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Health Insurance: How To Apply
By: Ron King
If you're wondering how to apply for health insurance, be aware that application
is the second step of the process -- after you've researched different policies
and compared prices and benefits. Whether you apply online or off will depend on
your comfort level with the computer, and also whether you're applying via a
group plan.
Before you sit down to fill out an application, you should gather information
you will likely need when filling out an application. The names and addresses of
doctors for yourself and your family members, the dates of the most recent
visits, and information about your most recent insurance policy,
Through Your Employer
If you're enrolling in a health insurance plan through your employer, you
probably won't need a medical examination, but you may have to wait for the
company's next enrollment period before you can apply. However, if you're a new
hire, you likely can apply immediately. The application process for enrolling in
a group plan is quite simple, because most plans will enroll everybody,
regardless of pre-existing conditions and current state of health.
Just fill out an enrollment form, which includes personal information like:
name, address, social security number, designation of the primary insured and
all dependents (including the names, ages, dates of birth and social security
numbers for all dependents), employment information including date of hire, and
the type of health insurance coverage you select. You'll probably have to
provide information about your prior health insurance coverage, including the
insurance company name and policy number.
The completed application goes back to the benefits coordinator, who will
process your form, and you're finished.
On Your Own
If you're not applying for group coverage, the steps are similar, except you'll
be handling all the paper work yourself. Some insurance companies will send an
insurance agent to discuss the application process with you. In these cases, the
agent will often work with you to gather the necessary documentation, coordinate
an in-home medical examination, and collect your pre-payment check.
The whole process is so simple that some people decide to apply for health
insurance online. To do so, just visit the health insurance company's web site
where you'll find an online application form. You'll have to provide the same
type of personal and employment information as above, and you'll just enter it
onto an online application form. When you're finished, click the submit button
and the system takes over.
Applying for health insurance online really is painless, reliable and fast.
However, if you are not comfortable providing that amount of personal
information over the internet, it's probably a good idea to apply for health
insurance offline.
Either way, don't wait until you need it. Because then it might be too late.
About the Author:
Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit http://www.healthinsuring.com
to learn more about this subject. Copyright 2005 Ron King.
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