Basic Health Care Insurance Coverage

Health insurance shields you from the high cost of medical bills, but it can prove unaffordable for many people. One way to cut down on the cost of health care is to get a policy that offers only basic coverage at a reduced premium. While not ideal, it will at least cover you and your family in some of the worst and most costly medical scenarios.

Types of Coverage

• A basic health care insurance plan will usually cover some of the most common and necessary forms of treatment. These include hospital stays, regular doctor visits, consultations with specialists, surgical procedures and some forms of prescription medication. Basic health plans often lack coverage for preventative care, such as early screenings not advised by a doctor and diet or exercise education.

Limits

• One of the drawbacks to a basic health plan is the limits it imposes on policyholders. Some plans function as health care savings accounts; once you spend the money in the account, you're liable for the cost of your own care. Others use high deductibles to keep premiums low. These plans may require you to contribute several thousand dollars before the insurance company will pay anything. Basic health plans also use copayments, which you're responsible for paying each time you see a doctor or receive treatment.

Sources

• Individuals and families can get basic health insurance coverage from a number of sources. Employers not required by law to offer health insurance may still offer a basic plan, which they might pay in part as an employment incentive. Individual health plans from private insurers are more affordable when they only cover basic medical expenses, such as hospitalization and emergency treatment. Finally, government-sponsored programs such as Medicaid and Medicare offer a basic level of coverage for those who meet eligibility requirements due to a low income or senior citizen status.

Supplements

• Insurance policyholders can usually choose supplemental insurance or riders to their existing policies to add features and extended coverage to a basic health plan. Supplemental insurance may offer payment for lost income due to a medical emergency. Riders to a basic health plan can add dental and vision coverage for families. Anyone who signs up for a basic health plan needs to understand that these types of additional coverage are not standard and either cost extra or are only available through a different insurance company.