Questions to Ask Before Buying Health Insurance Coverage

Before buying health insurance coverage, consider asking the following questions so that you can make the best decision for your health needs:

1. Who is the insurer? Does it have a good reputation? How is it rated? How big is it? How long has the company been in business?
2. What is the deductible?
3. Is there a copay?
4. Does it cover your dependents? What about stepchildren?
5. Does it cover specific conditions/procedures that are important to you?
6. Does it cover your medications?
7. Does it cover eye exams or dental exams?
8. Does it cover birth control?
9. Does it include mental health benefits?
10. What about ongoing physical therapy? Is that covered?
11. Will it cover emergency transport?
12. What if you have emergency medical needs while you are out of the country? Will it cover those?
13. Can you choose your doctor? Will it cost more if your doctor isn’t in the network? If so, how much?
14. When is the open enrollment period? Can you transition smoothly from your current plan?
15. Does the plan cover the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA’s) 10 essential benefits?
16. Is the plan grandfathered?

In addition to these general considerations, you’ll likely have specific questions about coverage for your needs and circumstances. Be sure also to consider those questions before you shop for a new plan.