Private Health Insurance

Job-based or Group Insurance Coverage. Most Americans get health insurance through their jobs or are covered because a family member has insurance at work. This is called group insurance. Group insurance is generally the least expensive kind. In many cases, the employer pays part or all of the cost.

Some employers offer only one health insurance plan. Some offer a choice of plans: a fee-for-service plan, a health maintenance organization (HMO), or a preferred provider organization (PPO), for example.

What happens if you or your family member leaves the job? You will lose your employer-supported group coverage. It may be possible to keep the same policy, but you will have to pay for it yourself. This will certainly cost you more than group coverage for the same, or less, protection.

A Federal law makes it possible for most people to continue their group health coverage for a period of time. Called COBRA (for the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985), the law requires that if you work for a business of 20 or more employees and leave your job or are laid off, you can continue to get health coverage for at least 18 months. You also will be able to get insurance under COBRA if your spouse was covered but now you are widowed or divorced. If you were covered under your parents' group plan while you were in school, you also can continue in the plan for up to 18 months under COBRA until you find a job that offers you your own health insurance.

Not all employers offer health insurance. You might find this to be the case with your job, especially if you work for a small business or work part-time. If your employer does not offer health insurance, you may be able to join a group health plan through membership in a trade association, professional or alumni group. If you are over age 50, you can join the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), which offers an extensive plan. Even some credit card companies offer health insurance coverage. If you are married, see if your spouse’s employer will add you to its group plan.

Individual policies. If your employer does not offer group insurance, or if the insurance offered is very limited, you can buy an individual policy. If you are unemployed, self-employed, or decide to return to school you may want to buy an individual health insurance policy.

One way to start your search for an individual policy is by looking for an independent agent. Independent insurance agents must register with your state department of insurance, so they will have a list of people licensed to sell health insurance in your state.

The laws and regulations governing individual policies are very different than those governing job-based coverage. As a general rule, individual policies do not offer anywhere near the benefits and protections one can enjoy through job-based coverage, although this varies based on the state where the policy is purchased.

Another option is to look for health insurance coverage online.

If you get a noncancellable policy (also called a guaranteed renewable policy), then you will receive individual insurance under that policy as long as you keep paying the monthly premium. The insurance company can raise the cost, but cannot cancel your coverage. Many companies now offer a conditionally renewable policy. This means that the insurance company can cancel all policies like yours, not just yours. This protects you from being singled out. But it doesn't protect you from losing coverage.

Tips when shopping for individual insurance:

Shop carefully. Policies differ widely in coverage and cost. Contact different insurance companies, or ask your agent to show you policies from several insurers so you can compare them.
Make sure the policy protects you from large medical costs.
Read and understand the policy. Make sure it provides the kind of coverage that's right for you. You don't want unpleasant surprises when you're sick or in the hospital.
Check to see that the policy states: the date that the policy will begin paying (some have a waiting period before coverage begins) and what is covered or excluded from coverage.
Make sure there is a "free look" clause. Most companies give you at least 10 days to look over your policy after you receive it. If you decide it is not for you, you can return it and have your premium refunded.
Beware of single disease insurance policies. There are some polices that offer protection for only one disease, such as cancer. If you already have health insurance, your regular plan probably already provides all the coverage you need. Check to see what protection you have before buying any more insurance.