Substitute Insurance

Real health insurance has been around since the 1930s. Typically employer sponsored and paid for, almost everyone with the job was able to enjoy at least a small level of health insurance, no matter what, without worrying too much about major hospitalization or sicknesses.

These original forms of insurance were called indemnity plans. In some cases, they were simply referred to as an 80/20 plan. The insurance company would pay 80%, and of course the patient was responsible for the remaining 20%. However, these plans usually only covered what was considered to be catastrophic occurrences. Regular doctor visits or any type of preventive medicine was never included in these early plans.

This may sound like an extraordinary amount of money. However, decades ago, even a lengthy hospital stay which may have included surgery and private care nursing may only have been about $500.

Healthcare costs have risen to the point over the past few years that a large majority of people simply can’t afford the coverage. There are individual plans available that cost close to $100 a month in exchange for what is considered some very poor coverage with steep forced to give up health insurance altogether.

In today’s world, there is a staggering percentage of what would normally be considered well to do families, who cannot afford any type of health insurance coverage. They frequently choose to pay all out-of-pocket expenses for even mammograms, day surgery and all other procedures that a family member might need. In reality, these funds are typically less expensive than paying for a health insurance plan that could very well never be used.

One option that has grown in popularity just over the past 10 years or so is something called a health discount plan. Unlike an insurance plan where a doctor accepting that particular type of insurance would receive a type of co-pay from the patient along with a balance payment from the insurance company, the patient is responsible for the entire bill.

A popular option that has gained in popularity just over the last few years is not really a form of insurance, but it does help to reduce out-of-pocket medical costs. It is called a discount health insurance plan. These plans are available in every state, can easily be found online, and have many benefits that even insurance plans don’t offer. The major difference between these discount plans and a bona fide insurance program is that with the discount plan the patient is responsible for paying the entire bill.

As an example, a patient will visit a doctor accepts a particular plan, to which he has a membership. He is told he needs a blood test and x-rays. An insurance program would require him to pay a copayment, and then the insurance would pay the balance of what the doctor submitted. With the discount plan, the doctors who agree to participate in these plans, understand that there is no partial payment provided by that company. The entire payment is listed on a schedule that is given to the patient and the doctor. And what Al Gore but comp any states as the fee for a particular procedure is paid in full by the patient. These fees, however are greatly discounted.

Choose the right private medical insurance by searching online. Compare the many health insurance choices you have to get the right one for your family. Head online today.

All kinds of people find themselves without health insurance for one reason or another. It’s actually a national and even a global problem of amazing proportions. Unfortunately, the cost of not carrying a policy can be much higher than you realize.

The political scene has brought such issues to the table lately. Some people resent the idea of the government forcing them to spend money on something they feel they are doing just fine without. As of right now, by the year 2014 all individuals will have health insurance policies or face paying a fine that is nearly seven hundred dollars.

There will be exceptions that are made for individuals with a poverty level income as well as for those who are technically old enough to apply for Medicare. There could potentially be other people who will qualify for an exemption as well. Regardless of your personal feelings on the matter, what we all need to realize is that while the government is trying to provide options, the total cost of being uninsured is remarkable.

While it seems like the premium for a quality health care plan is quite high, you have to consider the actual and potential costs of not having any health insurance at all. The uninsured are not likely to visit their family doctor when an illness strikes. Usually, the patient will try to home treat until the situation gets so bad that they have to visit the emergency room. Hospital costs are still increasing to help cover the costs of treating those who can not pay.

While hospitals are able to use a percentage of their unpaid invoices as a write off, the overall cost of health care still increases because salaries have to be paid and medicine needs to be purchased. While an uninsured individual is in the hospital they do not receive the same high quality care and treatment options that an insured individual will.

Without coverage how likely are you to take care of the preventative care you need? Annual check ups with the physician has saved lives. Gynecology visits and proctology visits help to prevent illnesses and diseases from becoming problematic. Healthy check ups can also help you navigate your life with greater comfort.

Today’s medicine can do some amazing things and care for patients with some pretty harsh diseases. Yet without insurance the patients that don’t get early screenings tend to lose their chance for an early diagnosis. Routine screening to help find problems in their earliest stages can not be performed and therefore the uninsured is much more likely to die from an illness or disease that has passed a treatable stage by the time it is detected.

Health insurance can do more than just pay for a doctor visit. Some plans offer savings and partial coverage for your initiative to take control of your health. Gym memberships and some alternative care is covered on some policies. You can count on saving money on anything from the routine screening process to products and medicine that help you stop smoking. The greatest cost of remaining uninsured is really targeted at your own health.

Get the inside scoop on the high expense of not carrying a private medical insurance plan now in our top health insurance cover guide.