Sadly, but all of us have ever been ill and needed treatment, which is very expensive nowadays. And that is not to mention injuries people may suffer in accidents; the cost of hospitalization is exorbitant. Not everybody can afford paying it at a time. Those who bought health insurance policy, however, don't need to worry so much, because their health and finances are protected.

Health insurance is a type of insurance that pays for all or part of your medical treatment when you are ill. Apart from this, your insurance company will also take care of your individual's health care costs. Isn't it great?!

Most of the health insurance plans offer customized service to its customers. You can choose from various types of coverage available, based on your medical history and needs. Read the policy thoroughly, to know what is covered by your plan. As a rule, your insurer will cover such expenses as doctor's examination, prescription drugs, laboratory tests, x-ray and scans, emergency treatments, hospital bills, surgery costs, ambulance services, dental care, mental health care.  You make your decision what to include in your policy.

As a rule, such services as child care and vaccination are not included in the policy.

Depending upon the amount of insurance policy and the nature of the health policy you've chosen, your health insurance company will pay a certain amount, required for you medical treatment. The maximum would be the total amount of the sum assured.

Insurance company charges monthly a certain amount of money, called premium.  The premium amount depends on your age, your medical history and lifestyle choices. Apart from to the premium, you will be charged annual deductibles. You are to pay it before the insurance payments start. You will also be required to pay part of the health insurance company expenses. It's called co-insurance.

Once you've made up your mind, the insurer will ask you to fill in several forms. Make a list of drug costs and other medical expenses you pay. There is maximum amount paid by the health insurance company.

Choose Your Mode Of Health Insurance

There are various health insurance forms available. Consider them all carefully to choose the one that best suits your situation.

• Fee for Service. This plan is very popular among the US citizens. As it's clear from the plan name, the insurance provider pays the fees for the services the insured people use. Fee for Service plan offer a wide range of hospitals and medical doctors. You are allowed to choose any doctor and visit any hospital you like. You also have the right to change your doctor.
• Managed Care. This form of health insurance is also very popular. The insurance providers keep their cost under check. If you need hospitalization, you are supposed to get the approval of the insurer first. If you fail to do this, the company will not pay for your treatment.
• HMO.  By this plan, it is the only HMO doctor that decides whether you need hospitalization or not.
• PPO.  By this plan, you may be examined by a non PPO doctor. However, in this case the reimbursements may be lowered.