UNDERSTANDING TYPES OF HEALTH COVERAGE
-
Indemnity Health Insurance
Indemnity health insurance plans, also known as fee-for-service plans, are designed to allow patients maximum flexibility and choice when it comes to their providers. With an indemnity health insurance plan, you can choose which doctor and hospital you visit without worrying about in-network or out-of-network providers.
Some indemnity health plans do not cover preventative care visits (such as yearly check-ups with your physician). Under these plans, the fees paid toward these services will not count toward your deductible.
Is an Indemnity Health Insurance Policy Right for Me?
If you are looking for an extremely flexible plan that will allow you to choose any provider that you want, then an indemnity health plan may be for you.
Who is Eligible for Indemnity Health Insurance?
Indemnity health plans do not require any special eligibility qualifications. Insurers will base your eligibility on your medical history and current health, just as with a regular HMO or PPO plan.
What Does an Indemnity Health Insurance Policy Cost?
Indemnity health insurance plans are generally more expensive that an HMO or PPO plan, however, many patients feel that the flexibility in choosing your own provider is worth the added cost.
Indemnity health plans are often offered as deductible health care plans. Once your deductible amount is reached, you may be required to pay a co-pay (a percentage of the medical service fee), and the insurance policy will cover the rest.
Are There Other Options Similar to Indemnity Health Insurance?
While no other type of plan offers the range of choices that indemnity health plans do, you may be able to find another plan that offers similar options that interest you. If you are looking for a high deductible plan, a catastrophic health plan may provide the coverage you are looking for. If you would like a greater provider selection, you may opt for a PPO plan which allows you to choose an out-of-network physician.