Joe Stewart
Finding low cost health insurance is not as easy as it sounds. I don't mean to be the bearer of bad news, but facts are facts and I don't want to "sugar coat" anything and then have you smacked hard with reality after you get your first few health insurance quotes. Even many small businesses have been forced to stop offering this benefit to their employees because the costs have just gotten too high. So what does an individual or family do if they're in need of a low cost health insurance policy? Well, here are a few things that you can do. Some may seem a bit drastic or harsh, however, if it comes down to having some type of coverage or none at all, I would always make due with what I could afford.
#1. Don't be afraid to cut corners on your coverage. Most people can usually put away a few dollars in order to see the doctor if they need to. I know that it's easier said than done, but we as a society waste a lot of money. There's no way that you can tell me that putting away $20-$30.00 a month would kill your budget. The ide is to pay for any doctor visits out of pocket and use the health insurance for emergency care, if needed. Long term care is what puts a lot of people into bankruptcy so if you can avoid the majoruty of those costs you're in better shape than most.
#2. Raise your annual deductible. This ties in with number one. You want to cut back on costs and you will reduce your premiums by raising your deductible. Yes, this will mean that you'll likely have to pay for your doctor visits yourself. Most of the time you're doing this anyway. Think about it for a moment. You see a doctor once or twice per year and pay $150-$300.00. Your annual deductible is usually between $250-$1000.00 anyway, so it's no big deal.
#3. Take advantage of low cost health insurance through your work if at all possible. These group plans are designed to save you money and will almost always be less expensive than buying health insurance in the private market.
Go grab yourself a few free health insurance quotes and then contact an agent or two and see what they can do for you. Get your quotes, compare the costs, modify a policy until you're comfortable with it and it fits your budget and later on, when things are bit better money wise, raise your coverage up higher.
These are only suggestions and you should always talk to an agent before you make any decisions for a low cost health insurance policy. These are just a few options that you can keep in mind.
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/three-tips-to-help-you-find-low-cost-health-insurance-230360.html
Showing posts with label benefit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label benefit. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 9, 2007
Friday, September 14, 2007
When It Is A Good Idea To Get Life Insurance For You And When To Avoid
By M Imran
The purpose of a life insurance policy is to protect the financial welfare of the family/loved ones of the life insured upon the life insured's death. The amount paid out will be equal to the value of the policy. This is called the face value. So, if the policy is worth £100,000 upon death £100,000 will be paid out.
Typically there are four parties involved in a life insurance policy:
The insurance provider - the company that issues the policy.
The policy holder - this is the person who purchases the policy. They make all decisions relevant to the policy. Including, naming the beneficiaries. The life insured is often also the policy holder.
The life insured - when this person dies the policy will payout.
The beneficiary - they will receive the payout upon death of the life insured. In the case of multiple beneficiaries the death benefit will be shared.
Basically, there are two main types of life insurance.
Term insurance - this lasts for between one and one hundred years.
Permanent life insurance - this lasts for the entire life of the life insured.
The cost of life insurance varies depending on factors such as the life insured's age; health; job; and the amount of insurance required. All life insurance policies fulfil the same basic role - that is to payout a death benefit. The death benefit is equal to the face value of a policy.
Furthermore, individual policies may offer special or additional features to entice the buyer. For example, consumers can purchase a life insurance policy that protects against the risk of living to an old age. Life cover can also be extended to include critical illness.
It is interesting to note that the risk incurred by the life insurance provider is very different from that of a home or car insurance provider. When a life insurance policy is issued, it is with the knowledge that the policy holder will one day die, at which time the provider will have to payout the death benefit. When a home is insured, the provider hopes that a payout will not be required and if it is, the policy premium will be increased in the next period. With life insurance the only uncertainty is when the claim will be made.
Some consumers may wonder if life insurance is a necessary expense. For those people who live long lives, the money used to pay premiums may have been better spent elsewhere. However, no-one can be certain when they will die. An accident or illness can shorten life. If a person dies young the effect on their family can be financially devastating. Remaining family members, unable to meet mortgage re-payments, may have their home repossessed. It is clear to understand why the purchase of life insurance is a requirement when taking out a mortgage.
However, it is not only mortgage consumers that need life insurance. Tenants, that are responsible for their family, will also need a financial back-up plan in place, in case of their early death. Rent and day-to-day living expenses will need to be met by the surviving family members.
To conclude, in life death is a certainty. Consumers need to take precaution if they want to ensure the welfare of their surviving family members upon their own death. Life insurance policies will always payout a death benefit. It follows that to seek a life insurance policy is an obvious and wise decision.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Imran
The purpose of a life insurance policy is to protect the financial welfare of the family/loved ones of the life insured upon the life insured's death. The amount paid out will be equal to the value of the policy. This is called the face value. So, if the policy is worth £100,000 upon death £100,000 will be paid out.
Typically there are four parties involved in a life insurance policy:
The insurance provider - the company that issues the policy.
The policy holder - this is the person who purchases the policy. They make all decisions relevant to the policy. Including, naming the beneficiaries. The life insured is often also the policy holder.
The life insured - when this person dies the policy will payout.
The beneficiary - they will receive the payout upon death of the life insured. In the case of multiple beneficiaries the death benefit will be shared.
Basically, there are two main types of life insurance.
Term insurance - this lasts for between one and one hundred years.
Permanent life insurance - this lasts for the entire life of the life insured.
The cost of life insurance varies depending on factors such as the life insured's age; health; job; and the amount of insurance required. All life insurance policies fulfil the same basic role - that is to payout a death benefit. The death benefit is equal to the face value of a policy.
Furthermore, individual policies may offer special or additional features to entice the buyer. For example, consumers can purchase a life insurance policy that protects against the risk of living to an old age. Life cover can also be extended to include critical illness.
It is interesting to note that the risk incurred by the life insurance provider is very different from that of a home or car insurance provider. When a life insurance policy is issued, it is with the knowledge that the policy holder will one day die, at which time the provider will have to payout the death benefit. When a home is insured, the provider hopes that a payout will not be required and if it is, the policy premium will be increased in the next period. With life insurance the only uncertainty is when the claim will be made.
Some consumers may wonder if life insurance is a necessary expense. For those people who live long lives, the money used to pay premiums may have been better spent elsewhere. However, no-one can be certain when they will die. An accident or illness can shorten life. If a person dies young the effect on their family can be financially devastating. Remaining family members, unable to meet mortgage re-payments, may have their home repossessed. It is clear to understand why the purchase of life insurance is a requirement when taking out a mortgage.
However, it is not only mortgage consumers that need life insurance. Tenants, that are responsible for their family, will also need a financial back-up plan in place, in case of their early death. Rent and day-to-day living expenses will need to be met by the surviving family members.
To conclude, in life death is a certainty. Consumers need to take precaution if they want to ensure the welfare of their surviving family members upon their own death. Life insurance policies will always payout a death benefit. It follows that to seek a life insurance policy is an obvious and wise decision.
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=M_Imran
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Travel Accident Insurance - Know the Benefits
by Kip Goldhammer
Travel accident insurance is extremely necessary in our times, when more and more people are traveling around the world so much. The world has become smaller; it is all so simple to get a ticket and travel to any place in the world. The purpose of traveling could be work or pleasure, but the fact stands - people do travel much more than before! That is the reason why it is necessary to secure oneself during traveling. As traveling has increased, so have untoward incidents that can happen during the journeys.
Any experienced traveler can tell you traveling is full of uncertainties. But is it possible to just sit at home, afraid of what might occur? Travel accident insurance is one of the best ways to mitigate financial risks of such unwanted and unforeseen disasters, calamities or events.
It goes without saying that one cannot stop traveling just because there is a risk of an accident. All you can do is to get secured as much as possible from every angle. Physical damage is not totally in your hands and therefore, what you could do is buy travel insurance that can help you in repairing your financial damage.
The repercussions of such out of the blue events can be reduced by getting a proper and authentic travel accident insurance policy. Travel insurance is one of the most indispensable devices for a person who travels very frequently and regularly. The concept of travel insurance is quite straightforward, an insured pays a premium and the company in turn pays any cost that is involved in case of any unwanted event, accidents or any type of eventualities.
There are many types of travel accident insurance policies offering various schemes. The coverage of insurance many times depends on the mode of traveling. The amount can either be fixed on pre-decided terms or it can vary according to the traveling mode such as bus, train or plane.
Listed below are a few of the things covered by most insurance companies:
- Trip cancellation or interruptions: This is the event that can ruin your whole schedule and it can happen anywhere. Many reasons can precipitate trip cancellations, such as inclement weather, damage to the craft, unstable political conditions, or any other unforeseen event. Insurance can help you get reimbursed for such cancellations.
- Accidents: Accidents or any natural calamities like storms, tsunamis, earthquakes and its related costs can be covered under this title. Some of the companies also provide vehicle accident costs. Some of the policies are valid only within the territory.
- Medical costs: Doctor's visits, medicines, treatments, surgery etc. are covered by this policy. Some of the policies cover the emergency transportation from one place to the hospital.
- Baggage loss: Theft, damage or loss of baggage by any means can be covered in this insurance segment.
Travel accident insurance is indeed helpful to everyone especially for a regular traveler and therefore, it is mandatory for every traveler.
www.accidentinsurancepro.com.
Travel accident insurance is extremely necessary in our times, when more and more people are traveling around the world so much. The world has become smaller; it is all so simple to get a ticket and travel to any place in the world. The purpose of traveling could be work or pleasure, but the fact stands - people do travel much more than before! That is the reason why it is necessary to secure oneself during traveling. As traveling has increased, so have untoward incidents that can happen during the journeys.
Any experienced traveler can tell you traveling is full of uncertainties. But is it possible to just sit at home, afraid of what might occur? Travel accident insurance is one of the best ways to mitigate financial risks of such unwanted and unforeseen disasters, calamities or events.
It goes without saying that one cannot stop traveling just because there is a risk of an accident. All you can do is to get secured as much as possible from every angle. Physical damage is not totally in your hands and therefore, what you could do is buy travel insurance that can help you in repairing your financial damage.
The repercussions of such out of the blue events can be reduced by getting a proper and authentic travel accident insurance policy. Travel insurance is one of the most indispensable devices for a person who travels very frequently and regularly. The concept of travel insurance is quite straightforward, an insured pays a premium and the company in turn pays any cost that is involved in case of any unwanted event, accidents or any type of eventualities.
There are many types of travel accident insurance policies offering various schemes. The coverage of insurance many times depends on the mode of traveling. The amount can either be fixed on pre-decided terms or it can vary according to the traveling mode such as bus, train or plane.
Listed below are a few of the things covered by most insurance companies:
- Trip cancellation or interruptions: This is the event that can ruin your whole schedule and it can happen anywhere. Many reasons can precipitate trip cancellations, such as inclement weather, damage to the craft, unstable political conditions, or any other unforeseen event. Insurance can help you get reimbursed for such cancellations.
- Accidents: Accidents or any natural calamities like storms, tsunamis, earthquakes and its related costs can be covered under this title. Some of the companies also provide vehicle accident costs. Some of the policies are valid only within the territory.
- Medical costs: Doctor's visits, medicines, treatments, surgery etc. are covered by this policy. Some of the policies cover the emergency transportation from one place to the hospital.
- Baggage loss: Theft, damage or loss of baggage by any means can be covered in this insurance segment.
Travel accident insurance is indeed helpful to everyone especially for a regular traveler and therefore, it is mandatory for every traveler.
www.accidentinsurancepro.com.
Tuesday, August 21, 2007
11 Benefits of travel insurance
By: Greath Owen
The primary benefit of travel insurance is the knowledge that should something go wrong while you are abroad, you won’t be responsible for finding the money to put it right, at a time when you are already stressed out.
As with all insurance policies it is important that you read the policy documents carefully to ensure that the cover you require is included, this is especially the case if you are of the sporting or adventurous persuasion as many activities increase the risk of injury and, therefore, may not be covered as standard or may only be covered for a limited frequency during the period of insurance. Policies vary quite a bit so it pays to shop around if you have the time, or speak to a specialist broker, to try and find a policy that covers your intended activity at no extra cost.
Travel insurance policies come in various forms but most policies for UK residents include the following categories of cover, although you should always read the policy wording to find out what is and is not covered by the particular policy, also different policies may have the benefits in separate categories or bundle them under one heading:
Emergency Medical Treatment
Covers the cost of emergency medical treatment, this usually involves being treated at a hospital but not necessarily. Prior authorisation by the insurer is normally required if the expected cost of treatment is likely to be above a fixed amount set out in the policy wording, this is often quite low, in the hundreds of pounds.
Emergency Medical Assistance
Covers the cost of emergency medical assistance, mainly getting someone to hospital, whether that is the costs of a road ambulance or where necessary an air ambulance or sea rescue, although you must check that you are covered for the activity in which you were participating when injured or becoming ill.
Repatriation
Covers the cost of returning you to your home country after receiving medical treatment, with an accompanying medical professional where necessary. Also covers the return of your remains in the event of your death abroad.
Medical Evacuation
In the event of there being no hospital capable of treating you locally, this section of the policy covers the costs of transporting you to the nearest hospital that can treat you, even if it is in another country
Hospital Benefit
A small daily amount to cover incidental costs of being a hospital in-patient abroad. Usually has a minimum length of stay requirement and a maximum limit on the total benefit paid. Daily rate is usually in the region of £10 to £30.
Cancellation, Curtailment & Trip Interruption
Covers any financial loss, unrecoverable by other means, such as lost deposits or non-refundable transport costs, you suffer as a result of having to cancel or cut short your trip or having to return home suddenly. Common reasons for claiming under this section would be the sudden and unexpected serious illness or death of a close relative, or something happening to your home such as fire or flood. What is considered a valid reason to claim under this section varies from policy to policy so as usual you must read the small print.
Missed Departure
Covers additional costs if you miss your scheduled means of transport for departing your home country and the first international means of transport on the return journey. Cover under this section is usually restricted to incidents out of your control such as failure of public transport or your own vehicle breaking down, although you may be required to prove that it had been maintained regularly. Missed connections in a third country that is not your home country or the final destination country are often excluded.
Personal Liability
Provides cover in the event that you injure a third party or damage their property, although there is often an exclusion for liability arising from the use of a vehicle or by an animal under your control, such as a horse or dog.
Legal Expenses
In the event of you becoming involved in litigation there is some cover for legal costs.
Personal Accident
Usually a relatively small amount of life cover if you die or permanent disability cover in the event of you being seriously injured such as loss of a limb or being permanently blinded.
Personal Belongings/Baggage
Cover for your personal belongings and money that you take with you. There is usually an overall limit that is the maximum for any claim as well as limits for individual types of property.
These are the single item, pair or set of items limit, for instance a set of golf clubs is considered to be one item and you cannot claim for each club separately.
The valuables limit, valuables usually referring to jewellery and electronic devices. There will be an individual item limit as well as a total valuables limit being the maximum cover in any one claim for all items considered to be a valuable.
There will also be a limit on the amount of cash covered in a claim.
In the event of theft there will also be restrictions on valid claims with regard to where the item was, if it was secure, and a requirement to report the theft to the police. If you replace any goods you will need to obtain receipts.
Most but not necessarily all sections of cover will have an excess amount which is the amount that you are expected to pay in the event of a claim and the insurer only covers costs over and above that figure. This excess amount may be per person, per policy or per claim.
Although I have listed the standard covers, many policies offer you the opportunity to modify the policy either by adding on cover or by removing sections of cover completely.
Common options are to waive the excess amount in the event of a claim, to increase the amount of cancellation cover included in the policy, to exclude the personal belongings section, to exclude the cancellation section and in some cases you can exclude the emergency medical treatment section.
Another frequent modification is to add cover for a specific activity although the effect on the premium can be quite dramatic depending upon the type of activity as most policies will apply a multiplier to the base cost and this can more than double the premium.
To summarise, a standard travel insurance policy contains many different sections of cover, not all of which everyone needs, but for most people a standard travel insurance policy will cover all the unexpected events that can occur while away from home.
Please bear in mind that if you buy a travel insurance policy that doesn’t provide the cover you require, you have wasted your money, not to mention the fact that you could be left facing a very large bill.
With all insurance policies you must always read the small print, in the UK you have a 14 day period after purchase, provided that you haven’t already made use of the travel insurance policy, where you can get a guaranteed refund if the travel insurance policy turns out not to be suitable, leave it later than that and any refund is at the insurer’s discretion.
Have happy and safe journeys.
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/11-Benefits-of-travel-insurance/918965
The primary benefit of travel insurance is the knowledge that should something go wrong while you are abroad, you won’t be responsible for finding the money to put it right, at a time when you are already stressed out.
As with all insurance policies it is important that you read the policy documents carefully to ensure that the cover you require is included, this is especially the case if you are of the sporting or adventurous persuasion as many activities increase the risk of injury and, therefore, may not be covered as standard or may only be covered for a limited frequency during the period of insurance. Policies vary quite a bit so it pays to shop around if you have the time, or speak to a specialist broker, to try and find a policy that covers your intended activity at no extra cost.
Travel insurance policies come in various forms but most policies for UK residents include the following categories of cover, although you should always read the policy wording to find out what is and is not covered by the particular policy, also different policies may have the benefits in separate categories or bundle them under one heading:
Emergency Medical Treatment
Covers the cost of emergency medical treatment, this usually involves being treated at a hospital but not necessarily. Prior authorisation by the insurer is normally required if the expected cost of treatment is likely to be above a fixed amount set out in the policy wording, this is often quite low, in the hundreds of pounds.
Emergency Medical Assistance
Covers the cost of emergency medical assistance, mainly getting someone to hospital, whether that is the costs of a road ambulance or where necessary an air ambulance or sea rescue, although you must check that you are covered for the activity in which you were participating when injured or becoming ill.
Repatriation
Covers the cost of returning you to your home country after receiving medical treatment, with an accompanying medical professional where necessary. Also covers the return of your remains in the event of your death abroad.
Medical Evacuation
In the event of there being no hospital capable of treating you locally, this section of the policy covers the costs of transporting you to the nearest hospital that can treat you, even if it is in another country
Hospital Benefit
A small daily amount to cover incidental costs of being a hospital in-patient abroad. Usually has a minimum length of stay requirement and a maximum limit on the total benefit paid. Daily rate is usually in the region of £10 to £30.
Cancellation, Curtailment & Trip Interruption
Covers any financial loss, unrecoverable by other means, such as lost deposits or non-refundable transport costs, you suffer as a result of having to cancel or cut short your trip or having to return home suddenly. Common reasons for claiming under this section would be the sudden and unexpected serious illness or death of a close relative, or something happening to your home such as fire or flood. What is considered a valid reason to claim under this section varies from policy to policy so as usual you must read the small print.
Missed Departure
Covers additional costs if you miss your scheduled means of transport for departing your home country and the first international means of transport on the return journey. Cover under this section is usually restricted to incidents out of your control such as failure of public transport or your own vehicle breaking down, although you may be required to prove that it had been maintained regularly. Missed connections in a third country that is not your home country or the final destination country are often excluded.
Personal Liability
Provides cover in the event that you injure a third party or damage their property, although there is often an exclusion for liability arising from the use of a vehicle or by an animal under your control, such as a horse or dog.
Legal Expenses
In the event of you becoming involved in litigation there is some cover for legal costs.
Personal Accident
Usually a relatively small amount of life cover if you die or permanent disability cover in the event of you being seriously injured such as loss of a limb or being permanently blinded.
Personal Belongings/Baggage
Cover for your personal belongings and money that you take with you. There is usually an overall limit that is the maximum for any claim as well as limits for individual types of property.
These are the single item, pair or set of items limit, for instance a set of golf clubs is considered to be one item and you cannot claim for each club separately.
The valuables limit, valuables usually referring to jewellery and electronic devices. There will be an individual item limit as well as a total valuables limit being the maximum cover in any one claim for all items considered to be a valuable.
There will also be a limit on the amount of cash covered in a claim.
In the event of theft there will also be restrictions on valid claims with regard to where the item was, if it was secure, and a requirement to report the theft to the police. If you replace any goods you will need to obtain receipts.
Most but not necessarily all sections of cover will have an excess amount which is the amount that you are expected to pay in the event of a claim and the insurer only covers costs over and above that figure. This excess amount may be per person, per policy or per claim.
Although I have listed the standard covers, many policies offer you the opportunity to modify the policy either by adding on cover or by removing sections of cover completely.
Common options are to waive the excess amount in the event of a claim, to increase the amount of cancellation cover included in the policy, to exclude the personal belongings section, to exclude the cancellation section and in some cases you can exclude the emergency medical treatment section.
Another frequent modification is to add cover for a specific activity although the effect on the premium can be quite dramatic depending upon the type of activity as most policies will apply a multiplier to the base cost and this can more than double the premium.
To summarise, a standard travel insurance policy contains many different sections of cover, not all of which everyone needs, but for most people a standard travel insurance policy will cover all the unexpected events that can occur while away from home.
Please bear in mind that if you buy a travel insurance policy that doesn’t provide the cover you require, you have wasted your money, not to mention the fact that you could be left facing a very large bill.
With all insurance policies you must always read the small print, in the UK you have a 14 day period after purchase, provided that you haven’t already made use of the travel insurance policy, where you can get a guaranteed refund if the travel insurance policy turns out not to be suitable, leave it later than that and any refund is at the insurer’s discretion.
Have happy and safe journeys.
http://www.articleclick.com/Article/11-Benefits-of-travel-insurance/918965
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