Having health insurance comes with great advantages , such as financial protection in the event of medical emergencies or catastrophic event’s like a Heart attack or a bad diagnosis.
If you’re ready to take the leap into getting family or individual health insurance in Texas, there are some things you need to consider before simply picking the cheapest plan.
Keep reading to learn more about what you need to think about before getting health insurance for yourself or your family.
Considerations for Family Health Insurance in Texas
First, let’s look at some of the things you need to know about before getting insurance for your family.
Out-of-Pocket Costs
The most important thing to consider is how much your deductible is. A higher deductible will typically mean paying less on your monthly fees but it also means you’ll be paying more out-of-pocket when something does happen.
Once your deductible is reached, your medical costs will then be primarily covered by your insurance company though you may continue to pay part of the fees.
Family Versus Individual Deductibles
Family insurance plans often have both individual and family deductibles. Pay attention to these as well.
If one member of the family reaches their individual deductible, their medical bills are covered for the rest of that year. If any members of the family collectively reach the family deductible, all members will be covered from that point.
This works well if you have one family member who frequently needs medical care because they’ll quickly reach their deductible and may even reach the family deductible so everybody can save on healthcare.
With each plan you look at, be sure to check these deductibles to ensure they’re going to work for your family.
Plan Flexibility and Family Planning
For those who are planning on adding a member to the family soon, you’ll want to make sure your plan offers flexibility in this.
You’ll also want to check on what family planning, pregnancy, and birth options are available to you. Although it seems like a lot to think about now, it could help you have the best possible outcome in the future.
Considerations for Individual Health Insurance in Texas
The good news for individuals looking for health insurance is that there are fewer things you need to think about while shopping around. However, there are still a couple of things to consider.
Your Health
If you’re young, healthy, and can’t remember the last time you visited the doctor, there’s a good chance you can get away with health insurance that has a high deductible and a low monthly payment.
This can help you save money as long as you’re able to continue to avoid needing medical care.
However, if you do find yourself visiting the doctor or emergency rooms more often than the average person, you may need to choose a plan with a lower deductible and a higher monthly fee.
When you quickly reach your deductible, you’ll save money when your insurance plan kicks in and starts covering most of your costs for you.
Your Piggy Bank
The other option to consider is a High Deductible Health Plan or HDHP . This is a great option if you are looking for a plan with a low monthly cost and a high deductible.
With money set aside for medical emergencies, it’s safer to take this type of plan. However, if your savings account is looking a little bare, you may want to reconsider finding a plan with a lower deductible.
Keep in mind that these funds will also need to cover basic living expenses if you find yourself without work thanks to a medical condition.
Tips for Anyone Searching for Health Insurance
The following tips will work for anyone who’s shopping for health insurance whether you’re doing it for yourself or your entire family.
Shop Around
The most important thing you can do is shop around and carefully consider what each health insurance company will actually cost you throughout the year.
Figure out about how often many medical needs you or your family will have during the upcoming year. Then, use those numbers to determine what each plan will cost.
An even easier way to do this is to talk with one of our brokers and let them know what you need.
Stay Healthy
It may seem obvious, but staying healthy is one of the best ways you can save on health insurance. After all, if you’re in good health, you won’t need to use it.
Take steps as an individual or as a family to live a healthier life. Eat more whole foods, get more exercise, and look at your family’s medical history to know what conditions you should work to prevent.
Join a Club
There are many clubs and associations that can help you save money on health insurance.
Look into your local farm bureau to see if the health insurance savings are worth the annual fee. And you don’t even need to be a farmer to join!
Open an HSA
A Health Savings Account is a great way to take out a high deductible plan without worrying about how you’re going to pay if you need to use it.
This account has certain restrictions, so you’ll first have to check that you qualify. However, it also comes with a number of advantages so it’s worth checking out if you want to save money on health insurance As well as Tax Benefits and deductions.
Negotiate with Extras
Most insurance companies cover a wide variety of services and many include extra incentives. Like negotiated or contracted rates the Insurance company has with the provider. These discounts can be up to 55% of your out of pocket expenses before you meet your deductible. So make sure you ask the provider if the cost included the negotiated rate from the Insurance company.
However, if you’re not planning on using an acupuncturist or a weight loss program, you may be able to negotiate a lower price for your plan by having them removed.
Get a Free Quote Today
Now you know several things to consider whether you’re looking for family or individual health insurance in Texas. With this information, you should be ready to begin your search.
The best way to get multiple offers from insurance companies to ensure you’re getting the best deal, get a free quote from one of our expert insurance brokers. We want to make sure you and your family get the coverage you need.
