Private Health Care Coverage

How Do I Apply for Private Health Care Coverage?

Regardless of whether the coverage is obtained as an individual or through work, you will need to fill out an application. Depending on the plan, where you're obtaining it, and the requirements of a particular company providing the coverage, the application will ask different questions. It is important that these questions be answered accurately. If the information is later found to be false or fraudulent, the company may have the right to deny benefits, or cancel the policy and refund your premiums without paying benefits.

If you're applying for a plan for you and your family as an individual, the application could take up several pages. You'll be asked about the current medical condition and history of all the people who will be covered. You may also be required to sign a release, allowing the company to view and obtain copies of your medical records for underwriting purposes.

On the other hand, if you're applying through an employer whose plans do not exclude employees or their dependents based on medical condition or history, the application could be as small as a single page in which you list the names, ages and relationships of all the people who will be covered. Many employers have an "open enrollment period," a special time in which to apply for coverage. Be sure to enroll during this time, or make any changes then. No matter where you get your health insurance, a good way to avoid problems is to make sure you understand exactly what is covered and the process for getting benefits payments approved.