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Don\'t Get Ripped Off On Health Insurance

By Rachel Corsini, Insuranceagents.com Writing Team

Sad but true: you can get ripped off when you’re purchasing health insurance. It can seem like an unlikely occurrence but it happens more often than you think. To avoid getting swindled, here are a few things to look out for when purchasing health insurance. Compare multiple quotes using our online quote form today!

Buy actual health insurance from a LICENSED professional

Check with your state department to see if the company you’re dealing with is licensed to sell health insurance. Unlicensed companies exist and usually take money from you for the premium but might not actually pay your claim. Since the company that you paid for your health insurance won’t pay, then you’ll be responsible for the charges, which completely defeats the purpose of having health insurance. Make sure you’re buying health insurance from a licensed agency.

Check out your health insurance agent

Health insurance agents often get paid by commission, so sometimes they can be a bit pushy. Don’t let that get to you. Take into consideration all your options when it comes to health insurance. If you deal with a health insurance agent be sure that they are licensed. Check with your state’s insurance department for the agent’s file—there should be included any complaints against him/her and any recommendations for him. Check for any disciplinary action taken against the health insurance agent as well.

Go for the quality

Good health insurance plans won’t be a rip off, but they’re not going to be the cheapest either. Sometimes price needs to be sacrificed for quality health insurance. Remember that the most expensive might not be the best option either. When purchasing a health insurance plan you’ll want to be knowledgeable about what the health insurance plan will provide for you in the event that you do become ill.

Shop around

Don’t just go with the first health insurance company you research. Check out other health insurance quotes and compare them. Quotes can be found easily online and are sent to within the day. From there you can pick the health insurance company that suits the needs of you and your family.

After you purchase your health insurance you can still be ripped off, here are a few things to keep in mind while you have health insurance.

Use the doctors within your network

If you choose to use doctors outside your health insurance’s network then you’ll have to pay to for those services. If you want to use a specific doctor check to make sure that he/she is included in the network under your health insurance. The network might also include certain facilities, so be sure to check for that too. Don’t choose a health insurance that doesn’t have the doctor your use or the facilities you attend on their network.

Make sure your health insurance company pays your claims

It is extremely important that your health insurance pay claims. Whether they reimburse you or pay directly to the provider your health insurance should pay. Check to make sure that the health insurance isn’t denying your claims or taking months to pay them.

Cancelled?

If your health insurance company wants to cancel and you’ve just started to use your health insurance, contact you state department of insurance. If this happens something is definitely not right with the health insurance. You could also contact a lawyer.

Being ripped off by your health insurance seems unlikely but it does happen, so make sure to look out for the signs. Health insurance is important and should make medical problems and healthcare visits easier on your entire family, not more stressful. Be sure that your health insurance is paying claims and purchase your insurance from a licensed agent or health insurance company. The easiest way to shop for quotes is using our online quote forms to compare several offers.