by Drew Samson
Why is it that most of us don't think twice when we're spending hundreds or even thousands of dollars on luxuries and "toys." But, when the issue of "insurance" and protecting our families and ourselves comes up - we back off?
Every day in the U.S. many families are caught off-guard with an unexpected medical emergency that they cannot afford to fix. If you have no medical insurance, it could cost you a fortune, not to mention the bad care you'll get.
Don't think you can't get an affordable health care insurance program - follow the following 6 steps to help you save up to 30%:
Look In Your Local Area
Start your research by looking at your state's website under the insurance department. Make sure to look at your state specifically because prices/plans and laws are different by state. The site should list the many companies, what types of policies, rough prices and even have information on affordable health care insurance programs.
Write out your priorities
All plans are different and you need to know what your priorities are. Do you have a specific doctor you like seeing? You better make sure that doctor is covered by your insurance.
Use an insurance broker
It can make life much easier on you to bring on a broker to help. This is mainly because they have relationships with multiple companies - they can help you find the best fit for you. Brokers will do all your leg work and also advise you on how to get your prices down.
Ask for a "free look"
Just like you test-drive a car, you can take an insurance program for a test drive many times. Anywhere from 1-6 weeks, this is a money back period if you don't like the plan.
Get a Health Savings Account
If you are seeing the doctor just twice a year then HSA is a great option. It goes hand-in-hand with an insurance policy that has a high deductible but low premiums. The money you save on premiums each month can be deposited into the HSA pre-tax, where it grows tax-deferred. You then use it to pay for any unexpected medical expenses. Once you turn 65, you can withdraw any money you didn't use and spend it on anything you want, including funding your retirement.
Negotiate
We will end up paying more from services that aren't covered to doctor and hospital co-pays to costs for prescriptions. Keep your costs low by shopping around and asking for generics whenever available. Don't be afraid to negotiate with your doctor if you're paying out of pocket. You might get a discount.
Unlike what many think, it is still very possible to get low cost health insurance in the United States. Especially now with the internet, you can get multiple quotes from many companies right away - this helps you negotiate and get lower prices.
goarticles.com
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
The What, When, Where, Why and How of Life Insurance
by Roger Kelley
Why Should I Invest In Life Insurance?
Having life insurance when you die could possibly determine whether of not your spouse and children will continue to enjoy the same good life that you've provided for them while you're alive. Without life insurance your spouse may be forced to sell the house, the "extra" cars, boats and all the toys you've worked so hard all your life to acquire.
Have you chosen not to buy life insurance? If so, you can believe this will be financially overwhelming for the family that will miss you when you're gone. They could be losing a spouse and a parent along with the only lifestyle they ever known.
Think about this question: Why Should I Buy Life Insurance? Now look around you for a few minutes. Is what you own worth keeping? If you died today would your family want to throw it all away? The answer is probably not and the truth is the only way they can maintain possession of your property is if you have invested in a life insurance policy that will continue to pay the bills long after you've passed on.
In the Bible, i.e., the Book of Wisdom, we see the Lord has a way of doing things. In Isaiah 38:1 He advised Hezekiah ... "The LORD tells you that you are to put everything in order because you will not recover. Get ready to die."
The simple truth in life is that we're all going to die. Knowing that to be a fact, why not take thirty days of your life now to "put everything in order." One of the best ways to do that is research and buy a life insurance policy to cover your needs.
Discuss life insurance with those people you trust. I'm betting that you won't find anyone who will recommend against buying life insurance. If you refuse to buy life insurance to benefit yourself then do it for your beneficiaries. You will never know the long-term affect it will have on their lives.
Where Can I Buy Life Insurance?
When it comes to purchasing life insurance your options are endless. You can search the phone book to find an insurance agent that sells life insurance. Don't hesitate to depend on a trustworthy friend for advice. Someone that's already investing in life insurance and can point you in the right direction.
Logon to one of the big three search engines, www.google.com, www.yahoo.com or www.msn.com and perform a search for the keyphrase "life insurance". The best place to find an enormous amount of information about life insurance is on the internet. However, the first step you should take is to do research.
You'll be overwhelmed with the amount of information that you'll be presented with. At this point it comes down to what information you can trust. Don't panic and don't rush into anything. Making a hasty decision could cost you a lot of money now and in the long-term.
Simply take your time, do the research and give it a few weeks. When it's all said and done you'll find that having a life insurance policy to provide for your loved ones you're gone will give you a peace of mind that no amount of money can buy. c
lifeterminsurance.net
Why Should I Invest In Life Insurance?
Having life insurance when you die could possibly determine whether of not your spouse and children will continue to enjoy the same good life that you've provided for them while you're alive. Without life insurance your spouse may be forced to sell the house, the "extra" cars, boats and all the toys you've worked so hard all your life to acquire.
Have you chosen not to buy life insurance? If so, you can believe this will be financially overwhelming for the family that will miss you when you're gone. They could be losing a spouse and a parent along with the only lifestyle they ever known.
Think about this question: Why Should I Buy Life Insurance? Now look around you for a few minutes. Is what you own worth keeping? If you died today would your family want to throw it all away? The answer is probably not and the truth is the only way they can maintain possession of your property is if you have invested in a life insurance policy that will continue to pay the bills long after you've passed on.
In the Bible, i.e., the Book of Wisdom, we see the Lord has a way of doing things. In Isaiah 38:1 He advised Hezekiah ... "The LORD tells you that you are to put everything in order because you will not recover. Get ready to die."
The simple truth in life is that we're all going to die. Knowing that to be a fact, why not take thirty days of your life now to "put everything in order." One of the best ways to do that is research and buy a life insurance policy to cover your needs.
Discuss life insurance with those people you trust. I'm betting that you won't find anyone who will recommend against buying life insurance. If you refuse to buy life insurance to benefit yourself then do it for your beneficiaries. You will never know the long-term affect it will have on their lives.
Where Can I Buy Life Insurance?
When it comes to purchasing life insurance your options are endless. You can search the phone book to find an insurance agent that sells life insurance. Don't hesitate to depend on a trustworthy friend for advice. Someone that's already investing in life insurance and can point you in the right direction.
Logon to one of the big three search engines, www.google.com, www.yahoo.com or www.msn.com and perform a search for the keyphrase "life insurance". The best place to find an enormous amount of information about life insurance is on the internet. However, the first step you should take is to do research.
You'll be overwhelmed with the amount of information that you'll be presented with. At this point it comes down to what information you can trust. Don't panic and don't rush into anything. Making a hasty decision could cost you a lot of money now and in the long-term.
Simply take your time, do the research and give it a few weeks. When it's all said and done you'll find that having a life insurance policy to provide for your loved ones you're gone will give you a peace of mind that no amount of money can buy. c
lifeterminsurance.net
Monday, July 30, 2007
Small Business Health Insurance Plans - How to Get the Best Rates
by Brian Stevens
Looking for a small business health insurance plan that won't cost you an arm and a leg? Here's how to get the best rate with a reputable company.
Small Business Health Insurance
If you own a small business with 2 to 50 employees you qualify for a group health insurance plan. Group health insurance will cost you and your employees much less than individual health insurance, plus contributions to your small business health insurance plan are tax deductible.
Group health insurance rates are calculated on an overall rate for group members who may customize or add additional coverage to meet their needs.
There are two types of health insurance plans that are currently available to small businesses - indemnity plans, also known as fee-for-service plans, and managed health care plans - HMOs, PPOs, and POSs.
Small Business Health Insurance Plans
Indemnity plans - These plans let you choose your own doctors and hospitals. There's a $500 to $1,500 deductible you must pay before your insurer will pay your claims, and you usually have to pay 20% of the total amount of any individual claims. They cost more than HMOs, PPOs, and POSs, and involve a lot more paperwork.
HMOs - These plans provide you with a network of physicians and hospitals you must use when you're injured or ill, and you pay a $5 to $10 co-payment for each doctor visit. These plans are the most restrictive but the least expensive health care plans.
PPOs - These plans also provide you with a network of physicians and hospitals you must use. You can visit out-of-network physicians by paying for the visit and submitting a receipt to receive partial reimbursement, and copays are usually $5 to $10 per visit. These plans cost a little more than HMOs.
POSs - These plans are a combination of HMOs and PPOs. If you're referred to a non-network physician by your network primary care physician your fees will be paid, and copays are the same as for PPOs. These plans cost slightly more than PPOs.
Get the Best Rates on Small Business Health Insurance
To get the best rate on small business health insurance, visit an insurance comparison website where you can get quotes from a number of health insurance companies. At the better sites you can also get answers to your health insurance questions, such as which plan would be best for your group, from insurance professionals.
LowerRateQuotes.com/health-insurance.html
Looking for a small business health insurance plan that won't cost you an arm and a leg? Here's how to get the best rate with a reputable company.
Small Business Health Insurance
If you own a small business with 2 to 50 employees you qualify for a group health insurance plan. Group health insurance will cost you and your employees much less than individual health insurance, plus contributions to your small business health insurance plan are tax deductible.
Group health insurance rates are calculated on an overall rate for group members who may customize or add additional coverage to meet their needs.
There are two types of health insurance plans that are currently available to small businesses - indemnity plans, also known as fee-for-service plans, and managed health care plans - HMOs, PPOs, and POSs.
Small Business Health Insurance Plans
Indemnity plans - These plans let you choose your own doctors and hospitals. There's a $500 to $1,500 deductible you must pay before your insurer will pay your claims, and you usually have to pay 20% of the total amount of any individual claims. They cost more than HMOs, PPOs, and POSs, and involve a lot more paperwork.
HMOs - These plans provide you with a network of physicians and hospitals you must use when you're injured or ill, and you pay a $5 to $10 co-payment for each doctor visit. These plans are the most restrictive but the least expensive health care plans.
PPOs - These plans also provide you with a network of physicians and hospitals you must use. You can visit out-of-network physicians by paying for the visit and submitting a receipt to receive partial reimbursement, and copays are usually $5 to $10 per visit. These plans cost a little more than HMOs.
POSs - These plans are a combination of HMOs and PPOs. If you're referred to a non-network physician by your network primary care physician your fees will be paid, and copays are the same as for PPOs. These plans cost slightly more than PPOs.
Get the Best Rates on Small Business Health Insurance
To get the best rate on small business health insurance, visit an insurance comparison website where you can get quotes from a number of health insurance companies. At the better sites you can also get answers to your health insurance questions, such as which plan would be best for your group, from insurance professionals.
LowerRateQuotes.com/health-insurance.html
While buying a travel insurance plan
by harry
With a large plethora of travel insurance policies available in the market, selecting an appropriate travel insurance policy is quite confusing. At times, even if one adopts a very careful strategy in selecting the best travel insurance plan, he may end up buying something not very useful. Therefore, while buying a travel insurance plan one has to take care of some special, but common things.
The first and foremost thing is to find out a genuine travel insurance provider. Then , one should enquire about all the coverages that a particular insurance policy covers. Normally any good insurer would give certain coverages, such as emergency helpline for medical and legal help, hospital and other medical expenses when you fall sick during the trip, compensation for delays and cancellation, and loss or damage of luggage. However, the terms and conditions may vary from provider to provider.
Anyway, no insurance policy will pay travellers for losing or damaging the luggage due to negligence or change of mind because of which the trip is cancelled. Another thing that an insurance buyer has to consider is that whether the policy he is buying actually meets all his needs or not. Further if he already possesses other insurance policies which also includes travel insurance to a certain level, then he ought to opt for a plan that include things which are not a part of his pre-existing policy, such as policies covering recreational activities like trekking, skiing, diving, hang gliding etc. Above all, reading all the guidelines before buying any travel insurance policy is the most important thing one should consider.
So, instead of spending extravagantly in buying collectibles from the tourist site, or for luxurious lodging, and airfares alone, one should also plan to buy a travel insurance to ensure personal safety. Though there is a general belief that travel insurances are very expensive it is not so. By carefully researching the insurance market, travellers can easily find out cheap travel insurance deals with maximum coverage. No doubt, travellers are more likely to survive the trip, but adversity does not come with prior information.
Today with the help of Internet, travellers can shop cheap travel insurance policies sitting at home. Of course, by buying insurances directly from providers or opting for a trips that include insurance one can get a cheap travel insurance deal.
http://www.seek.uk.com/insurance/travel-insurance.html
With a large plethora of travel insurance policies available in the market, selecting an appropriate travel insurance policy is quite confusing. At times, even if one adopts a very careful strategy in selecting the best travel insurance plan, he may end up buying something not very useful. Therefore, while buying a travel insurance plan one has to take care of some special, but common things.
The first and foremost thing is to find out a genuine travel insurance provider. Then , one should enquire about all the coverages that a particular insurance policy covers. Normally any good insurer would give certain coverages, such as emergency helpline for medical and legal help, hospital and other medical expenses when you fall sick during the trip, compensation for delays and cancellation, and loss or damage of luggage. However, the terms and conditions may vary from provider to provider.
Anyway, no insurance policy will pay travellers for losing or damaging the luggage due to negligence or change of mind because of which the trip is cancelled. Another thing that an insurance buyer has to consider is that whether the policy he is buying actually meets all his needs or not. Further if he already possesses other insurance policies which also includes travel insurance to a certain level, then he ought to opt for a plan that include things which are not a part of his pre-existing policy, such as policies covering recreational activities like trekking, skiing, diving, hang gliding etc. Above all, reading all the guidelines before buying any travel insurance policy is the most important thing one should consider.
So, instead of spending extravagantly in buying collectibles from the tourist site, or for luxurious lodging, and airfares alone, one should also plan to buy a travel insurance to ensure personal safety. Though there is a general belief that travel insurances are very expensive it is not so. By carefully researching the insurance market, travellers can easily find out cheap travel insurance deals with maximum coverage. No doubt, travellers are more likely to survive the trip, but adversity does not come with prior information.
Today with the help of Internet, travellers can shop cheap travel insurance policies sitting at home. Of course, by buying insurances directly from providers or opting for a trips that include insurance one can get a cheap travel insurance deal.
http://www.seek.uk.com/insurance/travel-insurance.html
An Introduction to Compare Home Insurance UK
by Charles Lamb
compare home insurance UK is not a legal necessity in the UK. It is, though, a vital precaution against unexpected bills caused by incidents such as natural disasters or break-ins. It is a phony economy to keep away from compare home insurance UK premiums in order to save cash in the short-term because in case of disaster you will be left without a leg to stand on and could be faced with some of the heftiest bills you will yet come across in your life. Whether you own your house / home complete or are still paying off your mortgage, the home you own most likely represents the main investment in your life and one of the most important factors in maintaining your well-being. Everyone wants a roof over their head to have peace of brain free from doubts about their home! If you have a mortgage then your lender will regularly be firm that your property is sheltered by full buildings insurance. This is to look after themselves, as if your home were finally destroyed they would need to know that you had the means to finance its restore. Also, a homeless borrower will hardly inspire confidence in a company expecting regular advance repayments. Sometimes people assume that they have to stick with the insurance that they have taken out with their mortgage provider. Unless you took advantage of a special mortgage contract where you decided to sell their home insurance then you are free to use independent insurers for your home protection. You might be expectant to take out cover through your mortgage broker, as it is simpler for them. though, you are not grateful to do this by law, so it is well worth looking around for the best contract for your requirements and making sure that you obtain the right cover at the right price.
moneydealz.com/
compare home insurance UK is not a legal necessity in the UK. It is, though, a vital precaution against unexpected bills caused by incidents such as natural disasters or break-ins. It is a phony economy to keep away from compare home insurance UK premiums in order to save cash in the short-term because in case of disaster you will be left without a leg to stand on and could be faced with some of the heftiest bills you will yet come across in your life. Whether you own your house / home complete or are still paying off your mortgage, the home you own most likely represents the main investment in your life and one of the most important factors in maintaining your well-being. Everyone wants a roof over their head to have peace of brain free from doubts about their home! If you have a mortgage then your lender will regularly be firm that your property is sheltered by full buildings insurance. This is to look after themselves, as if your home were finally destroyed they would need to know that you had the means to finance its restore. Also, a homeless borrower will hardly inspire confidence in a company expecting regular advance repayments. Sometimes people assume that they have to stick with the insurance that they have taken out with their mortgage provider. Unless you took advantage of a special mortgage contract where you decided to sell their home insurance then you are free to use independent insurers for your home protection. You might be expectant to take out cover through your mortgage broker, as it is simpler for them. though, you are not grateful to do this by law, so it is well worth looking around for the best contract for your requirements and making sure that you obtain the right cover at the right price.
moneydealz.com/
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Benefits Of Online Car Insurance
by Darryl Cocks
With the explosion of popularity in using the internet to find you a car insurance quote, it's becoming easier to find not only the right cover for you, but also save you money into the bargain too.
Insurance companies have realised that they can no longer count on their high street brokers or insurance representatives to bring in business, and this has led to them setting up dedicated online insurance businesses to try and offer you the best deal. This means that there's never been a better time for insuring your car - all you need do is know where to look.
One of the main reasons people now arrange their car insurance online is the savings they get, and this is particularly true of you're part of a more specialised group of drivers. For instance, if you're a lady driver (who insurance companies tend to prefer over male drivers, particularly younger drivers, due to them being viewed less an insurance risk), then there are many companies who have deals just for you.
For the more traditional types of car insurance, such as fully comprehensive and third party fire and theft, getting your car insured online offers a great choice of insurers to choose from, ensuring that you get the best possible deal for you, as well as the correct cover.
The best thing about insuring online is you don't feel rushed in the way you might if you went to an actual insurance broker on the high street, or spoke to someone over the telephone. You can choose your insurance cover at your own pace, and input information that's specific to you, to get you the cover that's right for you.
Large Companies, Big Savings
If you go to an Internet search engine, such as Google, and type in "online car insurance", you'll be greeted with a whole host of names of major auto insurance companies, all have online options now, with the knowledge that many people prefer this method of insuring their cars now.
The wonderful thing about this is that you can still have the type of cover you've always had with the more "traditional method", but since you now have the power to change web pages with just the click of a mouse, these companies need to attract you and keep you with them. This has led to some incredible insurance cover deals being made available, as well as easy payments and a full online customer support team for your every question. If you're still unsure of using the Internet to find insurance for your car, consider the pros against the cons:
Pros · Larger choice · No "middle man" broker, so more savings · Relaxed method of making sure you have proper cover · No sales pitch
Cons · Can take a while to go through all choices
So as you can see, there really is no reason for you not to look online the next time your car insurance is due for renewal.
www.webguideon.com/car-insurance
With the explosion of popularity in using the internet to find you a car insurance quote, it's becoming easier to find not only the right cover for you, but also save you money into the bargain too.
Insurance companies have realised that they can no longer count on their high street brokers or insurance representatives to bring in business, and this has led to them setting up dedicated online insurance businesses to try and offer you the best deal. This means that there's never been a better time for insuring your car - all you need do is know where to look.
One of the main reasons people now arrange their car insurance online is the savings they get, and this is particularly true of you're part of a more specialised group of drivers. For instance, if you're a lady driver (who insurance companies tend to prefer over male drivers, particularly younger drivers, due to them being viewed less an insurance risk), then there are many companies who have deals just for you.
For the more traditional types of car insurance, such as fully comprehensive and third party fire and theft, getting your car insured online offers a great choice of insurers to choose from, ensuring that you get the best possible deal for you, as well as the correct cover.
The best thing about insuring online is you don't feel rushed in the way you might if you went to an actual insurance broker on the high street, or spoke to someone over the telephone. You can choose your insurance cover at your own pace, and input information that's specific to you, to get you the cover that's right for you.
Large Companies, Big Savings
If you go to an Internet search engine, such as Google, and type in "online car insurance", you'll be greeted with a whole host of names of major auto insurance companies, all have online options now, with the knowledge that many people prefer this method of insuring their cars now.
The wonderful thing about this is that you can still have the type of cover you've always had with the more "traditional method", but since you now have the power to change web pages with just the click of a mouse, these companies need to attract you and keep you with them. This has led to some incredible insurance cover deals being made available, as well as easy payments and a full online customer support team for your every question. If you're still unsure of using the Internet to find insurance for your car, consider the pros against the cons:
Pros · Larger choice · No "middle man" broker, so more savings · Relaxed method of making sure you have proper cover · No sales pitch
Cons · Can take a while to go through all choices
So as you can see, there really is no reason for you not to look online the next time your car insurance is due for renewal.
www.webguideon.com/car-insurance
Thursday, July 26, 2007
Split Dollar Life Insurance
By: Rick Bouffard
Imagine this scenario. Your parents are both very hardworking and creative people. Instead of going the route of a steady 9-5 job, they decided on something much more challenging. They decided to create their own business. Through lots of hard work and education the family business became a huge success; so much of a success that they were able to raise you and send you on to college where you decided to study business. After your hard work and dedication you leave your university with a Masters in Business administration. You and your family both agree that having you work within the family business will be a win-win situation. They will have the benefit of your University level business skills and you will gain some valuable life experience as well as a salary. A few years pass by and your parents decide it’s time for you to take over the reigns of the family business. What an opportunity. Although you have discovered that you have a few problems. You cannot afford to pay the insurance premiums of the businesses, for the existing life insurance policies. What can you do?
This is a scenario that occurs frequently in family businesses. The parents or business owners have built their assets up over time. The worker, or in this case family member cannot possibly take over the life insurance polices of a successful business that has been in operation for several years. The gap in ages and salaries presents a problem, however there exists split dollar life insurance that can help. Split dollar life insurance basically means that the cost of the premiums can be split between other parties. The benefit would also be split but it can present a way forward if the person wanting to take ownership of the business was short on assets.
There are other benefits to spit dollar life insurance. Key employees can quite often take part in their company’s life insurance policy. Through the split dollar method the employee can gain a greater quantity of life insurance than they could ordinarily afford. The split dollar method can also help those of advancing age with health problems obtain life insurance where on their own they may face difficulty.
Companies can also participate in split dollar life insurance by offering their employees life insurance protection. For example, an employer and employee agree to buy a $100,000 life insurance policy on the employee’s life. When the employee dies, we’ll say the company has paid $25,000 in premiums. The company, if fully reimbursed for this amount and the employee’s beneficiaries receive the remaining $75,000.
Before purchasing a split dollar life insurance policy with your company, you do need to be aware of tax considerations. First, the premiums are generally not tax deductible by either party. The employee needs to consider that if the company grants a bonus to the salary to pay the premiums then this is subject to tax. This can then be used as a tax deduction for the employer.
Split dollar life insurance can be a great asset. It can make for easy buy-sell arrangements for businesses as well as make it possible to purchase insurance for other specific financial goals. Split dollar life insurance enables older individuals or those who may find it difficult to purchase life insurance do so via the help of their companies. The companies and individual employees can also enter into agreements to purchase split dollar life insurance with benefits to both sides. With good advice and clear goals a split dollar life insurance policy can offer you protection and financial security for the future.
Rick Bouffard is an insurance industry advisor and technologist who helped create one of the life insurance industry's first ELearning Centers at EFinancial.com. The EFinancial Learning Center contains hundreds of helpful articles and calculators to educate today's insurance shopper and help them make the best decisions for the financial health and future of their family.
articleclick
Imagine this scenario. Your parents are both very hardworking and creative people. Instead of going the route of a steady 9-5 job, they decided on something much more challenging. They decided to create their own business. Through lots of hard work and education the family business became a huge success; so much of a success that they were able to raise you and send you on to college where you decided to study business. After your hard work and dedication you leave your university with a Masters in Business administration. You and your family both agree that having you work within the family business will be a win-win situation. They will have the benefit of your University level business skills and you will gain some valuable life experience as well as a salary. A few years pass by and your parents decide it’s time for you to take over the reigns of the family business. What an opportunity. Although you have discovered that you have a few problems. You cannot afford to pay the insurance premiums of the businesses, for the existing life insurance policies. What can you do?
This is a scenario that occurs frequently in family businesses. The parents or business owners have built their assets up over time. The worker, or in this case family member cannot possibly take over the life insurance polices of a successful business that has been in operation for several years. The gap in ages and salaries presents a problem, however there exists split dollar life insurance that can help. Split dollar life insurance basically means that the cost of the premiums can be split between other parties. The benefit would also be split but it can present a way forward if the person wanting to take ownership of the business was short on assets.
There are other benefits to spit dollar life insurance. Key employees can quite often take part in their company’s life insurance policy. Through the split dollar method the employee can gain a greater quantity of life insurance than they could ordinarily afford. The split dollar method can also help those of advancing age with health problems obtain life insurance where on their own they may face difficulty.
Companies can also participate in split dollar life insurance by offering their employees life insurance protection. For example, an employer and employee agree to buy a $100,000 life insurance policy on the employee’s life. When the employee dies, we’ll say the company has paid $25,000 in premiums. The company, if fully reimbursed for this amount and the employee’s beneficiaries receive the remaining $75,000.
Before purchasing a split dollar life insurance policy with your company, you do need to be aware of tax considerations. First, the premiums are generally not tax deductible by either party. The employee needs to consider that if the company grants a bonus to the salary to pay the premiums then this is subject to tax. This can then be used as a tax deduction for the employer.
Split dollar life insurance can be a great asset. It can make for easy buy-sell arrangements for businesses as well as make it possible to purchase insurance for other specific financial goals. Split dollar life insurance enables older individuals or those who may find it difficult to purchase life insurance do so via the help of their companies. The companies and individual employees can also enter into agreements to purchase split dollar life insurance with benefits to both sides. With good advice and clear goals a split dollar life insurance policy can offer you protection and financial security for the future.
Rick Bouffard is an insurance industry advisor and technologist who helped create one of the life insurance industry's first ELearning Centers at EFinancial.com. The EFinancial Learning Center contains hundreds of helpful articles and calculators to educate today's insurance shopper and help them make the best decisions for the financial health and future of their family.
articleclick
Term Insurance: Time to Convert?
By: Rick Bouffard
Term insurance is typically purchased to protect a growing family from the catastrophic loss of a breadwinner. Lower initial premiums offer the flexibility to fit immediate needs. However, over time, a more permanent and valuable life insurance policy may be needed to provide security and more stable premium payments for the future.
The affordable cost / high benefit of term insurance is its most attractive feature. However, term insurance premiums typically continue to rise with age. Some term policies do offer premiums that remain level for a pre-determined number of years, but these policies may experience significant premium increases in the future, or death benefits that decrease yearly. A policy that has long-term value and benefits, and the flexibility to help cope with change, is important. Therefore, converting a term policy to a cash value policy may make sense.
Long-Term Benefits
A quality, cash value insurance policy provides the same death benefit protection as term insurance, while offering the opportunity for tax-deferred cash accumulation. Unlike term insurance premiums that increase with age, cash value insurance provides level premiums for the duration of the contract (although you must check with your insurer regarding premium payments over the life of any given policy).
Although cash value insurance initially costs more than term, the long-term savings could be quite substantial. The cash value buildup will continue to grow on a tax-deferred basis as long as the policy remains in force. By offering the flexibility to meet future needs and budgets, a cash value policy can help provide an excellent source of funding for retirement income, college expenses, or other financial needs.
The conversion privilege available in most term policies offers those who cannot initially afford cash value insurance a great opportunity to convert to a cash value contract at a later date. Some term policies may offer a conversion credit that makes converting to cash value insurance even more economical.
One particular advantage of converting from term rather than purchasing a new cash value policy is that there is no need for medical or financial requalification. Significant weight fluctuations and increased blood pressure are just a few symptoms of life in today's fast-paced society. Daily pressures and expectations, both at work and at home, can contribute to both health and financial problems. Converting a term policy to a cash value contract eliminates the need to undergo a new medical examination or provide updated financial information (as long as there are no increases in the amount of coverage, or any additional riders).
Making the Move
Converting your term insurance to cash value coverage may help provide maximum security and protection. You will be comfortable knowing your family will be provided for in the event of your untimely death. In addition, you will also feel a great sense of confidence in knowing your premiums are hard at work building tax-deferred cash values, which may be important in the years to come. While this approach may not be for everyone, it is always wise to review your insurance options on an ongoing basis so they remain consistent with your needs and goals.
Rick Bouffard is an insurance industry advisor and technologist who helped create one of the life insurance industry's first ELearning Centers at EFinancial.com. The EFinancial Learning Center contains hundreds of helpful articles and calculators to educate today's insurance shopper and help them make the best decisions for the financial health and future of their family
efinancial.com
Term insurance is typically purchased to protect a growing family from the catastrophic loss of a breadwinner. Lower initial premiums offer the flexibility to fit immediate needs. However, over time, a more permanent and valuable life insurance policy may be needed to provide security and more stable premium payments for the future.
The affordable cost / high benefit of term insurance is its most attractive feature. However, term insurance premiums typically continue to rise with age. Some term policies do offer premiums that remain level for a pre-determined number of years, but these policies may experience significant premium increases in the future, or death benefits that decrease yearly. A policy that has long-term value and benefits, and the flexibility to help cope with change, is important. Therefore, converting a term policy to a cash value policy may make sense.
Long-Term Benefits
A quality, cash value insurance policy provides the same death benefit protection as term insurance, while offering the opportunity for tax-deferred cash accumulation. Unlike term insurance premiums that increase with age, cash value insurance provides level premiums for the duration of the contract (although you must check with your insurer regarding premium payments over the life of any given policy).
Although cash value insurance initially costs more than term, the long-term savings could be quite substantial. The cash value buildup will continue to grow on a tax-deferred basis as long as the policy remains in force. By offering the flexibility to meet future needs and budgets, a cash value policy can help provide an excellent source of funding for retirement income, college expenses, or other financial needs.
The conversion privilege available in most term policies offers those who cannot initially afford cash value insurance a great opportunity to convert to a cash value contract at a later date. Some term policies may offer a conversion credit that makes converting to cash value insurance even more economical.
One particular advantage of converting from term rather than purchasing a new cash value policy is that there is no need for medical or financial requalification. Significant weight fluctuations and increased blood pressure are just a few symptoms of life in today's fast-paced society. Daily pressures and expectations, both at work and at home, can contribute to both health and financial problems. Converting a term policy to a cash value contract eliminates the need to undergo a new medical examination or provide updated financial information (as long as there are no increases in the amount of coverage, or any additional riders).
Making the Move
Converting your term insurance to cash value coverage may help provide maximum security and protection. You will be comfortable knowing your family will be provided for in the event of your untimely death. In addition, you will also feel a great sense of confidence in knowing your premiums are hard at work building tax-deferred cash values, which may be important in the years to come. While this approach may not be for everyone, it is always wise to review your insurance options on an ongoing basis so they remain consistent with your needs and goals.
Rick Bouffard is an insurance industry advisor and technologist who helped create one of the life insurance industry's first ELearning Centers at EFinancial.com. The EFinancial Learning Center contains hundreds of helpful articles and calculators to educate today's insurance shopper and help them make the best decisions for the financial health and future of their family
efinancial.com
Whole Life Insurance
By: Rick Bouffard
When people begin their search for life insurance, they are bewildered at all the different types of policies that are available to them. They may be surprised, as well as confused by all of the insurance jargon that describes all of the different policies. Since many people have different needs when it comes to life insurance, it is wise that those in the market for a policy do a bit of research to determine what kind of life insurance is best for them. It is important to make sure that the life insurance policy will work for their particular situation.
With regards to whole life insurance, there are three different categories that this life insurance can fall into:
· Traditional whole life insurance- this type of life insurance will pay a death benefit to the named beneficiary to cover expenses such as funeral and burial costs, credit card debt, mortgage payments as well as unpaid medical bills.
· Universal whole life insurance- this type of life insurance offers am adjustable premium, and once enough cash value is accumulated, has provisions that allow the payments to be stopped and resumed at the policy holders leisure.
· Variable whole life insurance- this type of life insurance policy offers a net investment return, but also offers no guarantee of cash value.
In essence, whole life insurance offers a policy with a level premium and a cash value buildup that does not ever have to be converted or renewed. It basically works as a forced savings account. Once the cash value meets or exceeds the death benefit, you will be able to borrow a portion of this money for whatever need may arise. There are numerous advantages to whole life insurance which include:
· Premiums stay level and are payable for life.
· Dividends are a possibility, but are not always guaranteed.
· Cash values are guaranteed.
Whole life insurance is good for the individual with long-term goals. Consider that this type of life insurance has what is called a “termination date.” This termination date would normally be the policyholders 100th birthday. So, if the policyholder lives to be 100 years of age, they would receive the cash value of the policy once they turn 100. On the other hand, if the policyholder dies before they reach this age, the face amount of the policy would be paid to the beneficiary.
The best way to learn if whole life insurance is worth the risk of tying up funds is to consult a financial advisor, as well as a reputable insurance agent. Both of these individuals know the specifics regarding life insurance and savings plan, and will be able to determine what needs can be met with a particular kind of life insurance.
Rick Bouffard is an insurance industry advisor and technologist who helped create one of the life insurance industry's first ELearning Centers at EFinancial.com. The EFinancial Learning Center contains hundreds of helpful articles and calculators to educate today's insurance shopper and help them make the best decisions for the financial health and future of their family.
articleclick
When people begin their search for life insurance, they are bewildered at all the different types of policies that are available to them. They may be surprised, as well as confused by all of the insurance jargon that describes all of the different policies. Since many people have different needs when it comes to life insurance, it is wise that those in the market for a policy do a bit of research to determine what kind of life insurance is best for them. It is important to make sure that the life insurance policy will work for their particular situation.
With regards to whole life insurance, there are three different categories that this life insurance can fall into:
· Traditional whole life insurance- this type of life insurance will pay a death benefit to the named beneficiary to cover expenses such as funeral and burial costs, credit card debt, mortgage payments as well as unpaid medical bills.
· Universal whole life insurance- this type of life insurance offers am adjustable premium, and once enough cash value is accumulated, has provisions that allow the payments to be stopped and resumed at the policy holders leisure.
· Variable whole life insurance- this type of life insurance policy offers a net investment return, but also offers no guarantee of cash value.
In essence, whole life insurance offers a policy with a level premium and a cash value buildup that does not ever have to be converted or renewed. It basically works as a forced savings account. Once the cash value meets or exceeds the death benefit, you will be able to borrow a portion of this money for whatever need may arise. There are numerous advantages to whole life insurance which include:
· Premiums stay level and are payable for life.
· Dividends are a possibility, but are not always guaranteed.
· Cash values are guaranteed.
Whole life insurance is good for the individual with long-term goals. Consider that this type of life insurance has what is called a “termination date.” This termination date would normally be the policyholders 100th birthday. So, if the policyholder lives to be 100 years of age, they would receive the cash value of the policy once they turn 100. On the other hand, if the policyholder dies before they reach this age, the face amount of the policy would be paid to the beneficiary.
The best way to learn if whole life insurance is worth the risk of tying up funds is to consult a financial advisor, as well as a reputable insurance agent. Both of these individuals know the specifics regarding life insurance and savings plan, and will be able to determine what needs can be met with a particular kind of life insurance.
Rick Bouffard is an insurance industry advisor and technologist who helped create one of the life insurance industry's first ELearning Centers at EFinancial.com. The EFinancial Learning Center contains hundreds of helpful articles and calculators to educate today's insurance shopper and help them make the best decisions for the financial health and future of their family.
articleclick
Wednesday, July 25, 2007
Choosing life insurance and home insurance can be daunting
By: Andrew Regan
As one of life's essential financial products for consumers, insurance - whether it's home insurance, travel insurance or life insurance - can be overwhelming. After all, in today's diverse financial market there is a vast variety of insurance products for consumers to choose from. However, before you make your choice, it's vital to be aware of the options that face you and to shop around for the insurance that best suits you.
Perhaps the two most essential types of insurance are life insurance and home insurance. Choosing life insurance can be a particularly overwhelming experience, so it's important to equip yourself with the available knowledge before making a decision. For instance, you need to choose whether you're going to invest in "protection-only" life insurance or "investment-type" life insurance.
Protection-only life insurance will cover you over a specified amount of time; however, if your death occurs after this designated period has passed, then your family won't receive any payment.
Conversely, investment-type life insurance - also known as whole of life policies or endowment policies - will not only pay out in the event of your death, but will also accumulate in value during your lifetime. Hence, the younger you are when you choose to take out investment-type life insurance, the greater the value it will accrue during your life. Many personal pension schemes, including stakeholder schemes, may come under the umbrella of investment-type life insurance.
Home insurance is another crucial part of making sure your life is adequately protected. Whether you choose to take out buildings insurance, contents insurance or both, home insurance can make a vital difference to your peace of mind. Over the winter months in particular, home insurance is especially important. For example, only last month, Halifax Home Insurance suggested that homeowners might be threatened by the possibility of burst pipes during the recent cold snap experiences across Britain.
According to Vicky Emmott, a spokesperson for Halifax Home insurance: "Water from a burst pipe within a loft space can very quickly cause damage to plaster ceilings, wall plaster, kitchen units, electrical wiring and decoration..."
With many home insurance companies and high street banks, including Barclays, offering a 24-hour claims helpline and add-ons, such as legal expenses and home emergency cover, there's no reason for consumers not to take out home insurance to cover any possible damage to their home or home contents.
But whatever type of insurance you're hoping to buy, make sure you consider all your options carefully before making your final decision. This way, you'll be sure that your insurance covers aspects of your life that need the most attention, and your long-term benefit will be maximised.
articleclick.com
As one of life's essential financial products for consumers, insurance - whether it's home insurance, travel insurance or life insurance - can be overwhelming. After all, in today's diverse financial market there is a vast variety of insurance products for consumers to choose from. However, before you make your choice, it's vital to be aware of the options that face you and to shop around for the insurance that best suits you.
Perhaps the two most essential types of insurance are life insurance and home insurance. Choosing life insurance can be a particularly overwhelming experience, so it's important to equip yourself with the available knowledge before making a decision. For instance, you need to choose whether you're going to invest in "protection-only" life insurance or "investment-type" life insurance.
Protection-only life insurance will cover you over a specified amount of time; however, if your death occurs after this designated period has passed, then your family won't receive any payment.
Conversely, investment-type life insurance - also known as whole of life policies or endowment policies - will not only pay out in the event of your death, but will also accumulate in value during your lifetime. Hence, the younger you are when you choose to take out investment-type life insurance, the greater the value it will accrue during your life. Many personal pension schemes, including stakeholder schemes, may come under the umbrella of investment-type life insurance.
Home insurance is another crucial part of making sure your life is adequately protected. Whether you choose to take out buildings insurance, contents insurance or both, home insurance can make a vital difference to your peace of mind. Over the winter months in particular, home insurance is especially important. For example, only last month, Halifax Home Insurance suggested that homeowners might be threatened by the possibility of burst pipes during the recent cold snap experiences across Britain.
According to Vicky Emmott, a spokesperson for Halifax Home insurance: "Water from a burst pipe within a loft space can very quickly cause damage to plaster ceilings, wall plaster, kitchen units, electrical wiring and decoration..."
With many home insurance companies and high street banks, including Barclays, offering a 24-hour claims helpline and add-ons, such as legal expenses and home emergency cover, there's no reason for consumers not to take out home insurance to cover any possible damage to their home or home contents.
But whatever type of insurance you're hoping to buy, make sure you consider all your options carefully before making your final decision. This way, you'll be sure that your insurance covers aspects of your life that need the most attention, and your long-term benefit will be maximised.
articleclick.com
G.O.P. Leaders Fight Expansion of Children’s Health Insurance
By ROBERT PEAR
WASHINGTON, July 24 — Republican leaders of the House and Senate on Tuesday attacked proposals that call for a major expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, to be financed with higher tobacco taxes.
“Republicans will fight these proposals,” said the House Republican leader, Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio.
In an unexpected turn of events, the top two Republicans in the Senate, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Trent Lott of Mississippi, said they opposed a bipartisan bill that the Senate Finance Committee approved last week and would offer an alternative on the Senate floor.
House Democrats announced their proposals on Tuesday night and estimated that they would provide coverage for five million children who are now uninsured. The Senate bill is expected to cover 3.2 million children.
Top House Republicans objected to the House Democrats’ plan to finance their proposals, with increases in tobacco taxes and cuts in subsidies for private health plans serving older Americans on Medicare. Republicans say public coverage would in some cases replace private insurance.
“Dragging people out of private health insurance to put them into a government-run program is ‘Hillary care’ come back,” Mr. Boehner said, referring to the Clinton administration plan for universal coverage.
House and Senate members are working on separate bills to expand coverage for children. Democratic leaders said they hoped that both chambers would approve the bills next week, before Congress begins a monthlong summer recess.
The House bill, developed entirely by Democrats, would increase spending on children’s coverage by $50 billion over five years, providing a total of $75 billion.
The bill approved by the Senate Finance Committee, 17 to 4, calls for an increase of $35 billion, for a total of $60 billion.
In a letter to colleagues, Mr. McConnell and Mr. Lott said that the measure “imposes an open-ended financial burden on American taxpayers and takes a significant step toward a government-run health care system.”
Six Republicans voted for the bill. Mr. McConnell said other Republican senators were concerned about “the size of the plan that came out of the Finance Committee and what that may portend for the future in terms of an entire government takeover of American health care and, in essence, a single-payer system down the road.”
Representative Diana DeGette, Democrat of Colorado, a leading proponent of the House bill, said: “For the longest time, I was mystified why Republicans would oppose expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program to kids who are eligible but not enrolled. Now I realize. They are trying to deny us a political victory. They want to be able to say that Democrats can’t get anything done.
“Unfortunately,” Ms. DeGette said, “Republicans are pursuing this strategy on the backs of poor children.”
The Senate bill focuses on coverage for children. The House bill also calls for major changes in Medicare. It would, for example, halt a 10 percent cut in payments to doctors, scheduled for January, and would reduce payments for private insurance known as Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare typically pays the private plans more than it would cost to care for the same people in traditional Medicare. Many private plans offer additional benefits.
America’s Health Insurance Plans, a trade group, announced a national television advertising campaign. The ads will urge older people to contact their members of Congress and speak out against the proposed cuts in payments to private insurers.
nytimes.com
WASHINGTON, July 24 — Republican leaders of the House and Senate on Tuesday attacked proposals that call for a major expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program, to be financed with higher tobacco taxes.
“Republicans will fight these proposals,” said the House Republican leader, Representative John A. Boehner of Ohio.
In an unexpected turn of events, the top two Republicans in the Senate, Mitch McConnell of Kentucky and Trent Lott of Mississippi, said they opposed a bipartisan bill that the Senate Finance Committee approved last week and would offer an alternative on the Senate floor.
House Democrats announced their proposals on Tuesday night and estimated that they would provide coverage for five million children who are now uninsured. The Senate bill is expected to cover 3.2 million children.
Top House Republicans objected to the House Democrats’ plan to finance their proposals, with increases in tobacco taxes and cuts in subsidies for private health plans serving older Americans on Medicare. Republicans say public coverage would in some cases replace private insurance.
“Dragging people out of private health insurance to put them into a government-run program is ‘Hillary care’ come back,” Mr. Boehner said, referring to the Clinton administration plan for universal coverage.
House and Senate members are working on separate bills to expand coverage for children. Democratic leaders said they hoped that both chambers would approve the bills next week, before Congress begins a monthlong summer recess.
The House bill, developed entirely by Democrats, would increase spending on children’s coverage by $50 billion over five years, providing a total of $75 billion.
The bill approved by the Senate Finance Committee, 17 to 4, calls for an increase of $35 billion, for a total of $60 billion.
In a letter to colleagues, Mr. McConnell and Mr. Lott said that the measure “imposes an open-ended financial burden on American taxpayers and takes a significant step toward a government-run health care system.”
Six Republicans voted for the bill. Mr. McConnell said other Republican senators were concerned about “the size of the plan that came out of the Finance Committee and what that may portend for the future in terms of an entire government takeover of American health care and, in essence, a single-payer system down the road.”
Representative Diana DeGette, Democrat of Colorado, a leading proponent of the House bill, said: “For the longest time, I was mystified why Republicans would oppose expansion of the Children’s Health Insurance Program to kids who are eligible but not enrolled. Now I realize. They are trying to deny us a political victory. They want to be able to say that Democrats can’t get anything done.
“Unfortunately,” Ms. DeGette said, “Republicans are pursuing this strategy on the backs of poor children.”
The Senate bill focuses on coverage for children. The House bill also calls for major changes in Medicare. It would, for example, halt a 10 percent cut in payments to doctors, scheduled for January, and would reduce payments for private insurance known as Medicare Advantage plans. Medicare typically pays the private plans more than it would cost to care for the same people in traditional Medicare. Many private plans offer additional benefits.
America’s Health Insurance Plans, a trade group, announced a national television advertising campaign. The ads will urge older people to contact their members of Congress and speak out against the proposed cuts in payments to private insurers.
nytimes.com
Tuesday, July 24, 2007
Affordable Health Insurance
by: Dennis Alexander
As health insurance costs are increasing we have to take more responsibility for our health insurance coverage. With health insurance cost rising health insurance companies are constantly coming out with new health insurance plans. New plans offer you flexibility to customize your own health insurance plan. Most health plans in the past were pre packaged health insurance plans and we ended up paying for things we never use. We know that car insurance offers us flexibility to where you can pick your limits deductibles and the types of coverage that you want. It seemed that with health insurance it took at while for health insurance companies to realize that is how they can stay competitive. The world of five dollar co pays and no deductible plans are over. Most of us and our parents come from the world where large companies paid for their health insurance plans. Large companies do have advantage of numbers; more people are part of the group the more insurance companies are competing for their business.
First I want to address or health insurance quote shopping. If you are looking for some great deal a plan that covers everything for small monthly premium you are going to get scammed. Health insurance prices are health insurance prices no matter what insurance company you go with. The main difference how insurance companies compete with offering more affordable health insurance rates is by being more creative in their plan design. Stays away from “good deals” in health insurance, chances are the plans are not going to cover anything when you have claim. Then you will end up with bills from the hospital and your health insurance premiums.
Health insurance companies like Assurant Health underwritten by Time Insurance offer health insurance plans where you design your own plan. It is one of the only large reputable health insurance companies to offer customizable health plans. They offer five plan designs two of them are Health Savings Account qualified health plans and the other health plans are your standard PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). What makes Assurant Health unique is that every type of plan give you opportunity to customize that plan by choosing co-pay or no co-pay option, choice of deductible, prescription drug coverage deductible, dental discount plan or dental insurance and some plan specific options. If you are looking for simple to use and simple to understand HSA account plans, Assurant is one of the first companies to offer HSA plans.
When designing your own health insurance plan keep in mind of your previous health insurance usage. Choosing deductible for your health insurance plans will make the largest difference in your monthly price. Keep in mind in most cases deductible applies only to when you are hospitalized. That meant when you are admitted to the hospital. Most health insurance plans will cover you doctor visits, physical exams, prescriptions drugs and your lab work with a co-pay before you meet the deductible. If you choose a high deductible plan and something does happen to you that you end up in the hospital for something major and you do not have money at the time to cover your deductible. Every hospital will work with you by offering you payment methods. This way you can take as much time to pay off that deductible. Therefore it does not make any sense in most cases not choosing a plan with high deductible. Get health plans with high deductible and you are going to save thousands on your health insurance. Some companies like Assurant Health offer you option to where if you choose a health plans with deductible of thirty five hundred of higher you automatically qualify for two year rate guarantee. Save money monthly and avoid rate increased. Just with little knowledge and understanding of how health insurance works you save thousands with the health coverage that you need.
HealthCoverageQuotes.com
As health insurance costs are increasing we have to take more responsibility for our health insurance coverage. With health insurance cost rising health insurance companies are constantly coming out with new health insurance plans. New plans offer you flexibility to customize your own health insurance plan. Most health plans in the past were pre packaged health insurance plans and we ended up paying for things we never use. We know that car insurance offers us flexibility to where you can pick your limits deductibles and the types of coverage that you want. It seemed that with health insurance it took at while for health insurance companies to realize that is how they can stay competitive. The world of five dollar co pays and no deductible plans are over. Most of us and our parents come from the world where large companies paid for their health insurance plans. Large companies do have advantage of numbers; more people are part of the group the more insurance companies are competing for their business.
First I want to address or health insurance quote shopping. If you are looking for some great deal a plan that covers everything for small monthly premium you are going to get scammed. Health insurance prices are health insurance prices no matter what insurance company you go with. The main difference how insurance companies compete with offering more affordable health insurance rates is by being more creative in their plan design. Stays away from “good deals” in health insurance, chances are the plans are not going to cover anything when you have claim. Then you will end up with bills from the hospital and your health insurance premiums.
Health insurance companies like Assurant Health underwritten by Time Insurance offer health insurance plans where you design your own plan. It is one of the only large reputable health insurance companies to offer customizable health plans. They offer five plan designs two of them are Health Savings Account qualified health plans and the other health plans are your standard PPO (Preferred Provider Organization). What makes Assurant Health unique is that every type of plan give you opportunity to customize that plan by choosing co-pay or no co-pay option, choice of deductible, prescription drug coverage deductible, dental discount plan or dental insurance and some plan specific options. If you are looking for simple to use and simple to understand HSA account plans, Assurant is one of the first companies to offer HSA plans.
When designing your own health insurance plan keep in mind of your previous health insurance usage. Choosing deductible for your health insurance plans will make the largest difference in your monthly price. Keep in mind in most cases deductible applies only to when you are hospitalized. That meant when you are admitted to the hospital. Most health insurance plans will cover you doctor visits, physical exams, prescriptions drugs and your lab work with a co-pay before you meet the deductible. If you choose a high deductible plan and something does happen to you that you end up in the hospital for something major and you do not have money at the time to cover your deductible. Every hospital will work with you by offering you payment methods. This way you can take as much time to pay off that deductible. Therefore it does not make any sense in most cases not choosing a plan with high deductible. Get health plans with high deductible and you are going to save thousands on your health insurance. Some companies like Assurant Health offer you option to where if you choose a health plans with deductible of thirty five hundred of higher you automatically qualify for two year rate guarantee. Save money monthly and avoid rate increased. Just with little knowledge and understanding of how health insurance works you save thousands with the health coverage that you need.
HealthCoverageQuotes.com
Monday, July 23, 2007
Home and Business Property Insurance Claim Help - Dealing With Your Insurance Company
by Adam Woodrow
Any time you have property damage to your residence, you have to go through your Insurance Company to recover money for your losses and to rebuild what was lost. If you are like a large sum of property owners, you walked away with a check from your insrance company with barely enough funds to cover half of the work that has to be done to get your home back in shape.
This happens because of a couple of reasons. The first reason this happens is because of the nature of the Insurance Industry. They are in business to make money. They also hire their own Insurance Adjusters to estimate the amount of property damage you have to your home and how much it will cost to fix it. Since the Insurance Adjuster in this case works for the insurance company, you have nobody that is evaluating the damage with your thoughts in mind.
The second reason that Insurance Companies underpay their property owners is simply because the average property owner doesn't know any better. They see the insurance company and their Adjuster doing work, and when they come up with a payment number, it is automatically accepted that this is how much they should be paid for the damage.
A little known fact, is that all property owners can choose their own contractors and get multiple bids on conductng repairs to their home. You do not have to take the lowest estimate of the bunch. The lowst estimate could mean the work will also be the lowest quality. You, as a property owner, have the option of selecting the contractor with the highest estimate if you choose, and that is what the insurance company has to go by.
The problem with this option is that the average property owner doesn't know how to go about this process. It can be very tedious, overwhelming, and plain confusing. The good news is that you can get an Insurance Adjuster that works striclty for the policy holder and has only your interests at heart. This type of Adjuster is referred to as Public Adjuster. A Public Aduster's responsiblity is to work with and for the policy holder and to get every penny they deserve out of the insurance company. Property damage claims that are handled by a Public Adjuster include fire, wind, water, flood, hurricane, theft and many others.
In many states, a property damage claim can be reopened up to five years after it was claimed. If you feel that you were underpaid by your insurance company on a past insurance claim, a Certified Public Adjuster can help you recover those extra funds.
USALoss.com.
Any time you have property damage to your residence, you have to go through your Insurance Company to recover money for your losses and to rebuild what was lost. If you are like a large sum of property owners, you walked away with a check from your insrance company with barely enough funds to cover half of the work that has to be done to get your home back in shape.
This happens because of a couple of reasons. The first reason this happens is because of the nature of the Insurance Industry. They are in business to make money. They also hire their own Insurance Adjusters to estimate the amount of property damage you have to your home and how much it will cost to fix it. Since the Insurance Adjuster in this case works for the insurance company, you have nobody that is evaluating the damage with your thoughts in mind.
The second reason that Insurance Companies underpay their property owners is simply because the average property owner doesn't know any better. They see the insurance company and their Adjuster doing work, and when they come up with a payment number, it is automatically accepted that this is how much they should be paid for the damage.
A little known fact, is that all property owners can choose their own contractors and get multiple bids on conductng repairs to their home. You do not have to take the lowest estimate of the bunch. The lowst estimate could mean the work will also be the lowest quality. You, as a property owner, have the option of selecting the contractor with the highest estimate if you choose, and that is what the insurance company has to go by.
The problem with this option is that the average property owner doesn't know how to go about this process. It can be very tedious, overwhelming, and plain confusing. The good news is that you can get an Insurance Adjuster that works striclty for the policy holder and has only your interests at heart. This type of Adjuster is referred to as Public Adjuster. A Public Aduster's responsiblity is to work with and for the policy holder and to get every penny they deserve out of the insurance company. Property damage claims that are handled by a Public Adjuster include fire, wind, water, flood, hurricane, theft and many others.
In many states, a property damage claim can be reopened up to five years after it was claimed. If you feel that you were underpaid by your insurance company on a past insurance claim, a Certified Public Adjuster can help you recover those extra funds.
USALoss.com.
Tips How You can Buy A Good Travel Insurance
by Allan Elvin
Serious considerations play an important role while deciding about buying an insurance. As, you are going to spend large sum of money in buying it through several of premiums, one needs to think deep about the kind of insurance and the amount you want to invest in it. When it comes to travel insurance, the decision needs some more planning, as the insurance is meant to be useful when you are away from your home. Thus, buying an insurance which covers your travel appropriately, and gives you a good cover, is greatly in need. Following some good tips might help you positively while you are planning to buy an insurance to cover your travel trips.
A Travel Insurance fetches you a helping hand when you are on tour to some other locations including foreign land. Be it any kind of your illness, accident, injuries or theft of your luggage, insurance covering your travel helps you at every steps. So, it is important that you give a good eye while buying a insurance. The most important thing that has to be considered by you is about the cover limit that you get from insurance. Check whether the insurance is giving you a good cover worth enough to comfort you in any kind of uncertain situation.
Before you finally buy the insurance, ask the insurer whether they are giving you a good medical cover that include 24-hours assistance. While signing the documents, read it thoroughly and carefully, and ask your insurer if some false claims were made by them earlier. While you are away from your home, and you have bought a travel insurance, make sure that you keep a copy of all insurance policy documents. Possessing all such documents helps you to make urgent mediclaims and other claims.
goarticles.com
Serious considerations play an important role while deciding about buying an insurance. As, you are going to spend large sum of money in buying it through several of premiums, one needs to think deep about the kind of insurance and the amount you want to invest in it. When it comes to travel insurance, the decision needs some more planning, as the insurance is meant to be useful when you are away from your home. Thus, buying an insurance which covers your travel appropriately, and gives you a good cover, is greatly in need. Following some good tips might help you positively while you are planning to buy an insurance to cover your travel trips.
A Travel Insurance fetches you a helping hand when you are on tour to some other locations including foreign land. Be it any kind of your illness, accident, injuries or theft of your luggage, insurance covering your travel helps you at every steps. So, it is important that you give a good eye while buying a insurance. The most important thing that has to be considered by you is about the cover limit that you get from insurance. Check whether the insurance is giving you a good cover worth enough to comfort you in any kind of uncertain situation.
Before you finally buy the insurance, ask the insurer whether they are giving you a good medical cover that include 24-hours assistance. While signing the documents, read it thoroughly and carefully, and ask your insurer if some false claims were made by them earlier. While you are away from your home, and you have bought a travel insurance, make sure that you keep a copy of all insurance policy documents. Possessing all such documents helps you to make urgent mediclaims and other claims.
goarticles.com
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Car Insurance Agents: Finalising The Policy
by Millard Hiner
Yet even if the legislator has left the decision to each individual car owner, it is not an excuse to careful research on the subject.Year on year, we witness rapidly growing intensity of advertising by car insurance agents. Not without a reason - though of course the boost is to a huge extent a result of car insurance becoming obligatory in many locations.
Car insurance agents warn about the ramifications of not carrying insurance. Many car insurance quotes after an accident will increase, especially if you own an older or larger car. However, it does pay to carry insurance on your vehicle. Imagine the shock of the discovery of the theft of your uninsured car, or being involved in an accident when not carrying insurance. This can have many long lasting after effects on the ability to obtain insurance.
The initial step after deciding that you need insurance coverage for your vehicle is to contact car insurance agents. From their input and from your information gathering, you can study the options that will be available to your policy and whether they meet your individual requirements. You should not forget to consider the premium over the life of the policy as well as the ingredients in the coverage. Having studied these factors, you can decide on what type of coverage will satisfy your need and what types of coverage can be ignored.
Then some comparison shopping might take place to find the most competitive offers, with the internet as a good resource of reading material on those issues. There are many services of both insurance providers and independent institutions that describe meaning of legal and technical terms or even providing detailed step by step instructions of how to obtain a particular insurance.
Even a purchase of car insurance on line is possible, and it is a convenient option for those of us putting in long working hours or unwilling to travel from agent to agent. With such option, you cen either effect the payment by a credit card or bank transfer or receive a visit from a sales representative who will inspect your car and collect the fee.
Once a final decision has been made to purchase an insurance policy, it is very important to remember the date when your insurance coverage ends in the next year. Better to note it down in your yearly planner book or PDA, so that you will be able to remember to renew your policy or able to look for a fresh competitive policy in advance. Better option would be to renew the existing policy, because the car insurance agent might call you to remind in advance, take care of the paper work involved and may offer you a loyalty discount.
goarticles.com
Yet even if the legislator has left the decision to each individual car owner, it is not an excuse to careful research on the subject.Year on year, we witness rapidly growing intensity of advertising by car insurance agents. Not without a reason - though of course the boost is to a huge extent a result of car insurance becoming obligatory in many locations.
Car insurance agents warn about the ramifications of not carrying insurance. Many car insurance quotes after an accident will increase, especially if you own an older or larger car. However, it does pay to carry insurance on your vehicle. Imagine the shock of the discovery of the theft of your uninsured car, or being involved in an accident when not carrying insurance. This can have many long lasting after effects on the ability to obtain insurance.
The initial step after deciding that you need insurance coverage for your vehicle is to contact car insurance agents. From their input and from your information gathering, you can study the options that will be available to your policy and whether they meet your individual requirements. You should not forget to consider the premium over the life of the policy as well as the ingredients in the coverage. Having studied these factors, you can decide on what type of coverage will satisfy your need and what types of coverage can be ignored.
Then some comparison shopping might take place to find the most competitive offers, with the internet as a good resource of reading material on those issues. There are many services of both insurance providers and independent institutions that describe meaning of legal and technical terms or even providing detailed step by step instructions of how to obtain a particular insurance.
Even a purchase of car insurance on line is possible, and it is a convenient option for those of us putting in long working hours or unwilling to travel from agent to agent. With such option, you cen either effect the payment by a credit card or bank transfer or receive a visit from a sales representative who will inspect your car and collect the fee.
Once a final decision has been made to purchase an insurance policy, it is very important to remember the date when your insurance coverage ends in the next year. Better to note it down in your yearly planner book or PDA, so that you will be able to remember to renew your policy or able to look for a fresh competitive policy in advance. Better option would be to renew the existing policy, because the car insurance agent might call you to remind in advance, take care of the paper work involved and may offer you a loyalty discount.
goarticles.com
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Top 10 Health Insurance Questions and Answers
by Brian Stevens
Got questions about health insurance? Here are the top 10 health insurance questions and answers:
1. What kinds of health insurance plans are there?
There are two basic types of health insurance plans - indemnity plans and managed health care plans. Indemnity plans let you choose your own physician, while managed health care plans - HMOs, PPOs, and POSs - assign you to a network of physicians and hospitals. Managed health care plans are less flexible, but much cheaper than indemnity plans.
2. What's an HMO?
With an HMO you pay a monthly premium for which you are assigned to a network of physicians, specialists, and hospitals who provide your medical care. A primary care physician oversees your care and you can only see physicians within your network. Prescriptions may completely covered or partially covered and generally require a co-payment of $5 to $10. This is the cheapest type of health insurance.
3. What's a PPO?
A PPO is similar to an HMO, but it allows you to visit non-network physicians without a referral from your primary care physician. You may have to pay for the non-network physicians fee, then get partial reimbursement from your PPO provider. Co-payments are generally $5 to $10, and this plan costs a little more than an HMO.
4. What's a POS?
A POS plan is a combination of an HMO and a POS plan. You choose a primary care physician within your network, but you can also see physicians outside the network. If your primary care physician refers you to an outside physician your POS provider picks up the costs. This is the most flexible and the most costly of the three managed health care plans.
5. What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount you pay toward a claim before the insurance company pays.
6. What's coinsurance?
Coinsurance is the percentage of your medical expenses you have to pay after you pay your deductible.
7. What is a co-payment?
A co-payment is the amount you must pay when you visit a physician.
8. How do I choose a health insurance plan?
Ideally, you want to choose a plan that will give you the most amount of benefits for the least amount of money. If you want to continue seeing your current physician, find out what plans he or she is associated with. And if you have special medical needs, make sure the plan you choose will provide for those needs.
Other things to consider when choosing a health insurance plan are:
* What are the co-payments, deductibles, and coinsurances?
* Does the plan cover pre-existing conditions?
* What is the waiting period for pre-existing conditions?
* Will the insurance company give me good service?
9. Where can I get cheap health insurance?
Insurance premiums vary substantially from one company to another, so you want to get quotes from several companies in order to get the best price.
The quickest way to get quotes from different companies is to go to an insurance comparison website. Once there you'll fill out a short questionnaire, then receive your quotes. The best comparison sites only deal with A-rated insurance companies so you know you'll be getting a reputable company. They also have an insurance expert on call to answer your questions. (See link below.)
10. How do I know I'm getting a reliable health insurance company?
One of the best places to check out an insurance company is your state's department of insurance website. You can also visit J.D. Power & Associate's website (jdpower.com) to get consumer ratings on insurance companies, and A.M. Best's website (ambest.com) to get financial ratings.
Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com/health-insurance.html or click on the following link to get cheap health insurance quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more insurance tips in their Articles section.
Got questions about health insurance? Here are the top 10 health insurance questions and answers:
1. What kinds of health insurance plans are there?
There are two basic types of health insurance plans - indemnity plans and managed health care plans. Indemnity plans let you choose your own physician, while managed health care plans - HMOs, PPOs, and POSs - assign you to a network of physicians and hospitals. Managed health care plans are less flexible, but much cheaper than indemnity plans.
2. What's an HMO?
With an HMO you pay a monthly premium for which you are assigned to a network of physicians, specialists, and hospitals who provide your medical care. A primary care physician oversees your care and you can only see physicians within your network. Prescriptions may completely covered or partially covered and generally require a co-payment of $5 to $10. This is the cheapest type of health insurance.
3. What's a PPO?
A PPO is similar to an HMO, but it allows you to visit non-network physicians without a referral from your primary care physician. You may have to pay for the non-network physicians fee, then get partial reimbursement from your PPO provider. Co-payments are generally $5 to $10, and this plan costs a little more than an HMO.
4. What's a POS?
A POS plan is a combination of an HMO and a POS plan. You choose a primary care physician within your network, but you can also see physicians outside the network. If your primary care physician refers you to an outside physician your POS provider picks up the costs. This is the most flexible and the most costly of the three managed health care plans.
5. What is a deductible?
A deductible is the amount you pay toward a claim before the insurance company pays.
6. What's coinsurance?
Coinsurance is the percentage of your medical expenses you have to pay after you pay your deductible.
7. What is a co-payment?
A co-payment is the amount you must pay when you visit a physician.
8. How do I choose a health insurance plan?
Ideally, you want to choose a plan that will give you the most amount of benefits for the least amount of money. If you want to continue seeing your current physician, find out what plans he or she is associated with. And if you have special medical needs, make sure the plan you choose will provide for those needs.
Other things to consider when choosing a health insurance plan are:
* What are the co-payments, deductibles, and coinsurances?
* Does the plan cover pre-existing conditions?
* What is the waiting period for pre-existing conditions?
* Will the insurance company give me good service?
9. Where can I get cheap health insurance?
Insurance premiums vary substantially from one company to another, so you want to get quotes from several companies in order to get the best price.
The quickest way to get quotes from different companies is to go to an insurance comparison website. Once there you'll fill out a short questionnaire, then receive your quotes. The best comparison sites only deal with A-rated insurance companies so you know you'll be getting a reputable company. They also have an insurance expert on call to answer your questions. (See link below.)
10. How do I know I'm getting a reliable health insurance company?
One of the best places to check out an insurance company is your state's department of insurance website. You can also visit J.D. Power & Associate's website (jdpower.com) to get consumer ratings on insurance companies, and A.M. Best's website (ambest.com) to get financial ratings.
Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com/health-insurance.html or click on the following link to get cheap health insurance quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more insurance tips in their Articles section.
Cheap Mortgage Insurance Online
by Simon Burgess
When it comes to taking out cheap mortgage insurance then the best way to get a quality policy is to go with an independent provider. As a rule of thumb, an independent provider can help you to make huge savings on the amount of premium that you are asked to pay while providing you with good advice in the process. However, when it comes to cheap mortgage insurance not all policies are of the same quality, so you need to ensure that you fully understand the terms and conditions of cover.
Depending on where you buy it, some mortgage payment protection insurance providers charge ridiculous premiums for the pleasure of having the safety net that this invaluable insurance can provide. As the media continually highlights, among the worst organisations to purchase your policy from are the high street banks and lenders who have been known to mis-sell policies by putting the consumer last and profits first.
Another big problem when it comes to taking out your mortgage policy is that providers would like you to believe that the cover has to be taken alongside your mortgage. This is not true and if you want the best savings on your premium then shopping around and going independently is the only way to do so.
Mortgage payment protection insurance is taken out to make sure that if you become unable to work through having an accident, long term sickness or through unemployment then at least you won't be struggling to find the money needed to carry on paying your mortgage repayments every month. Taking out a policy from a standalone provider means it doesn't cost you the earth while giving you the safety net and comfort of knowing that if the worst came to the worst then you would at least still have a roof over your head.
Another great benefit that you get by going with a standalone provider to get cheap mortgage insurance is that along with being sold the correct policy for your needs because of their experience, you will also be able to get great advice. Cheap mortgage insurance can be found but it is only by going with an independent provider and not with the high street lender that you are able to get the not only the best deal but also the best advice available.
britishinsurance.com/
When it comes to taking out cheap mortgage insurance then the best way to get a quality policy is to go with an independent provider. As a rule of thumb, an independent provider can help you to make huge savings on the amount of premium that you are asked to pay while providing you with good advice in the process. However, when it comes to cheap mortgage insurance not all policies are of the same quality, so you need to ensure that you fully understand the terms and conditions of cover.
Depending on where you buy it, some mortgage payment protection insurance providers charge ridiculous premiums for the pleasure of having the safety net that this invaluable insurance can provide. As the media continually highlights, among the worst organisations to purchase your policy from are the high street banks and lenders who have been known to mis-sell policies by putting the consumer last and profits first.
Another big problem when it comes to taking out your mortgage policy is that providers would like you to believe that the cover has to be taken alongside your mortgage. This is not true and if you want the best savings on your premium then shopping around and going independently is the only way to do so.
Mortgage payment protection insurance is taken out to make sure that if you become unable to work through having an accident, long term sickness or through unemployment then at least you won't be struggling to find the money needed to carry on paying your mortgage repayments every month. Taking out a policy from a standalone provider means it doesn't cost you the earth while giving you the safety net and comfort of knowing that if the worst came to the worst then you would at least still have a roof over your head.
Another great benefit that you get by going with a standalone provider to get cheap mortgage insurance is that along with being sold the correct policy for your needs because of their experience, you will also be able to get great advice. Cheap mortgage insurance can be found but it is only by going with an independent provider and not with the high street lender that you are able to get the not only the best deal but also the best advice available.
britishinsurance.com/
Mobile Phone Insurance gives value of your mobile
by Fletcher Mak
There can be no denying the fact that life has become very uncertain these days. And the only way to counter this uncertainty is by getting all your precious belongings insured. Talking about precious belongings one precious belonging that definitely should be insured is the mobile.
This is a well known fact now that in today's world one cannot survive without mobiles. But what should also be very clearly understood is the fact that mobiles are very expensive gadget and any damage or theft can force the owner to shell out exorbitant amount. Now every mobile manufacturing company release latest more expensive mobile enable with high tech features including I-mate and blackberry.
It therefore should not come as a surprise that mobile phone insurance is gaining popularity with every passing day. This is very natural for studies show that mobile theft is continuously on rise in UK. And it is not only that insurance is a very good bet against theft, it is a very good means to counter damage, mobile loss etc.
It is very easy for any one to loose mobiles. Most common case is when one forgets his mobile at the place where he was sitting. If one has got his mobile insured then mobile company will incur all the expenses and the owner will be spared from spending a single penny. Similar is the story in the case of theft which is continuously on rise in UK. Here again the mobile phone insurance company will pay the amount of mobile to the owner.
This is a very welcome move by the insurance companies for in today's times one simply cannot live without mobiles for even a day. Had insurance companies not stepped in it would have been very difficult for people to replace one expensive mobile with other at such a short notice.
http://www.xpert4u.co.uk/mobile/mobile-insurance.html
There can be no denying the fact that life has become very uncertain these days. And the only way to counter this uncertainty is by getting all your precious belongings insured. Talking about precious belongings one precious belonging that definitely should be insured is the mobile.
This is a well known fact now that in today's world one cannot survive without mobiles. But what should also be very clearly understood is the fact that mobiles are very expensive gadget and any damage or theft can force the owner to shell out exorbitant amount. Now every mobile manufacturing company release latest more expensive mobile enable with high tech features including I-mate and blackberry.
It therefore should not come as a surprise that mobile phone insurance is gaining popularity with every passing day. This is very natural for studies show that mobile theft is continuously on rise in UK. And it is not only that insurance is a very good bet against theft, it is a very good means to counter damage, mobile loss etc.
It is very easy for any one to loose mobiles. Most common case is when one forgets his mobile at the place where he was sitting. If one has got his mobile insured then mobile company will incur all the expenses and the owner will be spared from spending a single penny. Similar is the story in the case of theft which is continuously on rise in UK. Here again the mobile phone insurance company will pay the amount of mobile to the owner.
This is a very welcome move by the insurance companies for in today's times one simply cannot live without mobiles for even a day. Had insurance companies not stepped in it would have been very difficult for people to replace one expensive mobile with other at such a short notice.
http://www.xpert4u.co.uk/mobile/mobile-insurance.html
Wednesday, July 18, 2007
How to Get Inexpensive Health Insurance
by Brian Stevens
Looking to buy health insurance? Want to know how to get inexpensive health insurance with a reliable company? Here's how ...
Types of Health Insurance
There are four basic types of health plans:
Indemnity Plans - These plans let you choose your own doctor, and it pays all of your medical bills up to a specified daily amount for a specified number of days.
Indemnity plans are the most flexible health care plans, but they are the most expensive plans and they involve the most paperwork.
HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) - With these plans you pay a monthly premium to join a network of physicians and hospitals. You must choose a primary care physician within the network who oversees your medical care.
HMOs are the most restrictive of all the health insurance plans, but they're also the cheapest plans. Co-payments are either very low ($5 to $10) or are free.
PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations) - With these plans you also pay a monthly premium to join a network of physicians and hospitals. You can choose to see whatever doctor you prefer, but if he or she is not part of the network you'll need to pay an extra fee.
PPOs cost a little more than HMOs, but a lot of people prefer them because they are less restrictive. Co-payments average $5 to $10.
POS (Point of Service plans) - These plans are a combination of HMOs and POSs. You must choose a primary care physician to oversee your healthcare treatment, but you can see a non-network physician without having to pay extra fees if your primary care physician refers you to him.
POS plans cost a little more the PPOs and HMOs, but are more flexible. Co-payments are about the same as for HMOs and PPOs.
Which Plan is Best?
In order to determine which health insurance plan will best meet your needs, you need to find out the following:
* Does the plan cover the services you need?
* What co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurances does the plan have?
* How much freedom do you have in choosing your own physician?
* What is the waiting period for pre-existing conditions?
Inexpensive Health Insurance
In order to get the best rates on health insurance you need to comparison shop. Thanks to the Internet, you don't have to spend hours on end calling local insurance companies or surfing single-company websites to get quotes. Now you can go to an insurance comparison website, fill our a simple questionnaire, and get quotes from multiple comapnies.
The best comparison sites only deal with A-rated companies so you know the company you choose will be reliable and will give you good service. Theses sites also have an insurance expert on hand to answer any insurance questions you may have. (See link below.)
Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com/health-insurance.html or click on the following link to get inexpensive health insurance quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more insurance tips in their Articles section.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=554564
Looking to buy health insurance? Want to know how to get inexpensive health insurance with a reliable company? Here's how ...
Types of Health Insurance
There are four basic types of health plans:
Indemnity Plans - These plans let you choose your own doctor, and it pays all of your medical bills up to a specified daily amount for a specified number of days.
Indemnity plans are the most flexible health care plans, but they are the most expensive plans and they involve the most paperwork.
HMOs (Health Maintenance Organizations) - With these plans you pay a monthly premium to join a network of physicians and hospitals. You must choose a primary care physician within the network who oversees your medical care.
HMOs are the most restrictive of all the health insurance plans, but they're also the cheapest plans. Co-payments are either very low ($5 to $10) or are free.
PPOs (Preferred Provider Organizations) - With these plans you also pay a monthly premium to join a network of physicians and hospitals. You can choose to see whatever doctor you prefer, but if he or she is not part of the network you'll need to pay an extra fee.
PPOs cost a little more than HMOs, but a lot of people prefer them because they are less restrictive. Co-payments average $5 to $10.
POS (Point of Service plans) - These plans are a combination of HMOs and POSs. You must choose a primary care physician to oversee your healthcare treatment, but you can see a non-network physician without having to pay extra fees if your primary care physician refers you to him.
POS plans cost a little more the PPOs and HMOs, but are more flexible. Co-payments are about the same as for HMOs and PPOs.
Which Plan is Best?
In order to determine which health insurance plan will best meet your needs, you need to find out the following:
* Does the plan cover the services you need?
* What co-pays, deductibles, and coinsurances does the plan have?
* How much freedom do you have in choosing your own physician?
* What is the waiting period for pre-existing conditions?
Inexpensive Health Insurance
In order to get the best rates on health insurance you need to comparison shop. Thanks to the Internet, you don't have to spend hours on end calling local insurance companies or surfing single-company websites to get quotes. Now you can go to an insurance comparison website, fill our a simple questionnaire, and get quotes from multiple comapnies.
The best comparison sites only deal with A-rated companies so you know the company you choose will be reliable and will give you good service. Theses sites also have an insurance expert on hand to answer any insurance questions you may have. (See link below.)
Visit http://www.LowerRateQuotes.com/health-insurance.html or click on the following link to get inexpensive health insurance quotes from top-rated companies and see how much you can save. You can get more insurance tips in their Articles section.
http://www.goarticles.com/cgi-bin/showa.cgi?C=554564
Tuesday, July 17, 2007
Low Cost Auto Insurance -- Your Colleague Pays Less For Superior Coverage
By: Chimezirim Odimba
A few things could be more painful than discovering that you are paying a lot more for something inferior. We all like to get our money's worth. Your colleague who has found the way to low cost auto insurance could easily get a massively superior coverage for much lower than you are paying.
Even if you don't have a colleague who pays far less for more, unless you have gone through the process I'll show in this article, you could be paying anywhere between $400 and $2000 more for a comparable or inferior insurance policy. Here are a few things that could be responsible for such...
S/he may have a more insurance friendly profile. What they call "preferred auto" insurance prospect. These have to do with your driving history, age grouping, marital status, no claims history and things like that.
But what if you really are sure you have a more insurance friendly profile but still pay much more? Then there could only be one reason. Listen up: You have not done extensive research or shopping.
In one of my researches, I saw a profile that had a difference of over $2000 (For a comparable service) between two insurance companies. Now I must say this. The insurance companies are not ripping you off. It's just that their system of calculating the risk involved in insuring a prospect isn't favorable to such a profile. I really took time out to explain why this is so in another article.
So back to what we were saying...
If you didn't do extensive research, you almost definitely are paying way too much than you should. So how do you do an extensive research?
Before you begin to think that this involves some brain-surgery-level of sophistication, all you really need to do this is a few minutes and a a computer. All that's involved is visiting auto insurance quotes and comparison sites. Each will take you only a few minutes. They usually return about 5 quotes or more.
However, I strongly recommend that you get as many quotes as you can from as many of these sites as possible. The simple reason is that some sites will not include certain insurance companies for reasons best known to them (A likely one is that they don't want to pitch their sponsors against better priced competition).
If you do this well, you'll have many different quotes then you can start the next stage: Comparing quotes to see where your bread is better buttered. It's easy and will take you only around 3-5 minutes per site. But can you imagine how happy you'll be if you make savings of $1000 (or even $100) for 3-5 minutes work?
Would you call yourself wise if you passed up a free opportunity to save much cash?
Get your low cost auto insurance quotes here: Auto Insurance Quotes and here: Best Car Insurance Quotes Chimezirim Odimba writes for Car Insurance.
articleclick.com
A few things could be more painful than discovering that you are paying a lot more for something inferior. We all like to get our money's worth. Your colleague who has found the way to low cost auto insurance could easily get a massively superior coverage for much lower than you are paying.
Even if you don't have a colleague who pays far less for more, unless you have gone through the process I'll show in this article, you could be paying anywhere between $400 and $2000 more for a comparable or inferior insurance policy. Here are a few things that could be responsible for such...
S/he may have a more insurance friendly profile. What they call "preferred auto" insurance prospect. These have to do with your driving history, age grouping, marital status, no claims history and things like that.
But what if you really are sure you have a more insurance friendly profile but still pay much more? Then there could only be one reason. Listen up: You have not done extensive research or shopping.
In one of my researches, I saw a profile that had a difference of over $2000 (For a comparable service) between two insurance companies. Now I must say this. The insurance companies are not ripping you off. It's just that their system of calculating the risk involved in insuring a prospect isn't favorable to such a profile. I really took time out to explain why this is so in another article.
So back to what we were saying...
If you didn't do extensive research, you almost definitely are paying way too much than you should. So how do you do an extensive research?
Before you begin to think that this involves some brain-surgery-level of sophistication, all you really need to do this is a few minutes and a a computer. All that's involved is visiting auto insurance quotes and comparison sites. Each will take you only a few minutes. They usually return about 5 quotes or more.
However, I strongly recommend that you get as many quotes as you can from as many of these sites as possible. The simple reason is that some sites will not include certain insurance companies for reasons best known to them (A likely one is that they don't want to pitch their sponsors against better priced competition).
If you do this well, you'll have many different quotes then you can start the next stage: Comparing quotes to see where your bread is better buttered. It's easy and will take you only around 3-5 minutes per site. But can you imagine how happy you'll be if you make savings of $1000 (or even $100) for 3-5 minutes work?
Would you call yourself wise if you passed up a free opportunity to save much cash?
Get your low cost auto insurance quotes here: Auto Insurance Quotes and here: Best Car Insurance Quotes Chimezirim Odimba writes for Car Insurance.
articleclick.com
Monday, July 16, 2007
Is your insurance as safe as you think?
For most of us, price is a major factor in the decisions we make on our insurance policies and with dozens of insurance providers out there it's never been easier to find a cheap home insurance policy that covers the basics.
But beware – it's essential to check what's covered by your policy to make sure that you aren't left significantly out of pocket if something goes wrong.
For example, 1 in 3 get burgled and yet estimates show that over 20% of all household goods are not covered by your home insurance; equally accidents such as flood damage are increasingly common – the question is, are your home and possessions covered?
Building insurance:
What does your policy cover?
A standard policy should cover: flood and storm damage; fire, smoke and explosions; subsidence and third party damage.
Does your policy cover the market value of your property or full rebuilding costs?
The market value of your home could be considerably lower than the rebuilding costs – especially in the case of listed buildings. English Heritage require that if more than 40% of the historic structure of a property has survived you need to restore the whole property – given the building restrictions on listed buildings, that could be very expensive.
Are accommodation costs included if your home is uninhabitable?
If the worst happens and your home is uninhabitable, do you really want to have the additional stress of paying for rented accommodation?
Home contents
If you are a tenant does your landlord have contents insurance?
By law, landlords are required to take out building insurance.However there is no such requirement for home contents insurance and while it may be worth asking your landlord to find out whether there is a policy in place – it is certainly worth ensuring that your are covered by taking out your own policy.
What is the replacement policy?
The most basic level of cover is indemnity insurance, which replaces like for like – if your TV is 3 years old you can claim for the value of a 3-year old TV. Some insurance policies replace new for old, so regardless of the age you will get a new item.
Are portable items covered by the policy beyond your front door?
Some policies cover any items that you take away from home such as watches, jewellery – think about how much the contents of your handbag, or your car etc are worth, particularly if you use a laptop.
Is your garden covered?
Many people have a great deal of money invested in their gardens from expensive plants and features to gardening equipment stored in the shed – make sure your policy covers this area.
Make sure you insure for the right value
One of the major mistakes people make with their home insurance policy is to underinsure - write a checklist of every item in your home to ensure you have insured for the right amount. You also need to ensure high value items are covered – most policies set a maximum value on individual items.
Finally, keep up to date – the value of your possessions could have increased dramatically in even a short period of time – make sure your policy reflects new items you buy.
What security systems do you have installed?
Many insurers legitimately reject claims on the basis that the security measures required by the policy have not been met – it is up to the consumer to read the terms of the policy and make sure that they comply with any prerequisites.
One final piece of advice is: NEVER ASSUME THAT ITEMS ARE COVERED – if you are unsure, always check your policy.
mybuny.com
But beware – it's essential to check what's covered by your policy to make sure that you aren't left significantly out of pocket if something goes wrong.
For example, 1 in 3 get burgled and yet estimates show that over 20% of all household goods are not covered by your home insurance; equally accidents such as flood damage are increasingly common – the question is, are your home and possessions covered?
Building insurance:
What does your policy cover?
A standard policy should cover: flood and storm damage; fire, smoke and explosions; subsidence and third party damage.
Does your policy cover the market value of your property or full rebuilding costs?
The market value of your home could be considerably lower than the rebuilding costs – especially in the case of listed buildings. English Heritage require that if more than 40% of the historic structure of a property has survived you need to restore the whole property – given the building restrictions on listed buildings, that could be very expensive.
Are accommodation costs included if your home is uninhabitable?
If the worst happens and your home is uninhabitable, do you really want to have the additional stress of paying for rented accommodation?
Home contents
If you are a tenant does your landlord have contents insurance?
By law, landlords are required to take out building insurance.However there is no such requirement for home contents insurance and while it may be worth asking your landlord to find out whether there is a policy in place – it is certainly worth ensuring that your are covered by taking out your own policy.
What is the replacement policy?
The most basic level of cover is indemnity insurance, which replaces like for like – if your TV is 3 years old you can claim for the value of a 3-year old TV. Some insurance policies replace new for old, so regardless of the age you will get a new item.
Are portable items covered by the policy beyond your front door?
Some policies cover any items that you take away from home such as watches, jewellery – think about how much the contents of your handbag, or your car etc are worth, particularly if you use a laptop.
Is your garden covered?
Many people have a great deal of money invested in their gardens from expensive plants and features to gardening equipment stored in the shed – make sure your policy covers this area.
Make sure you insure for the right value
One of the major mistakes people make with their home insurance policy is to underinsure - write a checklist of every item in your home to ensure you have insured for the right amount. You also need to ensure high value items are covered – most policies set a maximum value on individual items.
Finally, keep up to date – the value of your possessions could have increased dramatically in even a short period of time – make sure your policy reflects new items you buy.
What security systems do you have installed?
Many insurers legitimately reject claims on the basis that the security measures required by the policy have not been met – it is up to the consumer to read the terms of the policy and make sure that they comply with any prerequisites.
One final piece of advice is: NEVER ASSUME THAT ITEMS ARE COVERED – if you are unsure, always check your policy.
mybuny.com
THE MYTH OF HEALTH INSURANCE
by Thomas S. Szasz, M.D.
Forty million Americans are said to have no health insurance. Those who do have health insurance are frustrated by having to pay ever increasing premiums for steadily diminishing medical services. Conventional wisdom tells us that we are facing a "health insurance crisis."
It is importance to recognize that what we call "health insurance" has nothing to do with health and very little with insurance. We do not face a "health insurance crisis." We face the consequences of a set of economic and social problems rooted in a futile effort to make the distribution of health care -- unlike the distribution of virtually every other good and service in our society -- egalitarian.
The typical contractor of home owner's insurance is the home owner. He buys insurance to protect himself from costly loss to his house caused by events outside his control, such as fire, not to defray the recurring expense of maintaining it. The ideal outcome for both the buyer and the seller of home and automobile insurance is for the policy holder to never make use of his policy.
The typical contractor of health insurance is not the insured person but his employer. Neither party is free to negotiate the terms of the policy. The employee cannot bargain for a lower premium in exchange for deductibility clause or for choosing to be not covered for alcoholism or schizophrenia. The employer, who pays part or most of the cost of insurance, is not free to decline coverage for state-mandated medical services. In New York State, for example, the Women's Wellness Act mandates group health insurance plans to cover contraceptives including abortifacients, and the Infertility Coverage Act mandates that they cover infertility treatments, including selective fetal reduction (abortion of multiple fetuses conceived by artificial means).
The economic survival of the insurance company depends in large part on collecting more in premiums than it pays out in claims. To bring about that outcome, the insurer employs certain methods, some complicated, some very simple. Although embarrassingly obvious, some of these simple measures need to be mentioned because they are absent from what we mislabel as "health insurance." For example, a person cannot buy a policy to protect himself from a loss caused by his own actions, such as burning down his own home. But so-called health insurance protects the individual from the medical consequences of his own actions, for example, injuring himself by smashing his car while drunk. Not surprisingly, all of the participants in the complex scheme we call "health insurance" are unhappy with the result. .
In the case of genuine insurance, there is a direct relationship between the dollar value of the protection purchased and its cost to the insured. The premium for a life insurance policy with a face value of $100,000 is less than for a policy for a multiple of that amount. In health insurance, no such relationship exists between premium paid and compensation received. Moreover, the health insurance company, acting on its own behalf, can write a contract with a "cap" for a claim, that is, for the maximum amount it will pay the insured, regardless of the health care cost he incurs. The insured person, who typically does not act on his own behalf but is "provided" insurance as an important part of his job benefit, has no reciprocal options.
The sole rational purpose of true insurance is to protect the insured from an unanticipated economic loss so large as to jeopardize his economic well-being. No one sells or buys insurance to cover the cost of maintaining his property. Home insurance does not pay for plumbing repairs, automobile insurance does not pay for replacing worn out windshield wipers. Yet, people demand precisely this kind of reimbursement from so-called health insurance.
"Health Insurance": The Illusion of Equality
If health insurance is not insurance, what is it? It is a modern version of the illusion that all men are equal -- or, when ill, ought to be treated as if they were equal. When religion was the dominant ideology, death was (supposed to be) the great equalizer: once they departed the living, prince and pauper were equal. Today, when medicine is the dominant ideology, health care is (supposed to be) the great equalizer: everyone's life is "infinitely precious" and hence deserves the same protection from disease. Of course, prince and pauper did not receive the same burial services, and rich and poor do not receive the same medical services. But people prefer the illusion of equality to the recognition of inequality.
Actually, the ruled have always longed for "universal health care" and the rulers have always supplied them with a policy that the masses accepted as such a service. In the Middle Ages, universal health care was called Catholicism. In the twentieth century, it was called Communism. In the twenty-first century, it is called Universal Health Insurance. The policy we choose to call "health insurance" is, in fact, a system of cost-shifting masquerading as a system of insurance. We treat a public, statist-political system of health care as if it were a system of private health insurance purchased for the purpose of obtaining private medical care. Everyone knows but no one admits that health insurance is not really insurance.
In fact, Americans now view their health insurance as an open-ended entitlement for reimbursement for virtually any expense that may be categorized as "health care," such as the cost of birth control pills or Viagra. The cost of these services is covered on the same basis as the cost of medical catastrophies, such as treatment for the consequences of a brain tumor. Such distorted incentives produce the perverted outcomes with which we are all too familiar.
From a public health point of view, the state of our health is partly, and often largely, in our own hands and is our own responsibility, even if we have a chronic illness, such as arthritis or diabetes. It is an immoral and impractical endeavor to try to reject that responsibility and place the burden for the consequences on others.
article source http://www.szasz.com/iol23.html
Forty million Americans are said to have no health insurance. Those who do have health insurance are frustrated by having to pay ever increasing premiums for steadily diminishing medical services. Conventional wisdom tells us that we are facing a "health insurance crisis."
It is importance to recognize that what we call "health insurance" has nothing to do with health and very little with insurance. We do not face a "health insurance crisis." We face the consequences of a set of economic and social problems rooted in a futile effort to make the distribution of health care -- unlike the distribution of virtually every other good and service in our society -- egalitarian.
The typical contractor of home owner's insurance is the home owner. He buys insurance to protect himself from costly loss to his house caused by events outside his control, such as fire, not to defray the recurring expense of maintaining it. The ideal outcome for both the buyer and the seller of home and automobile insurance is for the policy holder to never make use of his policy.
The typical contractor of health insurance is not the insured person but his employer. Neither party is free to negotiate the terms of the policy. The employee cannot bargain for a lower premium in exchange for deductibility clause or for choosing to be not covered for alcoholism or schizophrenia. The employer, who pays part or most of the cost of insurance, is not free to decline coverage for state-mandated medical services. In New York State, for example, the Women's Wellness Act mandates group health insurance plans to cover contraceptives including abortifacients, and the Infertility Coverage Act mandates that they cover infertility treatments, including selective fetal reduction (abortion of multiple fetuses conceived by artificial means).
The economic survival of the insurance company depends in large part on collecting more in premiums than it pays out in claims. To bring about that outcome, the insurer employs certain methods, some complicated, some very simple. Although embarrassingly obvious, some of these simple measures need to be mentioned because they are absent from what we mislabel as "health insurance." For example, a person cannot buy a policy to protect himself from a loss caused by his own actions, such as burning down his own home. But so-called health insurance protects the individual from the medical consequences of his own actions, for example, injuring himself by smashing his car while drunk. Not surprisingly, all of the participants in the complex scheme we call "health insurance" are unhappy with the result. .
In the case of genuine insurance, there is a direct relationship between the dollar value of the protection purchased and its cost to the insured. The premium for a life insurance policy with a face value of $100,000 is less than for a policy for a multiple of that amount. In health insurance, no such relationship exists between premium paid and compensation received. Moreover, the health insurance company, acting on its own behalf, can write a contract with a "cap" for a claim, that is, for the maximum amount it will pay the insured, regardless of the health care cost he incurs. The insured person, who typically does not act on his own behalf but is "provided" insurance as an important part of his job benefit, has no reciprocal options.
The sole rational purpose of true insurance is to protect the insured from an unanticipated economic loss so large as to jeopardize his economic well-being. No one sells or buys insurance to cover the cost of maintaining his property. Home insurance does not pay for plumbing repairs, automobile insurance does not pay for replacing worn out windshield wipers. Yet, people demand precisely this kind of reimbursement from so-called health insurance.
"Health Insurance": The Illusion of Equality
If health insurance is not insurance, what is it? It is a modern version of the illusion that all men are equal -- or, when ill, ought to be treated as if they were equal. When religion was the dominant ideology, death was (supposed to be) the great equalizer: once they departed the living, prince and pauper were equal. Today, when medicine is the dominant ideology, health care is (supposed to be) the great equalizer: everyone's life is "infinitely precious" and hence deserves the same protection from disease. Of course, prince and pauper did not receive the same burial services, and rich and poor do not receive the same medical services. But people prefer the illusion of equality to the recognition of inequality.
Actually, the ruled have always longed for "universal health care" and the rulers have always supplied them with a policy that the masses accepted as such a service. In the Middle Ages, universal health care was called Catholicism. In the twentieth century, it was called Communism. In the twenty-first century, it is called Universal Health Insurance. The policy we choose to call "health insurance" is, in fact, a system of cost-shifting masquerading as a system of insurance. We treat a public, statist-political system of health care as if it were a system of private health insurance purchased for the purpose of obtaining private medical care. Everyone knows but no one admits that health insurance is not really insurance.
In fact, Americans now view their health insurance as an open-ended entitlement for reimbursement for virtually any expense that may be categorized as "health care," such as the cost of birth control pills or Viagra. The cost of these services is covered on the same basis as the cost of medical catastrophies, such as treatment for the consequences of a brain tumor. Such distorted incentives produce the perverted outcomes with which we are all too familiar.
From a public health point of view, the state of our health is partly, and often largely, in our own hands and is our own responsibility, even if we have a chronic illness, such as arthritis or diabetes. It is an immoral and impractical endeavor to try to reject that responsibility and place the burden for the consequences on others.
article source http://www.szasz.com/iol23.html
Sunday, July 15, 2007
Different Types of Health Insurance in California
By: Medical-Ins.com
Whether you buy group or individual health insurance in California, the options you have regarding the different types of health insurance are generally the same. In some groups you can even choose from available plans. These different types are traditional health insurance, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and preferred provider organizations (PPOs).
California goes beyond the Federal requirements for offering health insurance to its residents. Examples of this include Industry Advantage plans (IAHP), short-term health policies, Insurance for high risk Individuals and special plans for children and teens.
Additional Health Insurance in California
The traditional health care delivery system is based on a fee-for-service type of arrangement. In a fee-for-service system, you pay or each itemized medical service you receive. In the days of the frontier, "Doc" often received a chicken as payment. Today, physicians are paid with money, lots and lots of it. Fee-for-service health insurance recognizes this practice and is designed to reduce or even eliminate your duty to pay directly for your medical care. Traditional health insurance comes in three parts:
California has four basic options for choosing a health care plan:
Health through an employer or association
Health Insurance through Income eligibility such as Medicaid
Health care for high risk individuals such as those that have had cancer or a heart attack
Private Insurance
Hospitalization
Hospitalization covers defined expenses incurred while in the hospital. Generally, the insurance will pay for all of the covered services rendered by the hospital staff. However, if the insurance benefit is an indemnity payment, the payment will be for a fixed sum regardless of the actual expenses incurred. This fixed sum will usually be far below the daily charge actually made by the hospital.
Medical/surgical
This part of a traditional health plan covers the expensive costs of medical care other than the bill from the hospital. Services such as doctor visits, treatment charges, etc., are covered here. Medical/surgical usually has a deductible and requires co-payments by the insured (payments you make for charges not covered by the insurance), typically 20 percent of the doctor's fee.
Catastrophic or major medical
There are usually lifetime maximum payments that hospitalization and medical/surgical plans will pay, after which the well runs dry. Unfortunately, these maximums may not be sufficient to pay for all of the care required if a major illness or injury should strike, since such afflictions can eat up hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars worth of health services. Thus, catastrophic coverage adds to your umbrella of protection in an amount sufficient to protect you from the horrendous expenses of such serious and prolonged illnesses. These policies also fill in some of the gaps not covered by hospitalization or medical/surgical.
Health Maintenance Organizations or Private Insurance in California
The health maintenance organization (HMO) is a relatively new player in the health insurance game, although it has been around in a limited fashion since the 1930s. The idea behind an HMO is to pay one premium and receive all of your health care at no or a nominal additional cost. The point is to save money compared to traditional health plans that cost more to purchase and require more out-of-pocket payments from the insured. What you, the insured, give in exchange for reduced cost is a substantial loss of your freedom to choose who will take care of your health needs.
Preferred Provider Organizations
Preferred provider organizations (PPOs) seek to give both the benefits of traditional health plans and the money savings of HMOs. They do this by paying higher benefits as a reward for your using the doctors or hospitals they preselect for that purpose.
Disability Insurance
Disability insurance does not pay for health care; rather it pays for lost wages caused by a disabling injury or illness.
How Health Insurance Is Priced
Ask anyone how health insurance is priced and you will get a simple answer: expensively! Beyond that, there are underwriting criteria used by health insurance providers, whether they are for-profit or, like Blue Shield/Blue Cross, nonprofit.
Underwriting CriteriaAge. The older you are, the more likely you are to get sick; therefore, the higher your health insurance premiums will be.
Number of people covered.
Many people buy family coverage rather than individual policies. This means that there will be adults as well as minor children protected by the same plan. Some companies will charge based on the size of the family. Others charge a basic family rate without regard to the number of members.
Gender.
Unlike life insurance, where women get the better end of the bargain than men, in health insurance women often pay higher premiums. This is based on health insurance industry statistics which indicate that the female of the species tends to need medical care more often than the male.
Health history.
Insurance operates on statistical probabilities. If you have had a poor health history, statistically you are more likely to have a more expensive health care future. This, in turn, means that you will pay higher premiums-if you can get health insurance at all.
Occupation.The more likely you are to suffer injury or illness because of the work you do, the more likely the health insurance industry will be to charge excessively for benefits.
This may be well and good for professional deep-sea divers. But the industry has begun to stretch the concept into areas that have nothing to do with the inherent danger of the work.
Lifestyle.In your application for health insurance you will be asked questions about your personal habits. Your answers will have a lot to do with the cost of your premiums. If you smoke, you will probably pay more for health insurance. If you drink to excess, you will probably pay more for health insurance. If you are known to be under a great deal of stress, you may pay more for health insurance. California does reward the health care Insurance consumer with lower premiums if they have practiced good health policies.
One of the most important things you can do as a health care consumer is to engage in preventive care. Not only will you be able to spot serious diseases at an early stage, thereby increasing your chances of effective treatment and cure, but you should be able to save money as well, since it is usually far less expensive to treat a disease when it's a molehill rather than a mountain.
medical-ins.com
Whether you buy group or individual health insurance in California, the options you have regarding the different types of health insurance are generally the same. In some groups you can even choose from available plans. These different types are traditional health insurance, health maintenance organizations (HMOs), and preferred provider organizations (PPOs).
California goes beyond the Federal requirements for offering health insurance to its residents. Examples of this include Industry Advantage plans (IAHP), short-term health policies, Insurance for high risk Individuals and special plans for children and teens.
Additional Health Insurance in California
The traditional health care delivery system is based on a fee-for-service type of arrangement. In a fee-for-service system, you pay or each itemized medical service you receive. In the days of the frontier, "Doc" often received a chicken as payment. Today, physicians are paid with money, lots and lots of it. Fee-for-service health insurance recognizes this practice and is designed to reduce or even eliminate your duty to pay directly for your medical care. Traditional health insurance comes in three parts:
California has four basic options for choosing a health care plan:
Health through an employer or association
Health Insurance through Income eligibility such as Medicaid
Health care for high risk individuals such as those that have had cancer or a heart attack
Private Insurance
Hospitalization
Hospitalization covers defined expenses incurred while in the hospital. Generally, the insurance will pay for all of the covered services rendered by the hospital staff. However, if the insurance benefit is an indemnity payment, the payment will be for a fixed sum regardless of the actual expenses incurred. This fixed sum will usually be far below the daily charge actually made by the hospital.
Medical/surgical
This part of a traditional health plan covers the expensive costs of medical care other than the bill from the hospital. Services such as doctor visits, treatment charges, etc., are covered here. Medical/surgical usually has a deductible and requires co-payments by the insured (payments you make for charges not covered by the insurance), typically 20 percent of the doctor's fee.
Catastrophic or major medical
There are usually lifetime maximum payments that hospitalization and medical/surgical plans will pay, after which the well runs dry. Unfortunately, these maximums may not be sufficient to pay for all of the care required if a major illness or injury should strike, since such afflictions can eat up hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars worth of health services. Thus, catastrophic coverage adds to your umbrella of protection in an amount sufficient to protect you from the horrendous expenses of such serious and prolonged illnesses. These policies also fill in some of the gaps not covered by hospitalization or medical/surgical.
Health Maintenance Organizations or Private Insurance in California
The health maintenance organization (HMO) is a relatively new player in the health insurance game, although it has been around in a limited fashion since the 1930s. The idea behind an HMO is to pay one premium and receive all of your health care at no or a nominal additional cost. The point is to save money compared to traditional health plans that cost more to purchase and require more out-of-pocket payments from the insured. What you, the insured, give in exchange for reduced cost is a substantial loss of your freedom to choose who will take care of your health needs.
Preferred Provider Organizations
Preferred provider organizations (PPOs) seek to give both the benefits of traditional health plans and the money savings of HMOs. They do this by paying higher benefits as a reward for your using the doctors or hospitals they preselect for that purpose.
Disability Insurance
Disability insurance does not pay for health care; rather it pays for lost wages caused by a disabling injury or illness.
How Health Insurance Is Priced
Ask anyone how health insurance is priced and you will get a simple answer: expensively! Beyond that, there are underwriting criteria used by health insurance providers, whether they are for-profit or, like Blue Shield/Blue Cross, nonprofit.
Underwriting CriteriaAge. The older you are, the more likely you are to get sick; therefore, the higher your health insurance premiums will be.
Number of people covered.
Many people buy family coverage rather than individual policies. This means that there will be adults as well as minor children protected by the same plan. Some companies will charge based on the size of the family. Others charge a basic family rate without regard to the number of members.
Gender.
Unlike life insurance, where women get the better end of the bargain than men, in health insurance women often pay higher premiums. This is based on health insurance industry statistics which indicate that the female of the species tends to need medical care more often than the male.
Health history.
Insurance operates on statistical probabilities. If you have had a poor health history, statistically you are more likely to have a more expensive health care future. This, in turn, means that you will pay higher premiums-if you can get health insurance at all.
Occupation.The more likely you are to suffer injury or illness because of the work you do, the more likely the health insurance industry will be to charge excessively for benefits.
This may be well and good for professional deep-sea divers. But the industry has begun to stretch the concept into areas that have nothing to do with the inherent danger of the work.
Lifestyle.In your application for health insurance you will be asked questions about your personal habits. Your answers will have a lot to do with the cost of your premiums. If you smoke, you will probably pay more for health insurance. If you drink to excess, you will probably pay more for health insurance. If you are known to be under a great deal of stress, you may pay more for health insurance. California does reward the health care Insurance consumer with lower premiums if they have practiced good health policies.
One of the most important things you can do as a health care consumer is to engage in preventive care. Not only will you be able to spot serious diseases at an early stage, thereby increasing your chances of effective treatment and cure, but you should be able to save money as well, since it is usually far less expensive to treat a disease when it's a molehill rather than a mountain.
medical-ins.com
Why Is Your Car Insurance So Expensive?
By: Nicholas Hunt
Although these days it's pretty easy to arrange your car insurance online, comparing quotes at the click of a button and paying by credit card for instant cover, one ever present difficulty still remains: the high cost of insurance policies. The fact that having car insurance in place is both a legal requirement and a sensible idea doesn't detract from the annoyance of having to pay what seems to be an exorbitant sum, and most of us would jump at the chance of reducing the bill.
To do this we need to know what factors insurance companies use when deciding how much our premiums will be.
Perhaps the most important influence on the level of your premium is your own history as a driver. If you've a history of having accidents, then naturally you're a higher risk to the insurer and so they'll charge you more. Worse, if you've been convicted of a motoring offence such as speeding or driving while under the influence, then your insurance will cost you even more - especially if your licence was withdrawn.
On the plus side, a history containing no black marks such as accidents will result in cheaper insurance as you build up a 'no claims' discount over the years.
The next most important factor is what kind of car you're trying to insure. Naturally, more expensive cars will cost more to replace, and so the insurance will cost you more too. This isn't the whole story though, as other features such as engine size, the availability of cheap spares, and the difficulty of repair will have an influence too. Finally, some models of car are well known for being easier to break into or steal than others - the insurance companies are well aware of this and will adjust their quotes accordingly.
How you use your car will also affect the price you pay for cover. If you rarely drive and have a low annual mileage, then your premiums can be cut as you're on the road for less time, and therefore have less chance of needing to make a claim. City drivers may also have to pay more compared to those who drive in quieter areas.
Where you keep your car is important too - if you have a secure parking area, preferably one that keeps your vehicle out of sight and under cover, then your risk is lowered, as will be your premiums. Cars that are regularly parked at the roadside are at a higher risk of being stolen or involved in collisions, and so will be more expensive to insure.
One final point to cover is that of how attractive your car is to thieves, and not just in the obvious way of how desirable your vehicle is! An expensive car with a good security system including an alarm and window etching etcetera will be more of a hassle for criminals to profit from, and so is less likely to be stolen than a cheaper car with little or no security. Also, a car featuring plenty of gadgets such as an expensive audio system or satellite navigation will attract greater interest from potential thieves.
So as we can see, even though car insurance is an expensive business, it's not always as simple as it seems, and by looking at what insurers want in a 'perfect' customer, you may be able to drive down your premiums.
Nicholas has been writing on financial issues including car insurance for several years. Visit his site for more insurance tips and tricks, including how to get cheaper insurance for female drivers.
articleclick.com
Although these days it's pretty easy to arrange your car insurance online, comparing quotes at the click of a button and paying by credit card for instant cover, one ever present difficulty still remains: the high cost of insurance policies. The fact that having car insurance in place is both a legal requirement and a sensible idea doesn't detract from the annoyance of having to pay what seems to be an exorbitant sum, and most of us would jump at the chance of reducing the bill.
To do this we need to know what factors insurance companies use when deciding how much our premiums will be.
Perhaps the most important influence on the level of your premium is your own history as a driver. If you've a history of having accidents, then naturally you're a higher risk to the insurer and so they'll charge you more. Worse, if you've been convicted of a motoring offence such as speeding or driving while under the influence, then your insurance will cost you even more - especially if your licence was withdrawn.
On the plus side, a history containing no black marks such as accidents will result in cheaper insurance as you build up a 'no claims' discount over the years.
The next most important factor is what kind of car you're trying to insure. Naturally, more expensive cars will cost more to replace, and so the insurance will cost you more too. This isn't the whole story though, as other features such as engine size, the availability of cheap spares, and the difficulty of repair will have an influence too. Finally, some models of car are well known for being easier to break into or steal than others - the insurance companies are well aware of this and will adjust their quotes accordingly.
How you use your car will also affect the price you pay for cover. If you rarely drive and have a low annual mileage, then your premiums can be cut as you're on the road for less time, and therefore have less chance of needing to make a claim. City drivers may also have to pay more compared to those who drive in quieter areas.
Where you keep your car is important too - if you have a secure parking area, preferably one that keeps your vehicle out of sight and under cover, then your risk is lowered, as will be your premiums. Cars that are regularly parked at the roadside are at a higher risk of being stolen or involved in collisions, and so will be more expensive to insure.
One final point to cover is that of how attractive your car is to thieves, and not just in the obvious way of how desirable your vehicle is! An expensive car with a good security system including an alarm and window etching etcetera will be more of a hassle for criminals to profit from, and so is less likely to be stolen than a cheaper car with little or no security. Also, a car featuring plenty of gadgets such as an expensive audio system or satellite navigation will attract greater interest from potential thieves.
So as we can see, even though car insurance is an expensive business, it's not always as simple as it seems, and by looking at what insurers want in a 'perfect' customer, you may be able to drive down your premiums.
Nicholas has been writing on financial issues including car insurance for several years. Visit his site for more insurance tips and tricks, including how to get cheaper insurance for female drivers.
articleclick.com
Car Insurance and Your Insurance Score…Or Is It Your Credit Score?
By: Larry Ninerell
Insurance companies are just like any other business in that they are out to make a profit. In any business, a company must correctly price its products in order to make a profit and many different methods are used to come up with a fair price.
The process of underwriting is simply the insurance company’s way of “evaluating” a risk so that it can set a reasonable price and make a profit from selling a policy. The days of using an applicant’s driving record, accident history, age and geographic location as the only underwriting tools are gone. They have been replaced by extremely complicated tiered rating plans that base your rate on a variety of factors that make up your insurance score. This is a complicated algorithm that takes into account many factors but typically your credit rating closely parallels your insurance score. This means that if you have a good credit score, you are very likely to have good insurance score and therefore a lower insurance rate. The theory is that groups with good credit will have fewer claims than similar groups with bad credit. The good credit group is considered to act more responsible and that behavior should translate to their driving habits. The insurers have credible data to back this up and insurance departments across the country now generally accept insurance scoring as a viable rating tool. All of the factors that go into your insurance score are generally a closely held trade secret. It is difficult at best to get an insurer to tell you exactly how this score is calculated as even the company’s own insurance agents don’t typically have this knowledge. Here is the formula that you need to know: a good credit score = a good insurance score = a lower car insurance rate.
For example: two different risks that are next door neighbors of the exact same age, living on the same street, driving the exact same cars, and having the exact same driving records….would expect to pay a similar, if not the same, rate. However, this is highly unlikely with the new tiered rating plans, where often, a hundred or more rates could apply for what seems like the same risk. This is primarily because of their insurance score. If one of the neighbors has a bad credit score, they would likely to pay a significantly higher rate, possibly even double, as the credit score will often parallel the insurance score. Remember the formula shown above. In fact, today, to get an accurate car insurance quote, at some point you generally must give your social security number so an insurance score/credit check can be done. Then and only then do you get the true rate.
Using credit as a rating tool is a hot topic in the industry and many insurers are facing opposition from various groups across the country. These groups view this practice as unfair to the lower income populations because they typically have lower credit scores or no credit at all. Bad credit translates to a bad insurance score for this group, thus a higher rate for this population. Is this fair? The legality of using credit or an insurance score as a rating tool is currently being challenged in many states and the outcome will play out in courtrooms across the country. Stay tuned…..
For now and the near future, it looks like insurance scoring is here to stay. In order to get the best possible advice on these very complicated tiered rating schemes used by most of the major car insurance companies, I would recommend calling and insurance agent to get a rate quote. There are many things about these new rating plans that can be explained in simple language that you can understand. An agent has a vested interest in you, the client, and would like to get to know you by name.
Regards,
Larry Ninerell
President of FindMyBestAgent.com
Insurance Agency Owner
Insurance Industry Insider for the last 20 years
Insurance companies are just like any other business in that they are out to make a profit. In any business, a company must correctly price its products in order to make a profit and many different methods are used to come up with a fair price.
The process of underwriting is simply the insurance company’s way of “evaluating” a risk so that it can set a reasonable price and make a profit from selling a policy. The days of using an applicant’s driving record, accident history, age and geographic location as the only underwriting tools are gone. They have been replaced by extremely complicated tiered rating plans that base your rate on a variety of factors that make up your insurance score. This is a complicated algorithm that takes into account many factors but typically your credit rating closely parallels your insurance score. This means that if you have a good credit score, you are very likely to have good insurance score and therefore a lower insurance rate. The theory is that groups with good credit will have fewer claims than similar groups with bad credit. The good credit group is considered to act more responsible and that behavior should translate to their driving habits. The insurers have credible data to back this up and insurance departments across the country now generally accept insurance scoring as a viable rating tool. All of the factors that go into your insurance score are generally a closely held trade secret. It is difficult at best to get an insurer to tell you exactly how this score is calculated as even the company’s own insurance agents don’t typically have this knowledge. Here is the formula that you need to know: a good credit score = a good insurance score = a lower car insurance rate.
For example: two different risks that are next door neighbors of the exact same age, living on the same street, driving the exact same cars, and having the exact same driving records….would expect to pay a similar, if not the same, rate. However, this is highly unlikely with the new tiered rating plans, where often, a hundred or more rates could apply for what seems like the same risk. This is primarily because of their insurance score. If one of the neighbors has a bad credit score, they would likely to pay a significantly higher rate, possibly even double, as the credit score will often parallel the insurance score. Remember the formula shown above. In fact, today, to get an accurate car insurance quote, at some point you generally must give your social security number so an insurance score/credit check can be done. Then and only then do you get the true rate.
Using credit as a rating tool is a hot topic in the industry and many insurers are facing opposition from various groups across the country. These groups view this practice as unfair to the lower income populations because they typically have lower credit scores or no credit at all. Bad credit translates to a bad insurance score for this group, thus a higher rate for this population. Is this fair? The legality of using credit or an insurance score as a rating tool is currently being challenged in many states and the outcome will play out in courtrooms across the country. Stay tuned…..
For now and the near future, it looks like insurance scoring is here to stay. In order to get the best possible advice on these very complicated tiered rating schemes used by most of the major car insurance companies, I would recommend calling and insurance agent to get a rate quote. There are many things about these new rating plans that can be explained in simple language that you can understand. An agent has a vested interest in you, the client, and would like to get to know you by name.
Regards,
Larry Ninerell
President of FindMyBestAgent.com
Insurance Agency Owner
Insurance Industry Insider for the last 20 years
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Health Insurance For The Whole Family, Including Pets
By: Jon Arnold
Nobody would dispute the fact that in these days, you need health insurance for your whole family. But do you also have pet health insurance for those "other" members of your family which are your pets?
That question is not as ridiculous as it may sound. Your pets are a part of your family and you can protect them with health insurance. After all, they are living and breathing animals, and are prone to have health problems just like you are. So it only makes sense to protect them with pet health insurance, and you would undoubtedly agree that this is true after you pay the bill to the vet after your last visit there where Rover had a problem, right? When Rover starts throwing up all night or Kitty gets in a brawl with the neighborhood tomcat, you don't just let them suffer and get over it, do you?
Obviously, pet health insurance is different from the health insurance you get for your sons or daughters. But it still provides you with a level of financial protection when your pet develops a health problem that needs to be treated.
Most of the companies that offer pet health insurance limit their insurance to the most common pets such as dogs and cats. If you want to get health insurance for your pet snake, iguana, alligator or hamster, you may have to look a bit deeper but health insurance, even for more exotic animals is available out there.
Typically, your pet's veterinarian probably has health insurance policies available. This makes the most sense because assuming you have been taking your pet to the same vet for years, they likely have historical records about your pet, which can be very valuable when trying to diagnose a health problem. It is worth your time and effort to compare costs and coverage for the various plans that are available, since the costs and coverage vary widely from policy to policy.
Most of the pet health insurance plans cover the basics, such as the annual shots, and perhaps an occasional checkup. Most also cover things that the vet will need to do in case of injury to your pet. The insurance plans are usually significantly less expensive than human health insurance plans, typically under $20 per month, and some with very basic coverage even under $10 per month. As with human health insurance, the amount of the premium and coverage varies according to what is covered and how much of a deductible you elect with a given plan.
Some of the pet health insurance plans also cover things like baths, grooming, and nail clipping, so you need to decide how much coverage you need, how much of a deductible you are willing to have with the policy, and make a decision accordingly. Like with people, the cost of the insurance is going to cost more for 15 year old Rover than it will for your new puppy Spot, simply because Rover is likely to have more health problems than Spot.
Even with all these different options, you can do the math and easily determine that the cost of the pet health insurance is probably going to cost you less than paying your vet on an "a la carte" basis per visit.
articleclick.com
Nobody would dispute the fact that in these days, you need health insurance for your whole family. But do you also have pet health insurance for those "other" members of your family which are your pets?
That question is not as ridiculous as it may sound. Your pets are a part of your family and you can protect them with health insurance. After all, they are living and breathing animals, and are prone to have health problems just like you are. So it only makes sense to protect them with pet health insurance, and you would undoubtedly agree that this is true after you pay the bill to the vet after your last visit there where Rover had a problem, right? When Rover starts throwing up all night or Kitty gets in a brawl with the neighborhood tomcat, you don't just let them suffer and get over it, do you?
Obviously, pet health insurance is different from the health insurance you get for your sons or daughters. But it still provides you with a level of financial protection when your pet develops a health problem that needs to be treated.
Most of the companies that offer pet health insurance limit their insurance to the most common pets such as dogs and cats. If you want to get health insurance for your pet snake, iguana, alligator or hamster, you may have to look a bit deeper but health insurance, even for more exotic animals is available out there.
Typically, your pet's veterinarian probably has health insurance policies available. This makes the most sense because assuming you have been taking your pet to the same vet for years, they likely have historical records about your pet, which can be very valuable when trying to diagnose a health problem. It is worth your time and effort to compare costs and coverage for the various plans that are available, since the costs and coverage vary widely from policy to policy.
Most of the pet health insurance plans cover the basics, such as the annual shots, and perhaps an occasional checkup. Most also cover things that the vet will need to do in case of injury to your pet. The insurance plans are usually significantly less expensive than human health insurance plans, typically under $20 per month, and some with very basic coverage even under $10 per month. As with human health insurance, the amount of the premium and coverage varies according to what is covered and how much of a deductible you elect with a given plan.
Some of the pet health insurance plans also cover things like baths, grooming, and nail clipping, so you need to decide how much coverage you need, how much of a deductible you are willing to have with the policy, and make a decision accordingly. Like with people, the cost of the insurance is going to cost more for 15 year old Rover than it will for your new puppy Spot, simply because Rover is likely to have more health problems than Spot.
Even with all these different options, you can do the math and easily determine that the cost of the pet health insurance is probably going to cost you less than paying your vet on an "a la carte" basis per visit.
articleclick.com
Easy Tips for Choosing Trustworthy Insurance Companies
By: T. O Donnell
There are hundreds of insurance companies offering thousands of products. Choosing the right ones is challenging. Here are some things you should consider:
Reputation of Company - Pick a company that offers high standards of service and quality, while having a strong reputation and financial stability. In the US, check your state insurance department to find out more about the companies, and their reputation.
Availability and Communication - Choose insurance companies that are available for you when you need them the most. Think about what's important to you. Is it a national company with local representation, or is their online presence as strong as their offline presence? Check their Internet presence. Erase doubts.
Service - Check the insurance company's customer service and support. Call up the insurance companies' toll-free numbers and ask them questions pertaining to your issues related to different insurance policies. Make sure you select a company with knowledgeable representatives, who are specially trained to answer all your questions related to coverage. They should also be able to respond to your claims efficiently and quickly.
Product Choice - When choosing an insurance company for your insurance coverage, you should opt for a carrier that offers a wide range of coverage options suitable for most of your needs and requirements.
Price - Remember, that for any insurance policy you get coverage based on the premium you pay. Also, some insurance companies will tell you that your insurance can come down to a certain price and not lower than that. Don't waste money paying for insurance coverage for possessions that you don't need, or, get less protection just to get a lower premium cost.
If you are buying a home on mortgage, then your mortgage company may suggest homeowners' insurance companies that they work with, but this should not mean that you have to use this company for your insurance needs. Take your time to decide the insurance company that meets your expectations and offers you the best coverage at reasonable rates, so that you do not have to regret your choice.
Insurance providers even give free online quotes, so you don't have to visit every insurance company's or agent's office in your locality. Just click on 'Get a Quote' and relax. If you buy insurance online, you can get discounts from 10% - 25% depending on the policy.
Whether you are looking to purchase a new policy or renew your existing policy, all you need to do is connect to the Internet and browse your way to a new policy - with the click of a mouse!
article source ttinsurance.co.uk
There are hundreds of insurance companies offering thousands of products. Choosing the right ones is challenging. Here are some things you should consider:
Reputation of Company - Pick a company that offers high standards of service and quality, while having a strong reputation and financial stability. In the US, check your state insurance department to find out more about the companies, and their reputation.
Availability and Communication - Choose insurance companies that are available for you when you need them the most. Think about what's important to you. Is it a national company with local representation, or is their online presence as strong as their offline presence? Check their Internet presence. Erase doubts.
Service - Check the insurance company's customer service and support. Call up the insurance companies' toll-free numbers and ask them questions pertaining to your issues related to different insurance policies. Make sure you select a company with knowledgeable representatives, who are specially trained to answer all your questions related to coverage. They should also be able to respond to your claims efficiently and quickly.
Product Choice - When choosing an insurance company for your insurance coverage, you should opt for a carrier that offers a wide range of coverage options suitable for most of your needs and requirements.
Price - Remember, that for any insurance policy you get coverage based on the premium you pay. Also, some insurance companies will tell you that your insurance can come down to a certain price and not lower than that. Don't waste money paying for insurance coverage for possessions that you don't need, or, get less protection just to get a lower premium cost.
If you are buying a home on mortgage, then your mortgage company may suggest homeowners' insurance companies that they work with, but this should not mean that you have to use this company for your insurance needs. Take your time to decide the insurance company that meets your expectations and offers you the best coverage at reasonable rates, so that you do not have to regret your choice.
Insurance providers even give free online quotes, so you don't have to visit every insurance company's or agent's office in your locality. Just click on 'Get a Quote' and relax. If you buy insurance online, you can get discounts from 10% - 25% depending on the policy.
Whether you are looking to purchase a new policy or renew your existing policy, all you need to do is connect to the Internet and browse your way to a new policy - with the click of a mouse!
article source ttinsurance.co.uk
How To Save Money On Your Car Insurance.
By: T. O Donnell
Tip 1: Give the car insurance company all details that they require. Details regarding your annual mileage, your car's safety features and installed equipment, zip code, marital status and your driving record would be needed to ascertain all the discounts you may qualify for. This will help the company give you the best quote possible. In the absence of these details, the insurance company will quote their highest price. This is just to cover themselves, so you can't wave it in their face later, if it turns out you're not an optimum risk.
Tip 2: To cover your car according to your needs, you may get insurance quotes that could vary up to 300%, meaning if one company quotes £1000, another may quote £3000 for the same car and the same coverage. Just by comparing quotes from various companies, you could end up saving hundreds of bucks annually. Even your old car insurance company may be offering lower rates to new customers. You can negotiate the same deal for yourself.
Tip 3: If there's anyway to reduce your annual mileage, do it. Most companies have discounts for cars that do less than 40 miles a day on an average. Travelling by train or flying for vacations can also help reduce miles on your car. This will cut a lot of precious dollars off your insurance quote.
Tip 4: Switching drivers could be a good option. A few more quid could be shaved off the insurance quote, if a female driver drives a truck or a male driver drives a minivan. Teenage drivers need to be insured on a family car or a sedan instead of a sports car. Ultimately the insurance company looks at the risk of covering your car. The lesser the risk, the lesser is the car insurance quote.
Tip 5: Bump up your 'excess'. In the UK you are at liberty to increase the amount you'll pay in the event of a claim, before the insurance company stumps up. If the minimum they ask for is £100, but you volunteer £500, your premiums can be lower.
Tip 6: Get 'third party fire and theft' on older cars. Old Bessy is not worth getting 'fully comp' on. Three years of fully comprehensive may be worth more than the car itself!
Tip 7: Buy a mediocre car. A smart car is a thief magnet, and is usually more powerful. Drivers are likely to drive more recklessly in a sports car. Some are expensive to repair. These factors cause the premium to be higher.
Do your research before you buy. Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Premiums are based in part on the car's price, repair costs, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of it being stolen.
article source ttinsurance.co.uk
Tip 1: Give the car insurance company all details that they require. Details regarding your annual mileage, your car's safety features and installed equipment, zip code, marital status and your driving record would be needed to ascertain all the discounts you may qualify for. This will help the company give you the best quote possible. In the absence of these details, the insurance company will quote their highest price. This is just to cover themselves, so you can't wave it in their face later, if it turns out you're not an optimum risk.
Tip 2: To cover your car according to your needs, you may get insurance quotes that could vary up to 300%, meaning if one company quotes £1000, another may quote £3000 for the same car and the same coverage. Just by comparing quotes from various companies, you could end up saving hundreds of bucks annually. Even your old car insurance company may be offering lower rates to new customers. You can negotiate the same deal for yourself.
Tip 3: If there's anyway to reduce your annual mileage, do it. Most companies have discounts for cars that do less than 40 miles a day on an average. Travelling by train or flying for vacations can also help reduce miles on your car. This will cut a lot of precious dollars off your insurance quote.
Tip 4: Switching drivers could be a good option. A few more quid could be shaved off the insurance quote, if a female driver drives a truck or a male driver drives a minivan. Teenage drivers need to be insured on a family car or a sedan instead of a sports car. Ultimately the insurance company looks at the risk of covering your car. The lesser the risk, the lesser is the car insurance quote.
Tip 5: Bump up your 'excess'. In the UK you are at liberty to increase the amount you'll pay in the event of a claim, before the insurance company stumps up. If the minimum they ask for is £100, but you volunteer £500, your premiums can be lower.
Tip 6: Get 'third party fire and theft' on older cars. Old Bessy is not worth getting 'fully comp' on. Three years of fully comprehensive may be worth more than the car itself!
Tip 7: Buy a mediocre car. A smart car is a thief magnet, and is usually more powerful. Drivers are likely to drive more recklessly in a sports car. Some are expensive to repair. These factors cause the premium to be higher.
Do your research before you buy. Before you buy a new or used car, check into insurance costs. Premiums are based in part on the car's price, repair costs, its overall safety record, and the likelihood of it being stolen.
article source ttinsurance.co.uk
Are You Paying Too Much For Your Loan Insurance?
by Peter Kenny
When you take out a loan, it is likely that you will be offered loan insurance to protect your payments should you be unable to keep up with them due to illness or unemployment. However, many of the loan insurance policies on offer cover you for very little and are extremely expensive. If you want to find out what you should be paying for insurance and what to avoid then this article can help you to decide.
What is loan insurance?
Loan insurance is often known as payment protection insurance or PPI. This type of insurance covers you if you cannot make your loan payments because of an accident, illness or involuntary unemployment.
How much does it cost?
The price of this type of insurance can vary greatly, but is usually added as an extra to your payments each month. Although the payment figure might look small, if you add it to the total loan amount and then add interest the number can seem much more.
Hidden costs
Although a loan might seem cheap, when payment protection is added the loan price can increase significantly. For instance, the amount you pay back on a 5000 loan over 5 years can increase by over 1,500 when loan insurance is added. Often, insurance is added without you knowing about it, which means you are paying for something you didn't even ask for.
The benefits
Despite its high cost, there are some benefits to insurance. It can give you the peace of mind that if something should happen to you then your payments are covered for up to a year. This means that you won't be in financial difficulty or risk default if you are ill or injured. If this sort of security is important to you then loan insurance is probably a good idea.
Lack of cover
Although it can give you peace of mind that you will be covered, loan insurance has extremely limited coverage. For example, if you are self employed it is unlikely that the unemployment clauses will cover you unless your business has ceased trading. Before getting any insurance you should check that you are covered for the things that are important to you, otherwise the policy is not worthwhile.
Alternatives
There are some alternatives to insurance that are usually cheaper. Firstly, you can usually get the same sort of loan/boorowing insurance cover independently from your loan provider. The price of this insurance is usually much lower than the price offered by your insurance company. Also, some of the clauses of the this type of insurance may already be covered under other insurance policies that you have. Loan insurance can be worthwhile, but unless you are covered and can get the insurance for a good price then it is usually not worth having. However, if you shop around and know exactly what you need to be covered for, you can find insurance that will cover you in the event that you cannot keep up with your loan repayments.
article source goarticles.com
When you take out a loan, it is likely that you will be offered loan insurance to protect your payments should you be unable to keep up with them due to illness or unemployment. However, many of the loan insurance policies on offer cover you for very little and are extremely expensive. If you want to find out what you should be paying for insurance and what to avoid then this article can help you to decide.
What is loan insurance?
Loan insurance is often known as payment protection insurance or PPI. This type of insurance covers you if you cannot make your loan payments because of an accident, illness or involuntary unemployment.
How much does it cost?
The price of this type of insurance can vary greatly, but is usually added as an extra to your payments each month. Although the payment figure might look small, if you add it to the total loan amount and then add interest the number can seem much more.
Hidden costs
Although a loan might seem cheap, when payment protection is added the loan price can increase significantly. For instance, the amount you pay back on a 5000 loan over 5 years can increase by over 1,500 when loan insurance is added. Often, insurance is added without you knowing about it, which means you are paying for something you didn't even ask for.
The benefits
Despite its high cost, there are some benefits to insurance. It can give you the peace of mind that if something should happen to you then your payments are covered for up to a year. This means that you won't be in financial difficulty or risk default if you are ill or injured. If this sort of security is important to you then loan insurance is probably a good idea.
Lack of cover
Although it can give you peace of mind that you will be covered, loan insurance has extremely limited coverage. For example, if you are self employed it is unlikely that the unemployment clauses will cover you unless your business has ceased trading. Before getting any insurance you should check that you are covered for the things that are important to you, otherwise the policy is not worthwhile.
Alternatives
There are some alternatives to insurance that are usually cheaper. Firstly, you can usually get the same sort of loan/boorowing insurance cover independently from your loan provider. The price of this insurance is usually much lower than the price offered by your insurance company. Also, some of the clauses of the this type of insurance may already be covered under other insurance policies that you have. Loan insurance can be worthwhile, but unless you are covered and can get the insurance for a good price then it is usually not worth having. However, if you shop around and know exactly what you need to be covered for, you can find insurance that will cover you in the event that you cannot keep up with your loan repayments.
article source goarticles.com
Friday, July 13, 2007
Travel Insurance, Vacation Deals and Protection
by Jerry Blackburn
To purchase or not to purchase travel insurance, that is the question. If you have done some research or talked to a travel agent, you might have been told that insurance is absolutely necessary. After all, you have put a lot of money into airfare and booking your hotel. But does that mean you need to spend more on insurance?
Travel insurance was created to make sure your money is refunded should something go wrong at the last second. This includes many circumstances that would prevent you from traveling, like illness or a flight being canceled due to inclement weather. If your plans are put on hold, at least you will get your money back. But there are ways this insurance can help you while you are on vacation as well.
When taking travel tours abroad, check and see if your normal health insurance will cover you in a foreign country. Often, plans either do not cover you, or are just not accepted abroad. Should this be the case for you, then invest in travel insurance. This way, you are sure to be covered if you need medical attention while on vacation. Ofcourse getting insurance cover in a foreign country is an additional expense. So to cover your Spanish vacation you may think of getting job in Spain to help reduce the financial burden.
Unfortunately, travelers these days need to be aware of terrorism when they travel abroad. Should terrorist activity occur where you are about to vacation, your airline is not necessarily required to refund the cost of your ticket. However, if you have travel insurance, you will be covered.
Flight cancellation is another eventuality covered by travel insurance. Any number of things could prevent you from leaving the ground. You might have scheduled your vacation during the worst snow storm in twenty years, or maybe you airline just goes out of business. Travel insurance protects the money you have invested in your ticket. Perhaps circumstances in your life prevent you from taking advantage of vacation deals. Should somebody in your family die or become ill, you can cancel your plans without penalty. Whatever may happen to prevent you from leaving, you are covered.
If you loose your luggage, you will also be covered by travel insurance. Usually, the baggage is returned by the airline; though, sometimes, it is simply misplaced and never found. Or, your luggage might be returned with items missing. Travel insurance gives you the money to replace anything that can't be found so you can enjoy your trip as planned.
When deciding on a specific insurance company, it is a good idea to research your options before choosing. Different plans work best for specific vacations. Perhaps you are not buying a plane ticket, but taking a cruise. If you travel often for business or pleasure, you can even purchase a policy that covers you for extended periods of time. These plans save you the hassle of buying a policy for each individual trip. Ask questions before you make a final decision to be sure that you are getting all the coverage you need. You wouldn't want to insure yourself, only to find that your particular vacation disaster is not covered under your policy.
article source goarticles.com
To purchase or not to purchase travel insurance, that is the question. If you have done some research or talked to a travel agent, you might have been told that insurance is absolutely necessary. After all, you have put a lot of money into airfare and booking your hotel. But does that mean you need to spend more on insurance?
Travel insurance was created to make sure your money is refunded should something go wrong at the last second. This includes many circumstances that would prevent you from traveling, like illness or a flight being canceled due to inclement weather. If your plans are put on hold, at least you will get your money back. But there are ways this insurance can help you while you are on vacation as well.
When taking travel tours abroad, check and see if your normal health insurance will cover you in a foreign country. Often, plans either do not cover you, or are just not accepted abroad. Should this be the case for you, then invest in travel insurance. This way, you are sure to be covered if you need medical attention while on vacation. Ofcourse getting insurance cover in a foreign country is an additional expense. So to cover your Spanish vacation you may think of getting job in Spain to help reduce the financial burden.
Unfortunately, travelers these days need to be aware of terrorism when they travel abroad. Should terrorist activity occur where you are about to vacation, your airline is not necessarily required to refund the cost of your ticket. However, if you have travel insurance, you will be covered.
Flight cancellation is another eventuality covered by travel insurance. Any number of things could prevent you from leaving the ground. You might have scheduled your vacation during the worst snow storm in twenty years, or maybe you airline just goes out of business. Travel insurance protects the money you have invested in your ticket. Perhaps circumstances in your life prevent you from taking advantage of vacation deals. Should somebody in your family die or become ill, you can cancel your plans without penalty. Whatever may happen to prevent you from leaving, you are covered.
If you loose your luggage, you will also be covered by travel insurance. Usually, the baggage is returned by the airline; though, sometimes, it is simply misplaced and never found. Or, your luggage might be returned with items missing. Travel insurance gives you the money to replace anything that can't be found so you can enjoy your trip as planned.
When deciding on a specific insurance company, it is a good idea to research your options before choosing. Different plans work best for specific vacations. Perhaps you are not buying a plane ticket, but taking a cruise. If you travel often for business or pleasure, you can even purchase a policy that covers you for extended periods of time. These plans save you the hassle of buying a policy for each individual trip. Ask questions before you make a final decision to be sure that you are getting all the coverage you need. You wouldn't want to insure yourself, only to find that your particular vacation disaster is not covered under your policy.
article source goarticles.com
What is private medical insurance?
by Jason Hulott
Private medical insurance is optional insurance which an individual or entire family can take out by paying a monthly premium, the same as with life or home insurance. There are many advantages to paying for private medical insurance and here are just of the reasons you could consider taking out this form of insurance.
Perhaps the biggest advantage to taking private medical insurance is to avoid the long waiting lists that are now common on the NHS. Private health insurance can give you peace of mind that if you become ill then you will be immediately seen and are guaranteed to get the very best of treatment.
The second big plus to having private medical insurance is the choice that comes with it. If you should have to have an operation then you will have a choice over the surgeon that performs the operation along with your choice of hospital. Of course you will have a private room which means that visiting hours won't be restricted as they are when in a NHS hospital. You will get a choice from a menu and you wont have the medical students standing around your bed that are commonly seen following Doctors around the wards of the hospitals.
Not only will you avoid the waiting lists associated with operations but even for minor operations and treatment you will be seen straight away. There are many choices for the cover you can have and searching online for the best coverage and cheapest cover is essential. However in most cases you will only get what you pay for and if you want to make savings then taking limited cover might be your only option.
Perhaps the only disadvantages to paying for private medical insurance is that not all medical eventualities are covered and the private hospitals might not have the depth of expertise found in the NHS.
article source goarticles.com
Private medical insurance is optional insurance which an individual or entire family can take out by paying a monthly premium, the same as with life or home insurance. There are many advantages to paying for private medical insurance and here are just of the reasons you could consider taking out this form of insurance.
Perhaps the biggest advantage to taking private medical insurance is to avoid the long waiting lists that are now common on the NHS. Private health insurance can give you peace of mind that if you become ill then you will be immediately seen and are guaranteed to get the very best of treatment.
The second big plus to having private medical insurance is the choice that comes with it. If you should have to have an operation then you will have a choice over the surgeon that performs the operation along with your choice of hospital. Of course you will have a private room which means that visiting hours won't be restricted as they are when in a NHS hospital. You will get a choice from a menu and you wont have the medical students standing around your bed that are commonly seen following Doctors around the wards of the hospitals.
Not only will you avoid the waiting lists associated with operations but even for minor operations and treatment you will be seen straight away. There are many choices for the cover you can have and searching online for the best coverage and cheapest cover is essential. However in most cases you will only get what you pay for and if you want to make savings then taking limited cover might be your only option.
Perhaps the only disadvantages to paying for private medical insurance is that not all medical eventualities are covered and the private hospitals might not have the depth of expertise found in the NHS.
article source goarticles.com
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