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.
