How to Buy Health Insurance Directly
Health insurance is a major component in most people's financial plan. While many people forgo health insurance, carrying it can help to minimize or prevent a financial catastrophe from occurring due to illness or accident. When buying health insurance, you generally have two options: you can buy your health insurance from a broker, or you can buy your insurance directly from a health-insurance provider. While some individuals don't mind working with a broker, others want to deal with the company directly.
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Instructions
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Contact the insurance company directly through the company's website or find its phone number in the phone book. Make sure that you are dealing directly with the carrier. Companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield use a company structure that makes it very easy to tell whether you are dealing with the company or an individual broker by simply asking the office whether they employ any independent brokers or if everyone in the office works for the company.
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Obtain an application, called an enrollment form, from the company and fill it out. You will be asked about your medical history and will need to provide information such as your doctor's name, address, and telephone number. You'll also need to provide information about any prescription drugs you are taking and whether you have any preexisting conditions. The insurance company will also want to know whether you have insurance now and if not, how long you've been uninsured.
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Submit the application with your first month's premium. You will need to wait while the insurance company completes the underwriting process. This process will vary from state to state according to the laws and regulations in that state concerning preexisting conditions and requirements for health-insurance underwriting.
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References
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