Monday, March 2, 2009

Short Term Medical Insurance: Who Should Opt For It?

By Chimezirim Odimba

Short-term medical insurance is far less expensive when matched up against a typical health insurance plan. These plans are often suitable for younger people that are in pretty good health rather than the more complicated medical insurance options.

Many short-term health insurance plans offer low monthly payments that are much more comfortable than the high costs involved with a standard plan. However, with short-term health insurance, you are not eligible for many of the benefits that you receive with a normal plan.

Instead of having visits fully or partially paid by your health care network, you will have to pay all fees for all non-emergency doctor's visits and elective surgical procedures. Costs for all prescription drugs and ob-gyn visits are not covered by short-term health insurance, either.

Expenses associated with maternity and delivery are not paid for by short-term health insurance plans, however you may well be qualified for coverage from other sources. If you do have a severe medical emergency, your short-term health insurance provider will reimburse you up to a specific amount once you have met your deductible.

Typically, the lower the deductible, the higher your monthly premium will be. Nearly all short-term health insurance plans have a max of less than one year. You can get additional coverage with another company after that. You ought to be able to get a complete list of providers on web sites that evaluate health insurance plans. Many people will not benefit from short term health insurance.

Medical problems that require expensive prescription drugs wouldn't be covered by short term medical insurance so you would be better with a standard health care provider that will assist with these expenses. If you don't have health insurance through a job and want a cost-effective alternative that covers you in the event of an emergency, short-term health insurance may be the best choice.

Policies can usually be in effect the following day. Nearly all insurers allow credit card payments. The most important thing to remember is that a short-term plan is not designed to cover pre-existing conditions.

During the 36 months before you applied for the policy, any conditions that you were treated for are considered to be pre existing. The "look-back" period for these conditions can vary by state. You can find out all of the laws by contacting your state's insurance department. All short-term policies have very specific limitations and exclusions, so read the policy carefully before you buy. - 15224

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