Health Insurance Application
Do's and Don'ts
Step 7

Before you do, here are just a few more important reminders.

• Re-read and understand the policy to make sure it provides the kind of coverage that's right for you and that fits your budget. You don't want unpleasant surprises when you're sick or in the hospital.

• Check the policy and find out when the policy will begin paying (some have a waiting period before coverage begins), and what is covered or excluded from the healh insurance coverage. Make sure your policy includes the benefits that you need and expected from the plan.
  
  
  
• Importantly, make sure your health insurance you have chosen includes a "free look" clause.

  Most companies give you at least 10 (up to 30) days to look over your policy after you receive it. If you decide it is not for you, you can always return it and have your premium refunded.

Does everything look ok? Great!

Here’s a list of the key information you need. Having this on-hand makes the process of filling out the health insurance application easier and faster.

• date of birth, height, weight, social security # of each dependent
  
• tobacco usage
  
• medical history
  
• medical condition/treatment received (including present status; name, address and telephone number of treating physician/s)
  
• current or recent prescription medications
  
• last physician visit
  
• previous health insurance coverage, if any
  

Do disclose your medical history honestly and thoroughly. Health insurance companies check your answers against your health records and the Medical Information Bureau.

Any inconsistencies can delay your application. And if your health information is misstated, the health insurance company can retroactively terminate your coverage back to its effective date, leaving you responsible for all of your expenses, less any premiums paid.

At the same time, do not volunteer any additional medical information that is not required in the health insurance application.

If you are working with an insurance agent, ask him or her to clarify and explain any question or word in the application that you do not understand. Report your health problems to your agent.

Insurance agents are motivated to get you covered and are very skilled at guiding you through the health insurance application process.

They know what you do and don’t have to reveal on your application.

Remember insurance companies will apply the strictest interpretation to any dispute, so make sure that all your facts are consistent.

Done? Congratulations!

You have just made the critical step to getting the right protection for yourself and your family.

Remember to read the policy again as soon as you receive it. Use the "free look" period to 'test' your health plan. Make sure it is the coverage you need and that it is what you expected it to be.

Otherwise, you could always return it, get a refund and apply for a new one.

Use the resources provided here to find the right affordable health insurance plan for you and your family and get the most out of it.

7 Steps to Getting Affordable Health Insurance

Step 1: Know the Health Insurance Terms.

Step 2: Assess Your Health Insurance Plan Needs.

Step 3: Which Health Insurance Type is Right for You?

Step 4: Where to get Health Insurance Coverage.

Step 5: Get the Best Health Insurance Quote Available.

Step 6: Make the Right Health Insurance Choice.

Step 7: Submit your health insurance application.

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