The factors to consider in buying private and corporate-offered health insurance plans are generally the same. You usually start with research on the various types of health insurance plans that are available in the market. Then try to check the type of plan you are getting and the best coverage that you can get considering your health condition and budget situation. In comparing health insurance plans, consider first the amount of deductibles. A deductible is the annual amount that the health care provider requires you to pay before the insurance company begins paying for your claims. Keep in mind that if an accident happens, you will have to pay for that deductible amount before the insurance company pays for any other medical services. Net, you should consider the portion of the medical epenses in which the insurance provider will require you to pay. This payment arrangement is called coinsurance. Coinsurance applies even after the deductible amount has been met. You should also take note of the cost of doctors’ visits. Such costs often vary depending on whether you are consulting with a specialist or your primary care physician. Another important factor to consider in making comparisons is the coverage for drug prescriptions. There are some plans that cover any generic drug. Some plans, on the other hand, cover both generics and name brands, but will most often cover more generics. You must make sure that your physician is willing to offer generics before you choose a plan that does not offer coverage for drugs with brand names. Make sure to check the out-of-pocket limits, copayments, deductibles and coinsurance payments that are set on some policies. You should also consider healthcare savings accounts which you can use to pay and keep funds for coinsurance payments, deductibles or other uncovered items. Find out what coverage is offered for a pre-eisting condition that you might have. Then choose the plan that offers coverage for such a condition. Lastly, you should consider other key factors in choosing health insurance plans such as Out-of-Network coverage, Out-of-Country coverage, hospital services, maternity coverage and outpatient services. -- June 17, 2009 @ 10:46 am