Health care costs are sky high, and consequently so are health insurance rates. So how can you get a cheap health insurance quote? Here's how ...
Cheap Health Insurance Plans
The cheapest health insurance plans are Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs), Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and Point-of-Service plans (PPOs).
HMOs
HMOs are the least expensive of the health insurance plans. They provide health care through a network of doctors and hospitals.
With most plans you pay a small fee known as a copayment for each doctor visit. You don't have to fill out a bunch of forms as you would with a traditional plan, and there are no deductibles to pay.
When you're ill you must consult your primary doctor, also known as a gatekeeper, who will either treat you or refer you to a specialist. You are not covered if you choose to go to a doctor who is not part of your network.
PPOs
PPOs cost slightly more than than HMOs, and are the most popular health insurance plans because they provide more flexibility than HMOs. They too provide health care through a network of health providers.
Your copayment for each doctor's visit is about the same as an HMOs, and there are no forms to fill out and no deductibles to pay. There are no gatekeepers with a PPO so you can see a specialist without first seeing your primary care physician.
POSs
POS plans cost more than HMOs and PPOs, but provide the most flexibility of the three health insurance plans. They provide health care through a health provider network, but you also have the option of seeing a doctor of your choice.
Copayments for doctor visits within the network are about the same as they are for HMOs and PPOs, and you will be reimbursed up to 80% for your out-of-network doctor visits after you pay a deductible.
Cheap Health Insurance Quotes
The best way to get cheap health insurance quotes is to go to an insurance comparison website. Here you can get quotes from health insurance companies so you can compare rates. Some sites even have an insurance expert on call so you can chat with him or her online and get answers to all your questions. (See link below.)
Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com/health-insurance.html or click on the following link to get cheap health insurance quotes from top-rated companies in your area. You can get more health insurance tips by checking out their "Articles" section.
The author, Brian Stevens, is a former insurance agent and financial consultant who has written a number of articles on how to get cheap health insurance quotes.
By Brian Stevens
Published: 4/11/2007
