In order to obtain affordable health insurance in Virginia, you must become a smart, conscientious consumer. Take these tips into consideration before you commit yourself to any health insurance program in Virginia.
Avoid scams. Insurance fraud can go both ways; not all health insurance companies or agents have your best interest in mind. Many health insurance companies or agents are interested only in obtaining money from you. These companies are usually fly-by-night companies. To avoid these scams, contact the Virginia Bureau of Insurance and ask if the health insurance company in question is licensed to do business in Virginia. If not, move on. If so, you will be protected against fraud should the company scam you.
Be aware of what you are purchasing. If the company or agent tells you it’s health insurance, it’s health insurance. If the company or agent tells you it’s a health care savings or discount plan, it’s not insurance. The two are not the same, so if you are looking for affordable health insurance in Virginia, you do not want to purchase a discount plan. Discount plans may help you save money, but they do not provide the same coverage as insurance plans.
Pay the Virginia health insurance company. Paying the insurance company directly and requesting a receipt helps you protect yourself and your health insurance coverage. If the Virginia health insurance agent does not want you to send payment directly to the health insurance company, you should contact the health insurance company immediately.
Take note of the way the health insurance is purchased. It is possible to find affordable health insurance in Virginia via the Internet, telephone, and radio, television, and newspaper advertisements, but the very solid and reputable health insurance companies do not usually try to attract customers with flashy gimmicks. Keep your eyes and ears open for showy and loud advertisements, and take caution with those health insurance companies that use them.