Frequently Asked Questions About
choosing a Health Insurance Plan
All material on this page is for information purpose only.
We cannot make any guarantees as to it's accuracy or appropriateness to your individual
situation. We urge you to consult your insurance agent, lawyer, accountant or tax advisor
for specific insurance, legal, or tax advice.
For actual coverage information you must refer to the printed policy material supplied
by the insurance carriers. If you have other questions, please complete the questionnaire
and we will have an agent contact you. (Request
information form)
- What is a short term medical policy ?
- If I am self-employed, are there other
options available to me?
- What is a pre-existing health condition?
- Will
a pre-existing health condition be covered?
- Can I be declined coverage?
- How much will health insurance cost?
What is a short term medical policy ?
Short term medical insurance provides high-limit medical expense coverage, on an
indemnity basis, for a relatively short period of time. At the time of purchase, the
insured can choose a period of coverage that may be as short as 30 days, up to as long as
180 or 185 days (i.e., approximately 6 months). Several deductible and coinsurance options
exist, with the premium cost varying according to the specific deductible and coinsurance
provisions selected.
Short term medical plans do not cover pre-existing conditions. It is recommended that
prior to purchase, individuals carefully read the "exclusions section" and the
other sections of a short term medical insurance policy.
If I am self-employed, are there other options available to
me?
Yes. If you are self-employed, you may be able to purchase group
health insurance as a "group of one". You will be required to provide proof that
you are a legitimate business in order to qualify for group coverage. There may be tax
advantages to purchasing group coverage. You should contact a tax professional for
details.
Also, group plans may offer more comprehensive coverage, lower deductibles and more
options. Please fill out the information request form for an agent to contact you with
more information.
What is a pre-existing health
condition?
In it’s broadest definition a pre-existing health condition
is any sickness or physical condition which you received medical care, treatment, or
medication prior to your requested effective date of coverage with a health insurance
plan. State mandates vary on how far back insurance companies will look to determine if a
condition was present. Standard guidelines are any condition that would have caused a
prudent person to seek a medical diagnosis or treatment within the mandated time period is
considered pre-existing.
Will a pre-existing health condition be covered?
Always read the policy to determine when a pre-existing condition
is covered. Specific rules and exclusions vary by state and company, and you should
consult a licensed health insurance agent for details.
This clause does not apply to short term policies. All pre-existing conditions are
excluded on short term medical plans.
Can I be declined medical insurance
coverage?
Due to state mandates, companies that offer permanent insurance
plans in Maine and New Hampshire cannot decline an applicant based upon health
history, an applicant can be declined if they don’t meet certain age and residency
requirements.
Short term plans may also decline if you don’t meet residency and age requirements,
as well as for certain medical conditions. You should consult a licensed health insurance
agent for advice on your specific situation.
How much will health insurance cost?
Premiums for both short term and permanent plans vary depending on your
age, number of dependents, state of residence, and the type of coverage you choose.
For rates on a short term plan that is available in your state click here.
For rates on a permanent plan, please fill out the request for information on this web site, and
we will refer you to a licensed health insurance agent in your area.