Frequently Asked Questions About Health Insurance

Are there many companies offering health insurance online?

Yes there are. In fact you will find an almost overwhelming selection of health insurance offers online. Some of the most popular sites are meant for getting quotes from several different insurers. Shop around to get the best deal.

Is buying health insurance online a good option?

Health insurance is a complex product and involves many complex issues. Online stores are usually automated to handle massive numbers of transactions, and therefore will try to generalize about you, and may wind up treating you more like a number than like a customer. See if the website has a phone number and try calling it. Ask you questions to the operator, and if you are happy with their service then consider purchasing from them.

How do I compare online health insurance plans?

The first rule for shopping for insurance online is to level the playing field by making sure that you are comparing plans with equivalent levels of coverage. Make sure that you will be able to go to a doctor you like, and that any special health needs you may have will be covered, like homeopathic physicians, chiropractic, physical therapy, eye sight, dental, etc. Also be sure to look for information on your rates and under what conditions they may go up under.


Can I purchase health insurance from any company online?

The insurer that you purchase from should be licensed in your state to provide health insurance. You can find out from their web site which states they are licensed to do business in.


Should I get more than one quote for health insurance online?

You should usually get at least 5 quotes from different companies to make sure that you are getting the best rate. You just want to take a little extra time and do some research to make sure that you are getting the best deal, and this means getting at least 5 quotes.


What is the difference between an HMO Plan and a PPO Plan?

The lowest cost plans are the HMO Plans. HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization, and these companies are kind of like mass produced health care. You generally have fewer choices of where you can go to see a doctor, and in many cases the level of service provided is lower than the PPO plans. PPO plans let you see any doctor you want and they also cost more. They offer better coverage of more expensive medical treatments and give you more choice on who you want to see.

Recommended Health Insurance Websites

Aetna - provider of managed care benefits and dental, pharmacy, vision, and group insurance coverage. 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association - official site. Contains information on programs, doctor/specialist lookup, insurance purchase information, and health resources.

Insure Kids Now - information on state government programs offering low-cost or free health insurance for kids in working families.

Health Insurance Sites on the Internet

CIGNA - http://www.cigna.com/
Formed in 1865 as Connecticut General, CIGNA is an employee benefits company in the U.S. and in selected markets around the world.

Other Health Insurance Information

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