Often, healthcare plans are referred to as health “insurance” plans. Health insurance plans fall under healthcare plans. Healthcare plans can come as health insurance policy or a discount plan. Health insurance helps pay and manage for the cost of medical needs and services. It gives peace of mind for the insured that when they need to pay for hospital or emergencies, their out-of-pocket epenses are minimal. The insurance company pays for the bulk of the bill or according to what the policy indicates. Individuals who cannot pay for the monthly premium of a health insurance plan can get an alternative health discount plan. However, the provisions, benefits and other coverage are not the same as an insurance plan. For eample, the alternative healthcare discount plan helps you get medical and dental services or even prescription drugs at reduced rates. People who choose to get a discount plan are repeatedly reminded to be careful when using discount plans or discount cards. You can get the maimum allowable discount if you go to doctors or hospitals receiving these discount plans. Check the list of doctors and pharmacies and ask them if they still accept these discount cards. The good thing about discount plans is you do not need to undergo an etensive medical eamination or wait in anticipation before your insurance application is approved the anticipation for approval in an insurance plan. Healthcare plans, in general should be available to everyone. But there are individuals who cannot afford to buy a plan or are simply not eligible for insurance coverage. These individuals thus opt for discount plans which help them save on high medical costs. -- June 19.2009 @ 4.29pm