Five Questions to ask when shopping for health insurance.

Health insurance is one of the items we hate to pay for but when we need it, it can get us both the best coverage available and protect our assets from high medical bills. Here are five questions you should ask your insurance agent so that you can get the best coverage for the money. 1) Do you have a pre-existing condition?rnI had mentioned having cancer in 2003. I now have a "pre-existing condition". A pre-existing condition is a condition, disability, physical or mental illness that you have before you enroll in a health plan. Pre-existing condition EXCLUSIONS included in a section of an insurance policy that states the plan will not pay benefits for a condition, disability or illness that existed before the policy began. Under provisions of The Affordable Care Act, by 2014, insurance companies will no longer be able to deny coverage based on a pre-existing condition. However, coverage could be extremely expensive.rnWhen you shop for health insurance quotes and apply for coverage, it is very important to list all medical history accurately and completely. Lying or omitting information about your medical history is almost guaranteed to deny coverage. 2) What does each potential insurance plan NOT cover?rnEach insurance plan has a list of excluded treatments and services. It is very important to review and understand those exclusions, so you are prepared. 3) What do you do for fun and work?rnDo you travel frequently? Where? What kind of coverage do you need if something happens when you are away from home?rnWhat do you do for recreation and leisure? Into extreme sports, or do you prefer the theatre?rnHow healthy and fit are you? Do you take care of yourself? Many insurance carriers offer discounts and incentives for healthy lifestyles. When you shop for health insurance quotes, you will find that these life styles will either save or cost you money. However, do not conceal any information. Concealment can make your policy void if you were to need coverage and the insurance company finds out what you have hidden. 4) Do you want an HSA for things not covered by the insurance plan?rnAre you a firm believer in alternative medicine? Do you have expenses that you relate to your health but are not covered under traditional medical plans? Things such as acupuncture, chiropractic, dental treatments, contact lenses, physical therapy, just to name a few.rnYou may benefit from having a Health Savings Account (HSA). This is an account that can be funded with tax exempt dollars to pay for eligible medical expenses not covered by an insurance plan, including deductibles, and sometimes premiums. There are requirements to meet for HSA eligibility but when you shop for health insurance quotes, ask if you can have a HSA established making many of your health costs less expensive because they are paid with pre-tax dollars. HSA's can be great additions to consider when you shop for health insurance quotes. 5) Are dental and vision care covered? In many cases medical plans will not cover dental and vision care and these then have to be covered under a separate plan. When you shop for health insurance quotes, there a lot of questions to ask. Be sure to get them answered so that you can get the best coverage possible at the most affordable rate.