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- Pre-existing conditions may not be covered by your current health insurance
- Cosmetic surgery is usually not covered under health insurance policies
- Supplemental insurance may be needed to for adequate coverage
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Knowing what isn’t covered by your health insurance policy is just as important as knowing what is covered. Health insurance is meant to protect you financially and make sure you receive the best care possible if you are ill or injured.
However, what if you need treatment that’s not covered by your plan? This unexpected reality could lead to thousands of dollars in bills or lack of access to necessary medical care.
Be sure to take the proper steps to understand your health insurance plan and be prepared for any gaps in your coverage.
Prepare for the unexpected by comparing health insurance quotes in your area today!
What types of treatments are not covered by health insurance?
Health insurance coverage will vary from plan to plan, so what is included by some health insurance companies may not be in others. Typically, cosmetic procedures are not coverage by health insurance.
In addition, many health insurance plans do not cover fertility treatments. Unbelievably, there are also comprehensive health care plans may exclude birth control as well.
Does my health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?
Many plans will not provide coverage for a medical condition that was in existence prior to plan enrollment, or will have an “exclusion period” for the pre-existing condition.
This means that for a specified amount of time (for example, twelve months) the insurance plan will not cover any medical costs related to the pre-existing condition such as asthma, hypertension, and diabetes.
How do I know what my health insurance plan doesn’t cover?
The only way to understand fully what is and is not covered by your health insurance is to do detailed research into your plan.
A good place to start is with the informational brochures and booklets that were provided to you upon enrollment. Make sure you store these in an easily accessible place so that you can refer to them as needed.
Your health insurance provider’s website is another great resource for understanding your plan’s coverage. Most insurance websites will allow you to create a logon and password, giving you access to specific information about your particular plan and benefits.
You should bookmark the site and keep your sign on information handy so you have easy access to this data.
Finally, don’t be afraid to talk to a representative at your health insurance company. These people are there to help you get the most out of your insurance plan.
What can I do about events that are not covered by my health insurance?
If your plan is fairly comprehensive and you are healthy with few planned medical expenses, you might not have much to worry about.
However, if you have a pre-existing condition, you will want to take the appropriate steps to ensure you have adequate coverage.
Talk to your health insurance provider to see if they offer supplemental coverage or a rider to fill the coverage gaps that you are concerned about.
You could inquire about a rider or you could also look into a separate plan (such as one for dental or vision) to cover expenses that your plan leaves out.
Make sure you have fully explored all of your insurance options. If your coverage is deficient, consider changing plans.
For example, if you and your spouse both work, compare the benefits from each of your employer’s plans to see if which fits your needs better.
If you have private insurance, shop around for the best plan that fits your lifestyle and needs. Although you may have to pay a higher premium, it’s better than being hit with thousands of dollars of uncovered medical expenses.
Being prepared is your best defense against unexpected medical expenses. Know your plan benefits and your own medical needs to ensure that you are prepared for any lack of coverage in your health insurance plan.
Use our FREE tool to compare affordable health insurance now!
[su_spoiler title=”References:” icon=”caret-square” style=”fancy” open=”yes”]
- http://obamacarefacts.com/health-insurance/supplemental-health-insurance/
- http://www.webmd.com/infertility-and-reproduction/tc/fertility-problems-treatment-overview
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pre-existing_condition
- https://www.healthcare.gov/quick-guide/dates-and-deadlines/
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Health_insurance_coverage_in_the_United_States
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