Health Insurance: How to Apply
If you're wondering how to apply for health insurance, be aware
that application is the second step of the process -- after
you've researched different policies and compared prices and
benefits. Whether you apply online or off will depend on your
comfort level with the computer, and also whether you're
applying via a group plan.
Before you sit down to fill out an application, you should
gather information you will likely need when filling out an
application. The names and addresses of doctors for yourself and
your family members, the dates of the most recent visits, and
information about your most recent insurance policy,
Through Your Employer
If you're enrolling in a health insurance plan through your
employer, you probably won't need a medical examination, but you
may have to wait for the company's next enrollment period before
you can apply. However, if you're a new hire, you likely can
apply immediately. The application process for enrolling in a
group plan is quite simple, because most plans will enroll
everybody, regardless of pre-existing conditions and current
state of health.
Just fill out an enrollment form, which includes personal
information like: name, address, social security number,
designation of the primary insured and all dependents (including
the names, ages, dates of birth and social security numbers for
all dependents), employment information including date of hire,
and the type of health insurance coverage you select. You'll
probably have to provide information about your prior health
insurance coverage, including the insurance company name and
policy number.
The completed application goes back to the benefits coordinator,
who will process your form, and you're finished.
On Your Own
If you're not applying for group coverage, the steps are
similar, except you'll be handling all the paper work yourself.
Some insurance companies will send an insurance agent to discuss
the application process with you. In these cases, the agent will
often work with you to gather the necessary documentation,
coordinate an in-home medical examination, and collect your
pre-payment check.
The whole process is so simple that some people decide to apply
for health insurance online. To do so, just visit the health
insurance company's web site where you'll find an online
application form. You'll have to provide the same type of
personal and employment information as above, and you'll just
enter it onto an online application form. When you're finished,
click the submit button and the system takes over.
Applying for health insurance online really is painless,
reliable and fast. However, if you are not comfortable providing
that amount of personal information over the internet, it's
probably a good idea to apply for health insurance offline.
Either way, don't wait until you need it. Because then it might
be too late.