Questions to Ask When Choosing Medical Insurance

Medical insurance comes in many different forms, and most health insurance providers offer a number of varying plan options to their applicants. When you are shopping for medical insurance or choosing a new health coverage plan, there are a number of questions you should be asking. You should be asking questions of yourself to determine your needs and those of your family, and you should also be asking questions of your medical insurance provider to ensure you end up with a plan designed to meet those needs.

What Care Will I Need?

• ConsumersUnion.org recommends taking careful inventory of your current medical needs. Ask yourself whether you or your family members may require specific medical treatments or frequent care provided by a specialist. Some medical insurance plans only provide coverage if you see an approved doctor in an approved medical facility. If you or a family member require care through a non-approved medical specialist, your medical insurance may not do you any good. Ask your medical insurance provider if your doctors and hospitals are covered under the plan, or what you will have to do to ensure your medical care will be covered.

Ask About Preexisting Conditions

• It's a good idea to ask the medical plan provider if there is any type of stipulation related to preexisting conditions. If you or a family member have a currently diagnosed medical condition that requires treatment, you could be subject to a mandatory waiting period before your medical care will be covered. As e-wisdom.com notes, mandatory waiting periods are often out of your control, but it is helpful to know what to expect so you can plan accordingly.

What Is Covered?

• The Institute for Good Medicine advises that you specifically ask about what is covered under the medical insurance plan you are considering. Even if the policy description includes a list of covered services and procedures, always ask for verification from a policy representative. You should check on the coverage limits and annual deductibles related to routine preventive care, prescription drug coverage, hospital visits and extended stays, mental health services, lab work and surgical procedures. Verify the coverage for both individual and family medical plans.

Ask Your Doctor if Coverage Is Accepted

• If you have a current doctor or medical provider whom you wish to keep, be sure to ask your doctor's office if the medical insurance plan is accepted there. Not every medical professional accepts every type of medical insurance plan. Even if you notice the terms of the medical insurance coverage allows you to see your own doctors and medical specialists, you should still check to make sure you will be able to use that coverage with your current medical providers.