In a democratic nation that is run on a capitalistic economy we must all have health insurance to pay for the exceedingly high costs of health care. Some of the simplest procedures can empty your wallet, not to mention what a serious health issue could do to your bank account, and even your available credit. With medical insurance you have the option of paying for a coverage that can pay for almost all medical costs (for the very wealthy) to coverage that is very weak, and does not cover most medical expenses (for the poor, or the cheap).
Medical insurance will provide you with proper and adequate medical attention. The coverage includes for the regular medical checkups and sick visit to your doctor and also special care and urgent care needs. The diagnostics treatment cost with x-ray, MRI or therapy and also prescription bills will be taken care under the medical insurance coverage. The coverage might be 100% of medical expenses in rare cases but in most cases the coverage would pay for a larger percentage leaving you with a smaller portion of the bill to pay.
The deductible can be paid for individuals or per family. If the deductible is exceeded you would have to pay for the percentage as per the statement mentioned in your policy. There are many types of medical insurance plans. Some medical insurance plan offers only with a network care while some offer out of network coverage. Some medical policy allows you to seek a specialist without any referrals while others ask you for a referral to seek a specialist.
It important to know that your medical coverage may cover only for the surgery not for all the treatments the doctor is prescribing. Its best to ask your medical insurance representative to find out what your insurance would cover. You need to have a good knowledge in the policy you have and its good to refer a handbook to learn about it. You are responsible for all the medical bills that are not covered by your insurance.
Transplants and donations are rarely covered in your medical insurance, so be aware of this. Plastic surgery will almost always never be covered because it is a luxury, not a necessity, unless of course it is part of a reconstruction from a medical surgery.
The validity of your medical coverage is till you undergo your surgery. After surgery if the doctors ask you to stay for another day checkup which has some good medical reason, then it would also be covered under medical insurance. In cases where you stay in the hospital for your better satisfaction and for some guidance from your doctor, then you have to beat these charges.
It is also good to tell your doctor about the insurance plan you have so they will know about the regulations of your insurance company. This can help you and your doctor know regarding the scope of coverage and length of stay for you in the hospital.
Susan Reynolds is the content coordinator for a leading South African Insurance Provider who specialises in Medical Insurance Options.