What can freelancers do for individual health insurance?

Monique L. Attinger
#1. June 3rd, 2008, at 5:06 AM.

It’s not insurance, but have you considered a discount health plan or discount dental plan? What you do is become a member, and this entitles you to discounted services. You don’t have the same arduous approval process, and it still allows you to get the services you need at a much better price. Given that you aren’t looking for a lot of health coverage at this point, it might be a good idea.

Your other option is to get just a basic health insurance plan. It should cost much less, but won’t necessarily give you prescription drug coverage. However, it does get you insured at a much lower cost, and starts you with a “track record” of being both insured and insurable.

Rick
#2. June 6th, 2008, at 9:14 AM.

You really need to find a local Health Insurance Agent/Broker. This way, he/she can explain all the plans and options to you.

Make sure the policy covers you for on the job accidents. I do not know what type of freelancing you do, but you want to make sure it covers on the job accidents.

mbrcatz17
#3. June 6th, 2008, at 1:19 PM.

Ok, it’s going to be cheaper to pay for those all out of pocket, than it will to buy health insurance. Dental cleanings are cheaper out of pocket, too, than dental insurance.

You need an individual health plan, and an individual dental plan. PLEASE run the numbers before you buy dental - after copays, deductibles, and monthly premiums, they are RARELY cheaper than paying out of pocket.

The health insurance is going to run you about $250 a month. That’s just what it cost. Dental, maybe $25. But a cleaning and exam costs ME about $70, so . . . cheaper out of pocket.

As to where to find them, do NOT buy off the internet. Go to a local, independent agent. Start with the guy that does your car insurance - if he doesn’t write health, he’ll know someone that does.

nurse ratchet
#4. June 7th, 2008, at 11:37 AM.

You need an individual health plan, with a higher deductible, but includes co-pay benefits for office visits and prescriptions. That way, your office visits (make sure it covers wellness for your annual exam) will be covered under a co-pay as well as the RX. Your deductible will come into play for any non office/RX benefits. If you are healthy, you do not need to pay a higher premium for a lower deductible.

Companies vary by state, so contact 2 independent agents in your area that handle health insurance. They will do the leg work for you in finding the company that is best for you. There is no “one size fits all” in the insurance industry. Everyone has different needs.

gayathiri g
#5. June 8th, 2008, at 8:21 PM.

It is not a insurance

CEE B
#6. June 10th, 2008, at 3:23 AM.

Try Ameriplan,
Its 11.95 per month and it covers dental,vision,chiropractic, and prescriptions or you can get the full medical coverage for 49.95 which covers everything i listed plus docs visits and treatments.Check them out .
They pay up to 80%

http:www.everyonebenefits.com/rdasent

cgarcia
#7. June 10th, 2008, at 6:49 AM.

I know of a program that can help you with Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription and Chriopractic care. And it’s very affordable. Email me for details.

Chloe
#8. June 11th, 2008, at 3:10 AM.

Well, depending on where you are located, I just saw something that might interest you. There’s a new company offering low cost individual health plans in Texas for young, reasonably healthy people. I saw it online recently and it looks pretty cool. You buy into a plan at a super low cost with fixed benefits that will cover the typical activities of a healthy person, including preventive care like Paps. Then, if something catastrophic happens, you have the option to get additional levels of coverage, even AFTER the event. You’d have to look into it for more details, but that was the gist. Even if you’re not in Texas, my understanding is that they’ll be offering plans in additional states soon. Plus, they’re backed by a traditional insurance company that’s been around for over 70 years, so even though they’re new on the scene, they have a solid reputation behind them. Check it out: - Good luck!