How Does Health Insurance Work?
Health insurance can be a complex topic, but understanding how it works is crucial for protecting you and your family. There are many types of health insurance, including employer-sponsored programs, government health plans and private medical insurance, each with its own coverages, limits and costs.
In this guide to buying private health insurance, we’ll explain the essentials of health insurance, making them easy to understand and helping you choose the right plan for you and your family.
What is Health Insurance?
Health insurance is a type of coverage that pays for medical expenses incurred by the insured. It can cover a range of services, from routine doctor visits and preventative care to emergency surgeries, chronic health conditions and prescription drugs.
Well-rounded insurance reduces the financial burden of healthcare costs for you and your family. It ensures you receive necessary medical care by paying a portion of your fees and limiting out-of-pocket maximums so you don’t face excessive bills.
Types of Health Insurance
Health insurance comes in various forms, but they can be broadly categorized into two main types: public and private plans:
Public health insurance. Public health insurance is provided by the government and includes Medicare and Medicaid programs. Plans are typically available to specific groups, such as people age 65 or older, low-income individuals and people with certain disabilities.
Private health insurance. Non-government entities offer Private health insurance plans, most commonly insurance companies. You can purchase a private plan from an individual health insurer like United National Healthcare or it may be provided through your employer.
Employer-sponsored plans can be beneficial due to cost-sharing between employers and employees; however, affordable private health insurance plans can be an excellent choice for those with non-traditional jobs, such as travel nurses or truck drivers or those who are self-employed.
How Does Private Health Insurance Work?
Private health insurance involves paying the health insurance company a monthly premium in exchange for coverage. Here’s a simple breakdown of how it works:
Premiums. This is the amount you pay monthly or annually to maintain your health insurance coverage. Premiums can vary based on the type of plan, your age, location and other factors.
Deductibles. This is the amount you must pay out-of-pocket for healthcare services before your insurance begins to cover costs. For example, if your deductible is $1,000, you must pay this amount before your insurance starts covering expenses. In 2023, the average deductible for single coverage was $1,735 for employer-sponsored plans.
Copayments and coinsurance. After meeting your deductible, you may still be responsible for copayments (a fixed amount per service, like $20 for a doctor’s visit) or coinsurance (a percentage of the cost, such as 30% of a hospital bill). This means your insurance covers part of the service while you have minimal out-of-pocket costs.
Network providers. Most private health insurance programs have a network of preferred providers, such as specialists and primary care doctors. Using these in-network providers usually results in lower costs. Out-of-network providers may result in higher expenses or no coverage at all.
Why Choose Private Health Insurance?
Private health insurance plans offer several advantages over government plans or even those provided through employers. The benefits of choosing a United National Healthcare private insurance plan include:
Flexibility. You can choose plans that suit your specific healthcare needs and budget. Unlike public health insurance, we don’t put limits on your income or age to qualify for coverage. With United National Healthcare, you can find a plan that meets your needs, whether nationwide coverage for truck drivers or family plans for self-employed business owners.
Access to specialists. Many private plans provide quicker access to specialists and elective procedures. We can help you find a plan where your insurance pays for healthcare costs related to specialist visits, such as dermatology, cardiology and orthopedics.
Customized coverage. Plans can be tailored to include services that are important to you, such as mental healthcare or maternity coverage. For instance, if you are planning to start a family but are working as an independent realtor, we can help you find health insurance near you that covers prenatal visits, childbirth services and postnatal care.
Can I Buy Private Health Insurance at Any Time?
A common question is, “Can I buy private health insurance at any time?” The answer is that it depends. There are specific enrollment periods during which you can purchase private health insurance. However, certain life events, such as getting married, having a baby or losing other health coverage, may qualify you for a special enrollment period.
When you contact us for a quote, we can review your situation to determine whether you can buy insurance outside the regular enrollment times.
A Guide to Buying Private Health Insurance
Purchasing health insurance can seem daunting, but it doesn't have to be. Here's a simple guide to buying private health insurance:
Assess your needs. Determine what types of coverage you need. Consider your medical history, current health and any anticipated healthcare needs.
Compare plans. Compare different plans and their coverage, costs and network providers. Our specialists can match you with a plan that meets your needs and budget, whether it’s short term insurance or full coverage for your family.
Check for subsidies. Depending on your income, you may qualify for subsidies that can reduce the cost of your premiums. You could also be eligible for various tax credits or deductions, so consider your financial situation when choosing a plan.
Enroll. Once you’ve chosen a plan, follow the enrollment process. If you qualify, do this during the open or special enrollment period.
Use your coverage. Once enrolled, make the most of your coverage by scheduling regular check-ups, using preventive services and staying informed about your benefits.
The Future of Your Health Starts Here
If you’re searching for affordable health insurance, consider United National Healthcare. We offer local, accessible support to help you choose the best plan and maximize your coverage. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized assistance and ensuring you have the health insurance you need.
We understand that healthcare costs can be a concern and our plans are designed to provide excellent coverage without breaking the bank. By offering various tiers of coverage, we ensure that there is an affordable option for everyone. Explore our options and speak with a specialist today to find the right plan for you.
