The best health insurance plans

The best health insurance plan is one that will give the most benefits for the least amount of money. Here's a rundown on the pros and cons of today's health insurance plans.

Compensation Plans

Compensation plans are the original health insurance plan, but fewer people are buying them these days because of their high premiums.

* Pros - You can choose their own doctors and hospitals.

* Cons - you must pay a $ 500 to $ 1,000 deductible before your insurer pays for your requests. You may have to pay the medical bills yourself, then submit bills for reimbursement. If your doctor charged more than what your insurer considers "reasonable and customary" you end up paying the difference.

HMOs

HMO (health organizations) are the least expensive and least flexible health plans.

* The Pro - the co-payments (the amount you pay before your insurer pays a utility bill) are cheap, usually $ 5 to $ 10. The paperwork involved is much less than that of an indemnity plan.

* Cons - you can only visit doctors within a network of doctors prescribed. You must choose an in-network doctor who oversees medical services, and you must get a referral from him or her to see a specialist.

OPP

PPO (Preferred Provider Organizations) are more flexible and cost slightly more than HMOs.

* The Pro - the co-payments are cheap - $ 5 to $ 10. You can visit an in-network specialist without getting permission.

* Cons - If you see a non-network physician may have to pay the bill and submit to your insurer for reimbursement. You can also pay a deductible or pay the difference between the bill non-network doctor and what the law would be a physician network.

POS

POS (Point of service plans) are more flexible and cost little more than OPP.

* Pros - You can visit a physician network with the approval of your doctor and continues to receive coverage. These plans provide more preventive care (health laboratories, gymnasiums discounts, etc.) that the HMO and PPO.

* Cons - must choose a primary care physician to monitor their services. If your doctor does not approve of your visit to a non-network doctor, you may need to submit the medical bill and receive only partial payment.

Best Health Insurance Rates

Get the best price on health insurance is the same to get the best price on anything else - you have to comparison shop. The fastest and easiest way to shop for health plans is to go to an insurance comparison website. You fill out a simple form with your details and type of health insurance you want, then wait for your quotes.

Some comparison sites also have an insurance expert on call who can answer your questions by phone or through an online chat service. (See link below.)...