How to Find Temporary Health Insurance

In times like these it can be hard to find affordable health insurance or any insurance at all. There are a number of ways you can find insurance whether it is temporary or not.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• computer

1. The first thing is to see if your employer has COBRA. If they participate in COBRA then you can continue with the insurance you currently have through them but you'll have to pay for it. COBRA can be expensive but if you can afford to pay it for a few months until you find a new job or the new insurance through a new employer kicks in, then its your best bet.

2. If your employer doesn't offer COBRA than the next thing to do is figure out how long you are going to need it for and how much you could afford to pay each month. Then go on to www.ehealthinsurance.com and research the plans in your area, the company and plans you like best and decide if this insurance is right for you.

3. The other option you have is to call the insurance company you are/were with and find out what their premiums are each month. Insurance companies can be very expensive that's why I suggested ehealthinsurance.com.

4. Talking to your doctor may have help as well. Your doctor's office may have a program for temporary insurance or know of a few. Also ask about the insurance companies they accept so you don't have to change doctors, and get an idea for companies to look into and get quotes from.

5. Figure out how much you make and see if you qualify for government assistance. They have a program called Medicaid through the welfare office. Below is a link for more information.

6. For maternity care the best thing to do is talk to the hospital you want to give birth in. Some hospitals have free or highly reduced programs that cover all your maternity needs including doctors visits, blood work, ultrasounds and birth. Also talk to your doctor to see if they have a program as well.

Tips & Warnings

• Research everything, don't just sign up for something without knowing all the facts and completely understanding all the find print and terminology.
• Start with the top Insurance companies, Blue Cross, Aetna, etc... then go from there.
• There are scams out there, research is the only way to know which company is legit and which ones are not.

Resources

• Medicaid information
• ehealthinsurance

[eugene2009]

on 1/17/2009 Thanks! 5*

[cadence]

on 1/13/2009 Great tips. It's important to have health insurance.

[Kallicat]

on 12/30/2008 Good tips, I would add that when researching check out the company you are interested in with the Better Business Bureau.

[Indigoabby]

on 12/18/2008 I've lived out of the country for several years. This information is really helpful. Thanks for the tips.

[Kilogramm]

on 12/18/2008 These are great tips