you can do at home. look up a free clinic in your area
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i ended up in the hospital from the pain i had with mine (even vicoden didnt work) so im doubting theres anything thatll help with the pain you can do at home. look up a free clinic in your area
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I am a new migrant to Australia, i applied for medicare, does it mean i don have to do any health insurance?
Some body told me that everybody is eligible for medicare and it is not a heath insurance. They just provide consutancy services, so do i have to do a medical insurance seperately?
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If you have a permanent visa, you are eligible to join Medicare and you have been misinformed about what Medicare covers. Medicare pays for 100% of all services in public hospitals and cover is available for all conditions from the date of your arrival in Australia. For GP, specialist, pathology and diagnostic services outside a public hospital, Medicare sets a 'scheduled fee' for every type of service and will refund you 85% of that scheduled fee. Some doctors etc 'bulk bill' i.e. they charge only the rebate amount so if you consult them, there will be no co-payment. Most however charge either the scheduled fee or higher (that is up to the practitioner) and you must pay the difference between the rebate amount and the actual charge. For a normal doctor visit, that will usually be around $20 - $30. Safety nets are in place and when a single person (or a whole family) reaches a certain total of out of pocket expenses in a calendar year, the amount of rebate rises - the first step is to 100% of the scheduled fee and the next step will return nearly all of the amount charged, whatever it may be. It doesn't matter how many people are in the family, the total is the same as for an individual and the first safety net threshhold is quite low, so people with a few kids or a condition requiring regular treatment, can reach it quite early in each calendar year. Urgent cases are generally treated quickly in public hospitals, but for any kind of elective treatment (and there is a pretty broad definition of 'elective'), there are usually long waiting lists. Cancer treatment, broken bones, heart conditions and life threatening conditions are non-elective and will be treated quickly but something like orthopedic surgery (e.g. knee or hip replacements) is considered to be elective and there could be a wait of a year or even longer for public hospital treatment. If you are prepared to wait until public hospital treatment is available, you don't need any private hospital insurance. If you want to be able to access elective hospital treatment without waiting in a long queue, private hospital insurance is worthwhile - I have it and wouldn't be without it but the majority of people don't have private insurance and never feel the need for it. Medicare pays for a portion of the private hospital charge and also provides a 30% subsidy on premiums, so premiums are (IMO), reasonable and nothing like as expensive as in other countries. Medicare doesn't cover dental, optical, physio, podiatry or other similar services. Private 'extras' cover is available for dental, optical, physio and other treatment not covered by Medicare. Note that it is NOT possible, (such cover would be illegal) to cover the 'gap' between the Medicare rebate and the amount charged for out of hospital medical services. Private health insurers in Australia are required by law to accept everyone who wishes to take out cover with them, regardless of their medical or claims history and they must charge everyone the same premium for the same level of cover. For pre-existing conditions, there is usually a waiting period before a claim can be made e.g. you can't claim for pregnancy related expenses for 9 or 12 months after joining the fund (there is no waiting period for Medicare benefits).
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If you have a permanent visa, you are eligible to join Medicare and you have been misinformed about what Medicare covers. Medicare pays for 100% of all services in public hospitals and cover is available for all conditions from the date of your arrival in Australia. For GP, specialist, pathology and diagnostic services outside a public hospital, Medicare sets a 'scheduled fee' for every type of service and will refund you 85% of that scheduled fee. Some doctors etc 'bulk bill' i.e. they charge only the rebate amount so if you consult them, there will be no co-payment. Most however charge either the scheduled fee or higher (that is up to the practitioner) and you must pay the difference between the rebate amount and the actual charge. For a normal doctor visit, that will usually be around $20 - $30. Safety nets are in place and when a single person (or a whole family) reaches a certain total of out of pocket expenses in a calendar year, the amount of rebate rises - the first step is to 100% of the scheduled fee and the next step will return nearly all of the amount charged, whatever it may be. It doesn't matter how many people are in the family, the total is the same as for an individual and the first safety net threshhold is quite low, so people with a few kids or a condition requiring regular treatment, can reach it quite early in each calendar year. Urgent cases are generally treated quickly in public hospitals, but for any kind of elective treatment (and there is a pretty broad definition of 'elective'), there are usually long waiting lists. Cancer treatment, broken bones, heart conditions and life threatening conditions are non-elective and will be treated quickly but something like orthopedic surgery (e.g. knee or hip replacements) is considered to be elective and there could be a wait of a year or even longer for public hospital treatment. If you are prepared to wait until public hospital treatment is available, you don't need any private hospital insurance. If you want to be able to access elective hospital treatment without waiting in a long queue, private hospital insurance is worthwhile - I have it and wouldn't be without it but the majority of people don't have private insurance and never feel the need for it. Medicare pays for a portion of the private hospital charge and also provides a 30% subsidy on premiums, so premiums are (IMO), reasonable and nothing like as expensive as in other countries. Medicare doesn't cover dental, optical, physio, podiatry or other similar services. Private 'extras' cover is available for dental, optical, physio and other treatment not covered by Medicare. Note that it is NOT possible, (such cover would be illegal) to cover the 'gap' between the Medicare rebate and the amount charged for out of hospital medical services. Private health insurers in Australia are required by law to accept everyone who wishes to take out cover with them, regardless of their medical or claims history and they must charge everyone the same premium for the same level of cover. For pre-existing conditions, there is usually a waiting period before a claim can be made e.g. you can't claim for pregnancy related expenses for 9 or 12 months after joining the fund (there is no waiting period for Medicare benefits).
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What is the best and cheap health insurance?
I came form a different country so i dont have any insurance when i came to california. What is the best that i dont have to pay anything when emergency and cheap like $30 per month.
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Hi Bella. You should try to get some insurance right away. There are a lot of options for temporary insurance and cheap rates. Your best bet is to go thought a broker. They have access to multiple providers and can find you the best rate. We used J.C. Lewis and I'd recommend them for health insurance in California. http://www.jclis.com/ Good luck and don't wait too long to get insured. It's okay as long as your health but if something happens, you could lose a lot.
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Hi Bella. You should try to get some insurance right away. There are a lot of options for temporary insurance and cheap rates. Your best bet is to go thought a broker. They have access to multiple providers and can find you the best rate. We used J.C. Lewis and I'd recommend them for health insurance in California. http://www.jclis.com/ Good luck and don't wait too long to get insured. It's okay as long as your health but if something happens, you could lose a lot.
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Is there the best and cheap health insurance?
I came form a different country so i dont have any insurance when i came to california.
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I recommend you this site where you can compare quotes so you can find the best option for you http://qinsurance.notlong.com
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I recommend you this site where you can compare quotes so you can find the best option for you http://qinsurance.notlong.com
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Anybody else gonna cancel their health insurance and let republicans pay for their care?
They say there is nothing wrong with the system so tommorrow I will cancel my insurance and hide my assets and just go to the hospital for free healthcare. Republicans can pay for insurance and my healthcare from now on. Thanks for the welfare guys. Now, how should I spend the extra 500 dollars i have every month from not paying insurance?
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Sorry but one more worthless turd mooching off the system isn't going to break it. Unfortunately they cannot fix your brain damage in the ER so I guess you are screwed there.
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Sorry but one more worthless turd mooching off the system isn't going to break it. Unfortunately they cannot fix your brain damage in the ER so I guess you are screwed there.
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When the GOP condemns socialized medicine, why don't they consider health insurance in general to be just that
Isn't health insurance an example of socialized medicine? We invest our money into a pool so that if we get sick, society (the people vested in the insurance fund) shares the burden of one persons illness. Is that not socialized by definition?
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Seeing as the government doesn't run the insurance companies or the system it really can't be called socialized..........
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Seeing as the government doesn't run the insurance companies or the system it really can't be called socialized..........
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Obama's health care plans REQUIRE employers to provide health insurance. What about the companies that split?
the costs of health insurance now with the employee? Will these companies now be required to pay 100% of the cost of insurance under Obama's plan?
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That is left up to the companies that are required to cover its employees. Some small businesses are exempt from providing insurance.
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That is left up to the companies that are required to cover its employees. Some small businesses are exempt from providing insurance.
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Have you seen this ad on tv that advertises health insurance for about $150 month?
This is supposedly not a health discount card. I called the number only to be told that someone has to call me back with information. Do you have more details about this coverage?
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i would not go with a "discount" company..
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i would not go with a "discount" company..
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Question about pre-existing conditions and health insurance?
I was diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety disorder in January of this year, then in the middle of April I lost my health insurance due to age and my parent's policy. I applied for new health insurance and told them about the condition, will they deny coverage for this problem?
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healthplans.my-age.net - try this one. I have their health insurancs and as I know they can provide coverage with preexisting condition.
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healthplans.my-age.net - try this one. I have their health insurancs and as I know they can provide coverage with preexisting condition.
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Is there a waiting period for benefits after signing up for Humana health insurance?
This seems like something I could find on the net but I've had no luck. Is anyone familiar? I had employer provided insurance until I was fired so now I'm se
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Maybe You should try to google it first ,nonetheless, if you prefer some direct resource ,here http://www.InsuranceFreeTip.info/insurance-for-free.htm might be helpful.
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Maybe You should try to google it first ,nonetheless, if you prefer some direct resource ,here http://www.InsuranceFreeTip.info/insurance-for-free.htm might be helpful.
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we have to buy car insurance or we get in trouble with the law why not do the same thing with health insurance?
I'm just wondering. I'm no expert in this stuff. I just want to know if something like that is possible and make it as affordable as car insurance. thoughts? People have to buy car insurance why not health insurance if they can get the costs down, and expand the options to insurance for those who can't afford it. is it a stupid idea? or people just don't want the government involved?
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If you don't have insurance and hit me, I'M out of pocket. If you don't have health insurance and get sick, that doesn't affect me.
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If you don't have insurance and hit me, I'M out of pocket. If you don't have health insurance and get sick, that doesn't affect me.
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Are there any health insurance companies that exist that accept aplicants who already have medi-cal?
and who simply want to have better insurance so that doctors will see them, because the doctors are telling them that medi-cal is not good enough insurance ? Any companies? Blue shield said they do not allow applicants who have medi-cal. Which I don't understand why this is even an issue?
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The reason is most people on Medi-cal can't afford regular insurance, at least not for very long. It can take an insurance company 6 - 8 months to recoup the cost to issue you a policy, longer if you use the insurance, and people on Medicaid from any state often drop off the plan in a couple of months. You can have regular insurance and Medicaid. Many minor children of divorced parents have a policy provided by the dad (because of the divorce decree) and at the same time are on Medicaid. Also, many people are on both Medicare with a private policy and Medicaid. Medi-cal is just as good as regular insurance. The reason many doctors don't want to accept it is because the doctor gets paid less money from Medi-cal than they do from private insurance.
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The reason is most people on Medi-cal can't afford regular insurance, at least not for very long. It can take an insurance company 6 - 8 months to recoup the cost to issue you a policy, longer if you use the insurance, and people on Medicaid from any state often drop off the plan in a couple of months. You can have regular insurance and Medicaid. Many minor children of divorced parents have a policy provided by the dad (because of the divorce decree) and at the same time are on Medicaid. Also, many people are on both Medicare with a private policy and Medicaid. Medi-cal is just as good as regular insurance. The reason many doctors don't want to accept it is because the doctor gets paid less money from Medi-cal than they do from private insurance.
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Health insurance key to prolonged stay?
I have seen patients leave a mental hospital within five to seven days. How do doctors keep them in for longer—let's say 6 months? Does health insurance have anything to do with their prolonged stay?
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In the US, yes it is most likely the health insurance...If you were paying privately you could stay as long as you wanted too or needed to...This is the case in ANY hospital whether mental or medical...yes, it seems callous, but the health insurances dictate what the Drs. can do for you too..
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In the US, yes it is most likely the health insurance...If you were paying privately you could stay as long as you wanted too or needed to...This is the case in ANY hospital whether mental or medical...yes, it seems callous, but the health insurances dictate what the Drs. can do for you too..
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Hello friends which is the best health insurance program for average middle class family..?
Which major insurance companies are providing a very good and healthy health insurance program, which wants a average premium but provides a reasonably good insurance cover?
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all most all companies.
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all most all companies.
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Question about the Health Insurance reform?
LOOKING FOR FACT: I am pro-choice and was wondering what provisions and protections the health insurance reform has for people who object to preforming abortions and other needless procedures? LOOKING FOR OPINION: What are your views on these provisions and protections if there are any and do you think there should be?
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FACT: There is still debate going on if a provision will be in or not on the finalized bill. FACT: The whole basis of Roe v Wade was the concept of your right to privacy also applies to your medical records. The government can not look at those just to see if you had an abortion. What does that mean? That means that this healthcare reform could very easily debunk Roe V Wade. Don't believe me? If Bush and the GOP Congress had the authority that this bill gives the government with your health records, would you be concerned over what they would do with it in terms of a woman's choice? That is the power that you WILL provide current and future pro-life leaning elected officials.
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FACT: There is still debate going on if a provision will be in or not on the finalized bill. FACT: The whole basis of Roe v Wade was the concept of your right to privacy also applies to your medical records. The government can not look at those just to see if you had an abortion. What does that mean? That means that this healthcare reform could very easily debunk Roe V Wade. Don't believe me? If Bush and the GOP Congress had the authority that this bill gives the government with your health records, would you be concerned over what they would do with it in terms of a woman's choice? That is the power that you WILL provide current and future pro-life leaning elected officials.
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Do you know anybody that had their health insurance policy canceled because they filed a claim?
Do you think liberals exaggerate stories like that to further their cause of having a single payer health care system in the US?
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Yes they do exaggerate in order to make the people fear for the most basic thing they have, their health. Especially the older people, they are prone to believe the stories coming out of The Obama Factory.
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Yes they do exaggerate in order to make the people fear for the most basic thing they have, their health. Especially the older people, they are prone to believe the stories coming out of The Obama Factory.
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what would be a good rate for health insurance for a married couple, no kids, in ohio?
any recommendations as too who's plan to go with? will need dental, maternity and perscription coverage as added items. With all the talk about bad health coverage going around I want to make sure that I choose the right one.
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It depends upon your age, height and weight, and any pre-existing conditions. It also depends upon the type of policy, what is covered and what the deductible is. In my area for a 30 year old couple in perfect health the premium will run $220 to $360 per month with a range from $53 to $500 per month. Plans with maternity range from $250 to $900. Most plans will have prescription coverage. With individual policies you should consider maternity as a forced savings account. Maternity usually has a waiting period of around 12 months. The extra premium you are paying almost always adds up to more than the maternity costs. Dental is OK if you have an employer paying most of the premium. Otherwise it's a big waste of money. Your best bet is to call or visit a local independent agent. The agent knows what plans are available in your area and can find a plan that fits your situation and budget. They can explain all the differences in policies. The plans and premiums are exactly the same whether you use an agent or buy directly from the company.
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It depends upon your age, height and weight, and any pre-existing conditions. It also depends upon the type of policy, what is covered and what the deductible is. In my area for a 30 year old couple in perfect health the premium will run $220 to $360 per month with a range from $53 to $500 per month. Plans with maternity range from $250 to $900. Most plans will have prescription coverage. With individual policies you should consider maternity as a forced savings account. Maternity usually has a waiting period of around 12 months. The extra premium you are paying almost always adds up to more than the maternity costs. Dental is OK if you have an employer paying most of the premium. Otherwise it's a big waste of money. Your best bet is to call or visit a local independent agent. The agent knows what plans are available in your area and can find a plan that fits your situation and budget. They can explain all the differences in policies. The plans and premiums are exactly the same whether you use an agent or buy directly from the company.
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Does anyone have any suggestions for affordable health insurance for the self employed?
I am a self employed horse trainer and can't find an insurance company to insure me for a reasonalbe amount of money.
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I think the best way is to do some research on your own and then get in touch with local health insurance agents or brokers. I say more than one because talking with more agents will give you more ideas, see more health plan products, and – most importantly – get several different insurance agents competing two earn your business. Many people don't realize it, but insurance plans aren't any cheaper online than they are through an agent. You might want to find out whether a horse trainer organization has group health insurance. It would be cheaper than individual health insurance. I've included a link to United Professional Horsemen's Association; they might have group health plans for members or offer advice. I'm sure there are other professional horse trainers in your situation. When I've looked at self-employment matters, The National Associated for the Self-Employed (see link below) had some good information. They have a health care Web site with some good information as well (also below). Also, some states have group-purchasing pools for small business and the self-employed. Depending on the kind of business you're in, there may be a trade association you can join and get group health insurance through them. After you've done some researching, try visiting MostChoice.com. You fill out a short form, they send you information on health plans available in your state, and local state-licensed insurance agents contact you within 48 hours to talk about what you're company needs in a group health plan. It's free and you're not required to buy anything from the agents who contact you. Just wait until one of them delivers an insurance solution that makes sense for you and your company. You can visit MostChoice here: http://www.mostchoice.com/health-insuran… Hope this helps, Barnes@MostChoice
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I think the best way is to do some research on your own and then get in touch with local health insurance agents or brokers. I say more than one because talking with more agents will give you more ideas, see more health plan products, and – most importantly – get several different insurance agents competing two earn your business. Many people don't realize it, but insurance plans aren't any cheaper online than they are through an agent. You might want to find out whether a horse trainer organization has group health insurance. It would be cheaper than individual health insurance. I've included a link to United Professional Horsemen's Association; they might have group health plans for members or offer advice. I'm sure there are other professional horse trainers in your situation. When I've looked at self-employment matters, The National Associated for the Self-Employed (see link below) had some good information. They have a health care Web site with some good information as well (also below). Also, some states have group-purchasing pools for small business and the self-employed. Depending on the kind of business you're in, there may be a trade association you can join and get group health insurance through them. After you've done some researching, try visiting MostChoice.com. You fill out a short form, they send you information on health plans available in your state, and local state-licensed insurance agents contact you within 48 hours to talk about what you're company needs in a group health plan. It's free and you're not required to buy anything from the agents who contact you. Just wait until one of them delivers an insurance solution that makes sense for you and your company. You can visit MostChoice here: http://www.mostchoice.com/health-insuran… Hope this helps, Barnes@MostChoice
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Do I need a European health insurance card when going abroad?
The card gives lets us use the health services in Europe. But what happens if we do not have this card? Can we still use the health services without it?
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The objective of the card is to ensure that UK citizens get the same service in Europe as they would get at home. So, if you require emergency treatment you get it at no extra cost. It does not cover any existing conditions you may have nor will it get you free routine dental treatment. Since the card is free it would be pretty stupid not to carry one. You can get an application form at your local Post Office. Ian
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The objective of the card is to ensure that UK citizens get the same service in Europe as they would get at home. So, if you require emergency treatment you get it at no extra cost. It does not cover any existing conditions you may have nor will it get you free routine dental treatment. Since the card is free it would be pretty stupid not to carry one. You can get an application form at your local Post Office. Ian
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Are you looking for a career in health insurance?
I'm an agent for Combined Insurance and I think it offers the best of both worlds, entrepreneurial and employment. It's 100% commissioned, so you are paid exactly what you are worth (just like owning your own business). But it also offers benefits, training, merit-based promotion, and the power of a Fortune 500 company backing the products. If you like, I could check into opportunities in your area.
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No. I'm not
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No. I'm not
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Why pay for health insurance anymore?
The Community Organizer (Barry O) has made sure that "pre-existing condition" cannot be basis for refusal when buying health insurance. So why not just wait until you get sick to purchase insurance? Its like waiting until you get into a car wreak to buy car insurance. Barry's penalty for not having insurance doesn't kick in for another few years... so why have insurance before getting sick?
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Exactly! This plan is designed to put competing insurance companies out of business, or over regulate them as a form of punishment! Why would I now carry insurance (If I headed a company) at that enormous cost if government will compete with me? If its so good, why did Democrats in both House and Senate opt out of it for themselves? If its soo needed, why wait four years to implement it since people are dying in the streets now? Make No mistake about it, this is a colossal power grab! And WTF does student loans have to do with Health care?
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Exactly! This plan is designed to put competing insurance companies out of business, or over regulate them as a form of punishment! Why would I now carry insurance (If I headed a company) at that enormous cost if government will compete with me? If its so good, why did Democrats in both House and Senate opt out of it for themselves? If its soo needed, why wait four years to implement it since people are dying in the streets now? Make No mistake about it, this is a colossal power grab! And WTF does student loans have to do with Health care?
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What is a good pet health insurance policy? A sick kitty can cost a fortune.?
Is pet health insurance worth the investment? I have two sweet semi-siamese kitties that I adore and want to keep safe and healthy without breaking the bank.
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Hi LucastaLovelace, First, disclaimer: I work for Embrace Pet Insurance in Cleveland, Ohio. I'm glad you're asking questions about pet health insurance. There is so much information floating around about it and not all of it is correct. Indeed a sick kitty can cost a fortune to make healthy again. Even so, we see a much higher percentage of dog owners than cat owners taking out pet insurance. Perhaps this stems from the perception that dogs are more active and thus more likely to need it, I'm still not sure. I want to address one question you asked which was "Is pet health insurance worth the investment?" Well, actually, no insurance product is ever an investment. Insurance simply transfers your risk to someone else in exchange for you paying the premium. Health, auto, pet insurance is all the same in this regard. You pay a premium, someone else takes the financial risk off your hands. I say this because many pet owners want pet insurance to act like human health insurance, right down to the idea that it should cover even visits to your veterinarian and routine vaccinations. The problem is that insurance doesn't work as well when it covers myriad small, inexpensive, routine procedures. By doesn't work as well I mean "is more expensive". It can certainly help from a budgeting point of view to have the whole kitchen sink included but it certainly won't make your pet insurance any more affordable. So, what makes a good pet health insurance policy? My opinion is straightforward: insurance is a promise to reimburse you so one of the main elements of a good policy is full and open disclosure of *everything* that is and is not covered. If you look just at price you are not getting the whole picture. You're very lucky in that nowadays here in the US you have a choice of at least half a dozen different pet insurance companies, just go to Google and type in "pet insurance." Here are some questions you should ask yourself as you navigate the different plans on the market: 1. Does the pet insurance company give you a choice of deductibles, maximums, and copays to design a plan to suit your budget? 2. Does the plan cover genetic conditions? Make sure their answer is unambiguous because some claim they cover them but there can be "gotchas." 3. Does the plan cover chronic or recurring conditions? So if your pet gets sick in year 1, does it cover the same illness again in year 2? 4. Does the plan come loaded with coverages that you'll pay for but probably never use, like "Lost & Found" or "Accidental Death"? 5. What is and is not covered? Is it clearly stated on their website or over the phone? 6. Does the plan pay claims based on a restrictive benefit schedule or the actual vet bill? You want to avoid benefit schedule plans because they have a high probability of leaving you substantially out of pocket when you make a claim. 7. Are there per-incident or per-body system limits that effectively cap the amount you could receive back? For example, some plans have a $3,000 per-incident limit. If you had a claim for $5,000 with one of these plans then the most you would get back would be $3,000 - ever. 8. How long does the company take to pay claims? 9. What are the rules around pre-existing conditions? Are they excluded permanently or temporarily? Buying a pet insurance plan requires a little bit of homework upfront. Go with the company that you trust and the plan that you think fits your budget and your needs. Good luck! Alex Embrace Pet Insurance http://www.embracepetinsurance.com
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Hi LucastaLovelace, First, disclaimer: I work for Embrace Pet Insurance in Cleveland, Ohio. I'm glad you're asking questions about pet health insurance. There is so much information floating around about it and not all of it is correct. Indeed a sick kitty can cost a fortune to make healthy again. Even so, we see a much higher percentage of dog owners than cat owners taking out pet insurance. Perhaps this stems from the perception that dogs are more active and thus more likely to need it, I'm still not sure. I want to address one question you asked which was "Is pet health insurance worth the investment?" Well, actually, no insurance product is ever an investment. Insurance simply transfers your risk to someone else in exchange for you paying the premium. Health, auto, pet insurance is all the same in this regard. You pay a premium, someone else takes the financial risk off your hands. I say this because many pet owners want pet insurance to act like human health insurance, right down to the idea that it should cover even visits to your veterinarian and routine vaccinations. The problem is that insurance doesn't work as well when it covers myriad small, inexpensive, routine procedures. By doesn't work as well I mean "is more expensive". It can certainly help from a budgeting point of view to have the whole kitchen sink included but it certainly won't make your pet insurance any more affordable. So, what makes a good pet health insurance policy? My opinion is straightforward: insurance is a promise to reimburse you so one of the main elements of a good policy is full and open disclosure of *everything* that is and is not covered. If you look just at price you are not getting the whole picture. You're very lucky in that nowadays here in the US you have a choice of at least half a dozen different pet insurance companies, just go to Google and type in "pet insurance." Here are some questions you should ask yourself as you navigate the different plans on the market: 1. Does the pet insurance company give you a choice of deductibles, maximums, and copays to design a plan to suit your budget? 2. Does the plan cover genetic conditions? Make sure their answer is unambiguous because some claim they cover them but there can be "gotchas." 3. Does the plan cover chronic or recurring conditions? So if your pet gets sick in year 1, does it cover the same illness again in year 2? 4. Does the plan come loaded with coverages that you'll pay for but probably never use, like "Lost & Found" or "Accidental Death"? 5. What is and is not covered? Is it clearly stated on their website or over the phone? 6. Does the plan pay claims based on a restrictive benefit schedule or the actual vet bill? You want to avoid benefit schedule plans because they have a high probability of leaving you substantially out of pocket when you make a claim. 7. Are there per-incident or per-body system limits that effectively cap the amount you could receive back? For example, some plans have a $3,000 per-incident limit. If you had a claim for $5,000 with one of these plans then the most you would get back would be $3,000 - ever. 8. How long does the company take to pay claims? 9. What are the rules around pre-existing conditions? Are they excluded permanently or temporarily? Buying a pet insurance plan requires a little bit of homework upfront. Go with the company that you trust and the plan that you think fits your budget and your needs. Good luck! Alex Embrace Pet Insurance http://www.embracepetinsurance.com
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