If your employer does not provide group health insurance coverage, it's still possible to receive affordable health insurance coverage with an Individual Health Plan or IHP policy.

Individual Health Plans

Nationwide there are over 140 health insurance companies offering individual health insurance plans (a.k.a. IHP). Receive expert advice from Health Care Professionals who can answer all of your health insurance related questions, including;

• Individual Health Plans (IHP)
• Co-payments
• Deductibles
• How long until your Coverage begins

These health care providers offer a choice of deductible options and benefit packages. Choose a plan that best suits your health care needs, as well as your budget. Non-smokers can save money on rates since many of these providers offer special non-smoker discounts.

Why Choose An Individual Health Plan?

Individual Health Plans or IHPs' are designed for those individuals who cannot qualify or cannot afford major medical coverage for themselves or eligible family members.

An Individual Health Plan is also beneficial to those who are:

• Without access to employer health benefits
• Part-time or seasonal workers
• New hire or temporary employees
• Students
• Employer’s plan is too expensive

In addition, there are life circumstances in which you might need to purchase an individual health insurance plan. As mentioned above, many employers do not offer group health insurance. Plus, if you are between jobs and your prior health car coverage has expired, an individual health plan could be a wise choice. In the event of an illness or medical emergency, you can have peace of mind in knowing you are covered.

If your prior employer provided health insurance coverage, you need to be sure you do not allow a period of 63 days or more to go by without obtaining an individual health plan. If this happens, it is possible you may lose some of your HIPPA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) rights & protections.

What is HIPPA

Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or HIPPA ensures individuals are guaranteed the right to purchase individual health insurance coverage. To be eligible for health care protection under HIPPA, you must:

• have had at least 18 months of continuous health coverage
• prior insurance was under a group plan
• you aren't eligible for coverage under another group plan
• your coverage wasn't terminated due to non-payment or fraud
• you aren't eligible for Medicare or Medicaid
• you purchased COBRA, Temporary Continuation of Coverage, or State Continuation Coverage, if offered and they have expired

Advantages of Individual Health Plans

Unlike the group health insurance offered by an employer, with an individual health plan you can control the policy. Include or exclude any provision that does not meet your requirements. This means you are not only able to create a customized insurance policy tailored to your specific needs, but you can also control the costs. Furthermore, you may be able to choose your deductible and co-payment amounts.

The disadvantage of an IHP is you are responsible for for 100% of the costs. However, with a little bit of research and monthly budgeting, it can be well worth the cost.

HMO vs. PPO

Individual health insurance plans can be provided in the form of a HMO or PPO. Budget, physician preferences and health requirements should be equal factors in choosing which type of plan is best for you.

• HMO
  Health Maintenance Organizations usually do not pay for medical services performed outside of the health care network. Although they offer lower premiums and a pre-determined co-payment for medical services, you will want to consider their limitations.

• PPO
  Preferred Provider Organizations are a network of doctors, hospitals and medical facilities that provide their services to specific groups. To offer patients the lowest premiums, costs have been predetermined with these health care providers. PPO’s usually cost more than other managed care plans. The biggest reason is due to the fact they allow for coverage outside of their network of health care providers. Some people are willing to pay a little more to have this option available to them.

A third type of health care coverage is a Point of Service (POS) plan. While similar to a PPO, this type of health plan requires you to select a primary care physician who will coordinate your health care needs within your health care network. Meaning, if you need to see a specialist or require advanced care, your doctor must provide a referral.

As with all insurance, it is best to shop around and get quotes from several sources to ensure you are getting the best coverage for your money.