What Is Health Insurance?
Health or medical insurance is a way to manage the cost of health care. Health insurance companies collect premiums and pay out eligible benefits. Covered services can include preventive care like routine check-ups and treatment for illness and injury.
Individual health insurance is health coverage you purchase on your own directly from health insurance companies rather than a group plan sponsored by an employer. While the name suggests it’s only for individuals, these policies can serve as family health insurance, too.
One key distinction between group coverage and individual health insurance is choice. Some people who receive medical insurance through an employer-sponsored plan pick their plan from a short list of options. On the other hand, people who purchase medical insurance on their own get to choose a health plan from a wide range of health insurance companies and policies.
The Need for Individual Health Insurance
Usually, if you get your medical insurance through your employer, the employer will pay at least a portion of the cost. Some employers negotiate with health insurance companies to obtain discounted rates for their group of employees. However, many workers don’t have access to a group plan. Others don’t find employer-sponsored coverage to be affordable health insurance for them or the best health insurance for their needs. Of course, everyone still needs health insurance to help protect their physical and financial health, and you may have more insurance options than you think.
What Are My Individual and Family Health Insurance Options?
Though you can choose a number of supplemental insurance plans that can help round out any health care coverage, the three main choices for health insurance are: