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Health Insurance

Why getting health insurance is such a good idea

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Nobody wants to get sick, but it will happen at some point. And when it does, you need medical practitioners or health insurance agents near me who can help you recover.

Of course, healthcare doesn’t come cheap. If you want to pay out of pocket, you could wind up blowing a significant chunk of your life savings. That’s why it’s so important to get health insurance. It’s there for you when you need it the most.

In this post, we take a look at some of the reasons why getting medical cover is so vital. Check them out below.

1. It combats lifestyle-related diseases

Lifestyle-related diseases are on the rise. More and more people under the age of fifty are getting conditions, such as diabetes, respiratory disorders and heart disease. These conditions require long-term management, which makes paying for them out of pocket prohibitively expensive. What’s more, when you have conditions like these, it becomes more difficult to work and earn a high income.

Health plans cover medical tests and treatments for most of these diseases. They may also provide funds to support your lifestyle both before and after diagnosis. This way, you can prevent or treat conditions, without the need for expensive drugs or therapies.

2. It counters medical inflation

Prices are rising across the economy, but particularly in medicine. Costs here are going up exponentially for a number of reasons. Doctors are charging more, room rents are going up, and diagnostic testing is becoming more expensive.

Insurance helps to protect you against this. Most good policies provide adequate cover for most of the common diseases, protecting you in the event that you get sick.

3. It protects your savings

Related to this is the fact that medical insurance protects your savings. Nothing is worse than building up a nest egg for decades, only to see it disappear overnight because of high medical costs.

4. It protects your family

Lastly, when you take out family health insurance, it ensures that your whole family gets the best medical care. You’re not relying on state services or charities. Taking out the right policy protects your children, elderly parents and spouse.

As a final note, make sure that you take out health insurance early in your life. Remember, most policies won’t cover pre-existing conditions.

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Health Insurance

3 commonly asked questions about health insurance answered

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Is it your first time purchasing an individual health insurance policy? If so, you probably have many questions and concerns regarding health insurance and how it works. Below, we’ve answered three commonly asked questions about health insurance to keep you informed.

1. Does health insurance cover pre-existing conditions?

Most insurers don’t cover pre-existing conditions because the risks are higher. For instance, if you have diabetes and get into an accident, your wounds may take longer to heal, requiring more treatment and more doctor visits. This means more money paid out by your health insurance provider, so many plans steer clear of pre-existing conditions.

However, some policies do cover pre-existing medical conditions but at an added cost. Talk to an insurance expert, as they can advise you on the best solution based on your circumstances.

2. What is not covered by health insurance?

The most common exclusions found in health insurance plans include:

• Pre-existing conditions
• Chronic conditions
• Trial or experimental treatments and drugs
• Prescribed drugs
• Fertility treatments
• Sex change and organ transplants
• Cosmetic surgery and treatments
• Drug or substance abuse

It’s essential to note that policies differ from provider to provider, and what may be covered by one insurer may not be covered by another. Therefore, always contact multiple providers at a time and get quotes to compare and contrast what’s covered in each policy.

This way, you can find a comprehensive cover that meets your health needs.

3. Can I use my health insurance policy when travelling abroad?

Your health insurance plan only covers you while you are in the country. For example, if you purchased your cover in the UAE, you won’t get reimbursed if you fall ill when abroad. To ensure you’re covered during your trip, you need other types of insurance, like travel insurance.

The right travel insurance plan will cover medical expenses and emergency repatriations in the countries specified in your policy.

Ready to shop?

Now that you know more about health insurance, it’s time to shop. Use our resources here at Compare Insurance to compare health insurance quotes from various providers. You’ll get access to numerous plans, ensuring you find a policy that suits you.

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Health Insurance

5 common exclusions in health insurance policies

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Travel and health insurance provide a protective net during medical emergencies by reducing the financial burden associated with hospital bills. However, many of us make the mistake of assuming that buying a health cover is sufficient and forget to read the fine print of the policy, which talks about coverage, waiting periods, exclusions and other important aspects. Today’s blog will be looking at the most common exclusions in health insurance policies.

Cosmetic surgery

Health insurance policies do not cover cosmetic procedures done to enhance your appearance. In some cases, however, the insurance company can cover cosmetic procedures for reconstructive surgery after an accident or injury when a registered medical practitioner suggests it.

Pre-existing conditions

A pre-existing condition is an illness or medical condition that occurs six months prior to buying health insurance coverage. They tend to be long-term and chronic diseases such as diabetes, cancer, asthma, sleep apnea, depression, etc. Although in the UAE, all health insurance companies are required by law to provide patients with pre-existing conditions with cover, chronic illnesses will most likely be excluded or limited from your plan.

Pregnancy and maternity care

Most general health insurance policies do not cover pregnancy and related treatments. That said, pregnancy and maternity coverage vary significantly between plans. In some cases, the delivery could be covered, but the pre-natal and post-natal are excluded, so confirm with your insurance provider about coverage. If pregnancy and maternity care are excluded from your plan, you can always buy a separate maternity insurance cover.

Alternative and experimental treatments

Your health insurance only covers you for well-established treatments that have undergone necessary clinical trials and experiments and are proven effective. If you wish to participate in clinical trials and other experimental treatments, you will have to cater for those costs on your own. Alternative treatments such as acupuncture, acupressure, homoeopathy, massage are also excluded from most health insurance plans.

Dental and vision

Treatments related to eyes, ears, teeth are excluded from most health insurance covers. As an alternative, insurance companies sell plans specifically for dental and vision or offer additional riders to your existing plan.

To compare the best health insurance policies, please check out our website or contact us today for more information.

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Health Insurance

Which medical conditions can lead to a rejected health insurance application?

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Whether you wish to take out group medical insurance before a big holiday or to take better care of yourself and your family if the worst happens, there are many reasons to invest in medical insurance. However, it is a common misconception that if you apply for health insurance, your application will be approved. Health insurance applications are rejected quite often. To help you understand the reasons behind this, our health insurance experts at Compare Insurance have compiled this short guide.

What is the main reason for a rejected application?

The main, overarching reason for a rejected health insurance application is if the provider you are applying to thinks that you are too high risk. This means that it would cost the insurance company more to pay out for your needs than it would get from you in the long run. However, some companies will not just flat out reject you and may offer you outrageously high premiums that would just be impossible to pay.

Which medical conditions make you ‘high risk’ to a health insurance provider?

When applying for health insurance, it is beneficial to give a list of conditions that make you appear high risk to a provider a quick scan.

Obesity:

If you are obese or struggle with being overweight, this may be a reason why your health insurance claim has been rejected. This is as it is associated with a whole host of other health complaints. This includes – but is not limited to – Type 2 Diabetes, high cholesterol, high lipids or high triglycerides.

A history of cancer:

If your medical records show evidence of a history of cancer, this may mean that your health insurance application will be rejected. This is because of the added risk that cancer may come back in the future.

HIV and AIDS:

If you have been diagnosed with HIV or AIDS, this may make it difficult to receive health insurance as they are incurable conditions.

For more information on the factors that may mean that your medical insurance application will be/has been denied, contact our experts at Compare Insurance to find the right medical plans for you today.

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Health Insurance

What not to do when buying health insurance

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As the Covid-19 pandemic has shown us, there are always risks to our health just through being alive. That is why it is so important to give yourself and any dependents you have some protection by taking out an online health insurance policy. Deciding on the right policy is not to be rushed through and there are things you should try to avoid doing.

Ending up with inadequate cover

This is a very common error and usually happens if you focus too heavily on getting the cheapest premium. Ultimately, the point of a health insurance policy is to provide you with the best possible protection, based on factors such as your age, state of health and family status. Choosing the policy with the lowest premium will be a false economy if it turns out not to cover your medical costs when needed.

Not reading the small print

Every insurance policy comes with a range of terms and conditions in small print. You may feel that it is a chore to read through all of these when you just want to sign and get on with your life, but failing to do so can be disastrous. This small print generally contains the exclusions that will tell you the circumstances in which the insurance company will refuse to pay. You want to find these out before you sign up, rather than when it is too late.

Covering up past medical history

People do this because they are worried that previous illnesses will prevent them from getting health insurance. It is a waste of time though, because if you are not truthful when signing your policy this will emerge when you have to make a claim and no insurer will pay out in that situation. Be honest and look for a company and policy that is prepared to offer you insurance based on the facts.

Not shopping around

Even when you have health insurance, you should keep checking online comparison sites to see if there are other providers offering the same coverage at a better price. It is worth the inconvenience of changing insurance companies if it stands to save you money.

Search Compare Insurance today to find the top health insurance in UAE at the right price for you.

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Health Insurance

Understanding health insurance terminology

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One of the challenges most people face when buying individual insurance plans is understanding the sea of terminologies and acronyms. Having a bit of knowledge of the industry’s terminology is crucial, especially if you’ll be shopping without the help of a mortgage broker, so here are some of the most commonly used terms.

Premium

Premium refers to the amount of money you pay to your health insurance provider every month to maintain your coverage. This is one of the most important things you should consider when buying health insurance because it directly affects your affordability.

Copayment

Copayment or co-pay is a flat fee that you pay for medical expenses every time you visit the hospital. It is one of the ways that you share your medical costs, so if you have frequent doctor’s visits, ensure that you pick cover with affordable co-pay.

Deductible

This is the amount of money you must pay every year for covered services before your insurance policy starts paying. For example, if your deductible is AED 1000, you will have to pay the first AED 1000 of covered services yourself. Health insurance plans with lower deductibles offer more comprehensive coverage, but they will have higher premium costs.

Coinsurance

Coinsurance is the percentage of covered services that you will be required to pay after you’ve paid your deductible. For instance, if your insurer pays 80% of all incurred costs, then you will be required to pay the remaining 20%. Like the deductible, health insurance covers with lower coinsurance have higher premium costs.

Out-of-pocket maximum

This is the most money you have to pay for covered services in a plan year. After you spend this amount on copayments, coinsurance and deductibles, your health insurance company will now cover 100% of the costs of covered benefits. That said, it is important to note that the out-of-pocket limit doesn’t include monthly premiums or any services that your plan doesn’t cover.

When shopping for group medical insurance, pay close attention to these terminologies as they greatly impact your insurance costs. Compare different plans from different companies using our website to find the perfect one for you.

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Health Insurance

Why you should take out medical cover in your 20s

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Life is full of uncertainties, and no one can predict tomorrow. As such, you must take measures to protect yourself from any risks. Health insurance protects you financially from health risks by reimbursing you for expenses incurred as a result of illness or injury. Taking out health insurance cover as early as your 20s is always advisable, and here are five reasons why.

Lower premiums

Health insurance companies calculate premiums based on the risks related to the buyer. The more health risks you have, the higher the premiums you will pay. Your body is in tip-top condition in your twenties, and therefore, you are less likely to develop any serious illnesses, especially for international student health insurance. Because you pose a lower risk to the health insurance company, you will be charged considerably lower premium amounts while still enjoying high health insurance coverage.

Tax benefits

Buying a health insurance policy can actually save you money. Money paid towards your health insurance premiums is eligible for tax deductions under the law, and the sooner you acquire a health insurance policy, the more money you will save.

Comprehensive coverage

Applying for health coverage in your twenties gives you a wider range of options to choose from. Since you are young, have no pre-existing conditions, and are likely to keep the policy for a longer time, health insurance companies will give you a more comprehensive deal. In addition, you’ll have the flexibility of changing the level of cover based on the changes occurring in your life.

Lower rates of rejection

Don’t wait too long to take out medical cover. If you develop a chronic disease in your 40s or 50s, you will be forced to pay high amounts of co-pay or you may not get health insurance cover at all. However, if you take a cover in your twenties, your health insurance application is almost guaranteed to be accepted.

No concerns about waiting periods

Most health insurance plans usually come with a 30-day waiting period, during which the insurer cannot make claims. In cases involving certain diseases, the waiting period might be as long as two to four years. Purchasing medical cover early on will benefit you because you serve the waiting period without needing the health coverage.

When buying medical indemnity insurance, you must compare different insurance packages. With a few personal details, we could help you find the perfect insurance package for you, so take advantage of our services today.

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How can you make sure you’re saving money on your insurance quotes?

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Everyone wants to save money on their insurance. Whether it’s cheap temporary car insurance, home insurance, or medical insurance, it’s best to avoid paying more than you should for your premiums. With everyone requiring an individual level of cover, it can be difficult to know how much you should be paying. So, how can you make sure you’re getting the best possible deal on your premiums?

The simple way to save money

The easiest way to save money on your insurance premiums is to make sure that you use a specialist comparison website to compare insurance quotes from a range of different providers. Whether you’re looking for home, car, travel, or health insurance, you will be able to have a variety of quotes delivered to you in the space of seconds.

All you need to do is input a few personal details and some information relating to the type of cover that you’re looking for. With that, you’ll be able to ensure that all of the insurance quotes you’re getting are for the same level of coverage. This will give you an even playing field to determine who is going to be able to provide the best value for money.

Understanding your needs

Something you should think about before you start comparing insurance quotes is what specific level of cover you really need. The better you understand your own requirements, the easier it will be for you to tailor the insurance package you’re getting quotes for. With a website like Compare Insurance, you’ll be able to enter your personal details and the level of cover that you need, so think about things such as how comprehensive you want your coverage to be, the kinds of things you want it to cover, and even things you might be at risk of claiming for.

You can always save more money

There is always a cheaper insurance package out there, as long as you’re willing to find it. Make the process easier and simpler by using a comparison website to take the hard work out. Get started with Compare Insurance today and get annual multi trip travel insurance in minutes.

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Health Insurance

What are the three main levels of health cover?

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If you’re looking for visitor health insurance, it’s important you understand the types of coverage available to you. There’s no “one size fits all” approach to health insurance, there are many different policies and options depending on your budget and circumstances. Understanding those is key to finding the right policy for you – so what do you need to know?

The three main levels of health insurance

Health insurance can generally be broken down into three distinct categories:

  • Basic insurance – This will cover you while you’re in the hospital as an inpatient. It will usually cover your treatment and any associated costs
  • Medium insurance – This will have the same coverage as basic insurance, but will also cover the costs that you accumulate as an outpatient
  • Comprehensive insurance – Aside from your inpatient and outpatient medical expenses, comprehensive care will also cover mental health and physiotherapy

Which level of cover is right for you?

There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to finding health insurance, all that matters is you get the level of coverage that you actually need. You have to weigh up the potential bills you could encounter against the monthly premiums for your cover.

There are many things to consider relating to your lifestyle, any pre-existing issues you may have, your genetic risk for certain conditions, and much more. It’s not a decision you can take easily, so it’s important to consider everything when you’re choosing the right healthcare insurance option for you. The cheapest option may seem the most appealing now, but it could prove to be inadequate should you find yourself in a position where costs are spiralling.

Finding the perfect health insurance package

If you’re looking for the ideal senior citizen health insurance cover for you, the best thing to do is compare available insurance packages. To do that quickly and conveniently, you should use a dedicated insurance comparison tool, such as Compare Insurance. With just a few personal details, you could find your perfect medical insurance package in just a few minutes. Whichever level of health insurance is best suited for you, use Compare Insurance to find it today.

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Health Insurance

Top factors to consider when choosing health insurance

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Choosing the right health insurance coverage is essential, not just because health insurance is a legal requirement for residents in the UAE, but also because it provides peace of mind and assurance of quality medical care. However, finding the right policy can be a challenge, so here are the most important factors to consider when choosing:

Budget

First and foremost, you need to choose a health insurance policy that you can afford to pay each month. In general, the more cover the policy offers, the more expensive it will be. There are several different levels and types of health insurance for you to choose from. So, the first step is deciding what cover you need and how much that will cost. Our comparison tool is ideal for working this out, so don’t hesitate to give it a try.

Pre-existing health conditions

If you have a pre-existing health condition, such as diabetes or asthma, you may be looking for a policy that will cover your treatment. Many insurance companies will exclude existing health conditions from your cover, meaning they won’t pay for your treatment or care if it is related to this pre-existing health condition. However, some companies will cover you for existing conditions for an additional cost. So, it is worth finding out if this is the case for your condition and considering whether the additional fee will balance out the cost of your treatment.

Family plans

Are you planning on starting or expanding your family soon? This is an important factor to consider but it is often overlooked. If you are hoping for a baby, it’s a good idea to check what sort of maternity care different policies offer, as treatments for some conditions that develop during or as a result of pregnancy can be quite costly. It’s also a good idea to start your new policy before you fall pregnant, as some providers will be reluctant to cover pregnant women.

What do you want to be covered?

Finally, decide what you most want to cover. If you only want to be covered for hospital stays and inpatient treatment then a basic health insurance policy will meet your needs. However, if you want to benefit from continued care after your stay, such as quality rehabilitation or physiotherapy, you will need a higher-level policy.

For help finding the senior citizen health insurance policy for you, browse our comparison site today.

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