Applying for Disability Insurance

While it’s not terribly difficult to apply for disability insurance, there are some hoops to be jumped through.
To get disability insurance an individual needs to fill out and submit an application form and deal with a few other details that an insurance agent will outline. Once that application is completed, it’s sent to the insurance company who gives it the fine tooth comb treatment and then makes a formal decision on whether or not to offer disability insurance. Again, while this isn’t the same thing as applying for life insurance, it is a good idea to have realistic expectations about pricing, potential exclusions and the timing of the policy ultimately offered for consideration.

One of the first things to remember when applying for disability insurance is that a quote is just that, a quote. It is not guaranteed. It boils down to being a guess and projection about what your agent feels you will be offered. In order to fine tune a quote and to have it be more realistic according to the circumstances of a person’s life, there needs to be discussions about an individual’s medical history, personal history, income and occupation.

Once the agent knows these details, there is going to be a more accurate quote. Generally speaking, expect a quote in the range of 1% to 4% of yearly income. Don’t be surprised if the occupation stated involves things like skydiving, to have the insurance company express a certain amount of reluctance to offer a policy.

After getting several quotes, a person needs to decide which insurance company to work with and then hand in all the rest of the required material: the application, a personal history interview, insurance medical exam and tax forms from two years previously. The only item that is not required is the personal history interview, but this does give the underwriter a much better overall picture of the person they are considering for disability issue.

Underwriting normally takes about 4 to 8 weeks, rarely 4 weeks unless the application is totally perfect in all ways and the applicant is in prime physical health, something that doesn’t happen all that often. To shorten the underwriting process, provide all the information requested and then add more. Usually though the hang up is getting medical records from the family physician.

The medical portion of underwriting is the most critical. Perfect health means you’re good to go and don’t have a medical condition and haven’t been seen by a doctor. Understandably, this is pretty rare, and those with medical conditions need to know about price rating and exclusions when it comes to disability insurance.

Price ratings come into play when the company is offering coverage to an applicant who is considered to be a higher risk than average, e.g. someone morbidly obese. Exclusions are amendments that come with the policy and spell out that a specific condition or even body part is not covered under the policy. Put another way, those with existing medical conditions being treated should expect exclusions for those conditions. The exclusions tend not to affect pricing, but to be sure, talk to an experienced insurance agent to get all of the right answers in a timely, no hassle manner.

To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance,Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Cheaper Health Care Is Totally Possible

Cheaper health care is available by doing some comparison-shopping.

Everyone loves a bargain. Why wouldn't they be overjoyed to get something at a better price than they thought they might have to shell out in the first place? This is why it actually does pay to shop around for cheaper health insurance premiums.

This doesn't mean dive right into the first, less expensive option found. It means taking the time to compare what’s on one site with another one. It might sound like a major drag to do that, but if it saves money and gets what’s needed for health care, then it's well worth it.

Once something is found that should work, this is where people need to fish or cut bait. Pick up the phone and call the health insurance agent on duty and start asking some pointed questions about the plan(s) listed on the website. Talking to an agent is the best way to find out the rules and the exceptions to the rules – which are often more important that what is covered.

Just because something on a health insurance website that has a "to die for" kind of price, don't take it as being the absolute truth. The sites are designed to provide general information only. Each case will be different and this is why expecting to get what is on a website won't work. For instance there may be an example of what a person may pay if they happen to be XX age, in XX health without XX illnesses.

Confused? This is one of the reasons people prefer talking to an agent and getting instant feedback. Reading information on a website, while good for generalities, doesn't do much for the specifics of particular situations. This is particularly true if pre-existing conditions are brought into the equation. Those make a significant difference to health insurance premium rates.

While shopping for health insurance is not the most fun thing in the world, it can be a lot easier and less expensive if done the right way. Take the time to find all the options before making a final decision.

To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance,Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Long Term Care Insurance

With the country deep in a nasty recession, it should come as no surprise that new statistics show roughly 64% of those soon to retire won’t have enough money saved to maintain their lifestyles.

When you retire, you have expectations of being able to do pretty much what you want to do. But what if you don’t have enough money to do that? What if your standard of living dropped instead, to a level you never imagined was possible?

If you don’t have medical issues, things might be just dandy. However, with the advent of better technology, we are living longer. Living longer may well mean some type of long-term care. While this may be a reality, there are a lot of couples that are not prepared financially to pay that kind of expense out of their pockets. This is where long-term care insurance comes into the picture.

While you might get tired of hearing that insurance of any kind is easier to buy when you are younger, that’s the truth; it is easier. Sure you wonder if it’s worth the expense when you are in your 40s or 50s and in pretty good shape. Even if you are in relatively good health, thinking in advance is a smart thing to do for your future and that of your family as well. The other hard core truth is that if you wait too long to buy the kind of insurance that you need, you might not be able to buy it.

Here are a couple of statistics that will get your attention and get you thinking. They’re from the American Association for Long Term Care Insurance who reveals that virtually 70% of all those who apply for long-term care insurance who are 45 to 54 get accepted. Those in the age bracket of 65 to 74 don’t always get accepted, and the approval rate plummets to about 40%. Policy costs also double for those 65 and over; that is double the cost of what it would have been had you applied when you were 55.

It never hurts to think that you will always be healthy and never need long-term care, but to be blunt, that is honestly not a very realistic point of view. Other studies have indeed shown that just about half of us will need some form of long-term care. Sure you might think that long-term care insurance is expensive and you might not need it and besides, you have a higher chance of being hurt in a car crash or your home going up in flames. That well may be true, but you “do” have insurance for both of those events, so why not have insurance for the possibility of long-term care? It only makes sense and protects you later when you need it the most.

The American Stroke Association says that about one-third of stroke victims become permanently disabled and that one-third of stroke victims are under 65 years old. Those under 65 would not have had the chance to finish stashing money in their retirement fund before losing their ability to work. Think about this – the costs of long-term care. On average it runs about $75,000 a year with one in five Americans needing care for at least a year and about 3% requiring care for more than five years. Some patients with dementia will need care for longer. There is no way your family will be able to afford those costs.

On the other hand if you did buy long-term care insurance early and paid $100 a month, that total at the other end when you really needed it would far outweigh any retirement savings or financial reserves you may have at your disposal. Which chance would you rather take? Not having long-term health care and being unable to afford it? Or having long-term health care and knowing your care will not be a problem for you or a burden to your family. These are tough questions and ones that should be discussed with an expert insurance broker. They won’t sugarcoat what you need to know and will tell you precisely what would work for you for the long-term.

Evan Tunis is with FloridaHealthcareInsurance.com, the leading provider of Florida health insurance quotes. To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance,Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Short Term Disability

The facts are that every American faces the possibility of being disabled before retirement. Statistics show that it averages about three out of every ten people, but those odds may change.

Disability is not just something that should be considered a physical threat; it needs to be regarded from the financial point of view. Being disabled and not having the ability to work will eat through your savings at a good clip, much faster than you ever thought possible.

What do you do in the event of an injury that lays you out flat for the short or long-term? More insurance industry gurus recommend you have savings of up to six months in order to pay expenses. How many people actually do that? Not many and therein lies the problem. There is a solution to this problem though and it involves short term disability insurance.

Short term disability insurance is available to offer protection to people who don’t have significant savings or for those who can’t pay bills out-of-pocket if they are laid up. In fact, short term disability insurance pays out a percentage of lost wages that ranges anywhere from 50 to 70 percent. That however does depend on the policy, and for a policy that pays out at a higher rate it’s smart to talk to an expert insurance broker who can fill you in on what you need to know.

Here is how a policy like this may work. It makes a payout for a specified time period that may be anywhere from 10 to 26 weeks. While that might not seem like a long time, it’s not meant to be. It’s considered to be a safety net to help a temporarily disabled worker pay their bills for a short time.

Coverage like this is quite often obtained through an employer or even as a part of a worker’s group policy. While that might be a nice thing, you need to know that generally speaking, there are some hoops you may have to jump through. For example, your company might want a doctor to certify your disability, or you might have to use all your sick days first.

As with many insurance contracts, each one has different things that will either benefit you or not. This is one of the major reasons to speak to a fully qualified health insurance broker to get a full explanation of the policies you may be considering.

Evan Tunis is with FloridaHealthcareInsurance.com, the leading provider of Florida health insurance quotes. To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance,Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Doing It Before One Dies

Not a lot of people like to talk about life insurance as it reminds them of their mortality.

It’s understandable that people don’t want to discuss their own death and thus would put off buying life insurance as a way of “avoiding” the issue. Delaying a life insurance purchase will often make it much more expensive and if this delay is combined with other health factors, this might reflect a picture of a high risk individual to insure; not a benefit for life insurance companies.

Buying life insurance needs to be an informed process where the consumer knows about the options available to them, such as knowing the reasons why they want life insurance, what level and type of insurance they want, and what life insurance broker is able to provide what they want.

One rather common perception is that if a person has no dependents, then they don’t need life insurance. The reality is that people choose to get coverage for a variety of reasons that may include the wish to provide for loved ones after death. It may be just the simple wish of providing life insurance funds to cover funeral expenses or a small sum for the beneficiary to live on. The reasons don’t matter, but the comfort such insurance provides is tangible.

It’s also a good idea to have in mind whether a level term or decreasing term would suit present circumstances. Factor in the amount available to budget monthly and if the overall amount to be insured for is flexible or fixed. An expert life insurance broker will tailor a quote to suit those needs. Always include things like car loans, credit card debt or mortgages into the initial calculations for insurance coverage.

Don’t lie on the insurance application form, as this will be caught later and it may result in the suspension of the policy. If the “fib” is caught later, the insurer may refuse to payout on any claims.

Try online life insurance quotes, however remember that at best many of them are “general” in nature and don’t always address specific concerns or needs. To address those things, speak to an expert life insurance broker about the proper cover.

To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance,Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

The Myths of Insurance

Insurance is an area that everyone seems to have an opinion, and often that opinion is completely wrong.
It’s a reality that most insurance policies are filled with so much jargon, it’s really hard to make sense of what they are really saying. It’s not much wonder that people make up what they think it says and then try to deal with it later, and pass along those misconceptions to others.

The bottom line is that there are a number of myths that people need to know about to set the record straight about insurance. For instance that famous myth about a person’s job disability will cover them. It’s amazing how many people think lost wages will be covered through their employer’s long-term disability insurance plan. Don’t look now, but that is definitely a myth.

Generally speaking a typical group policy pays about 60% of a person’s wages up to a specified “limit,” such as $4,000 a month. The policy won’t replace bonuses or commissions either. Know what the policy says before assuming something that turns out not to be true and affects the ability to pay bills. Make it a point to speak to an expert insurance broker who will explain what to do if there is not enough insurance, e.g. buy an individual plan that pays up to 70% to 80% of an individual’s salary, etc.

Another prevalent myth is the one that says the homeowner’s policy will cover a lot of things. The problem here is that a lot of homeowners think they are covered for everything including the kitchen sink, and they might “not” be. Read the fine print. A standard homeowner’s policy has limits, and riders are usually needed for things like damage due to power outages, wind storms, earthquakes and sewage backup.

Interestingly enough, many Americans don’t feel they need long-term care insurance; it’s only for seniors. The thing is everyone ages and not always gracefully as one would like. In addition, people think the government helps with long-term care, but in reality Medicare only offers short term care after hospitalization. Look for coverage earlier in life and be prepared.

Drivers often think low deductibles are better for home and vehicle policies. This is definitely a myth because the lower the deductible, the higher the premiums. In addition if a person tends to make a lot of small claims, this works against them because they are costing the insurance company money.

There are more insurance myths that make the rounds with amazing regularity and many of them can be explained by an expert insurance agent who has seen just about everything and cares about his customers. Ask around and find out the “real” truth about insurance and what it does. The answers may be rather surprising.

To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance,Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

The Necessary What-Ifs of Life

One necessary “what if” in life is life insurance, but during this recession, life insurance seems to be the “last” thing that people buy.

Buying life insurance during a recession is one of the last things that people tend to do, rationalizing that any spare money they have needs to go toward keeping food on the table and a roof over everyone’s heads. It goes without saying the many business sectors have been drastically affected by the stunning drop in the economy, and the life insurance business is no exception.

You should be aware that despite the tough times, life insurance “does” make a great deal of sense. It is one of the smartest investments you can make. What makes life insurance slightly different from other financial sectors is that most bill payments are binding and can’t be allowed to lapse without some serious consequences.

Life insurance may lapse if the premiums aren’t paid, but that is all that happens. The insurance lapses and you don’t pay any more premiums, but then, you don’t have life insurance coverage either. Yes, many people think that buying life insurance for those “what if” things that “might” happen in the future is not as necessary as buying food, etc.

Recognizing this, life insurance brokers have been taking a hard look at the products they offer. These days many life insurance companies are asking themselves what they need to do to retain their customers. On the other side of the fence, many customers are thinking that they can do without life insurance until their economic situation improves, and resume the same level of coverage when they are ready to start paying on premiums once again.

This is a misguided assumption as age is a critical factor in buying life insurance and in determining the premiums. This is a risk factor that all life insurance companies use to insure consumers. The older you happen to be, the higher the risk of the life insurance company paying out. That means higher premiums or a smaller sum on payout on death. Put another way, letting your life insurance lapse may mean your life insurance will be “more” expensive when you resume coverage than if you have kept the policy in force.

Perhaps the most critical point to remember is that life insurance is intended to take care of those left behind in the event of a death; to provide them with a safety net if you will. With insurance companies re-evaluating their customer service approach, there may be incentives available for you to retain your life insurance policy even during rough financial times. Ask your broker what options may apply to you.

Evan Tunis is with FloridaHealthcareInsurance.com, the leading provider of Florida health insurance quotes. To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance,Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Millions Don’t Have Life Insurance

It’s true, millions of people do not have life insurance and when life throws them a curve, it may spell disaster.

A little long range planning for your life is a smart thing, particularly if you have a family to care for and responsibilities to handle. Consider the case of the young family whose father was the picture of health at the age of 38 years old. Then one day, something went wrong and it was discovered that he had stomach cancer.

A few short months later, the young father died leaving two children and a wife to grieve for him and a pile of bills to boot. The thing that makes this scenario different is that this young dad had life insurance and because he did, he was able to provide for his family, even in death.

Life does have a way of biting one when they least expect it and it’s usually a good idea to be protected for those “what if” moments that tend to come along. Life insurance doesn’t have to be really expensive or even have a lot of bells and whistles, but if does need to keep your family safe. For this reason it’s a smart thing to speak to an expert life insurance broker who knows what products will suit each individual.

Statistics indicate that there are almost 68 million Americans who have no life insurance at all and conversely, those who do have it, often don’t have enough to cover what they need. This is where it makes good sense to speak to a life insurance broker with extensive experience in making sure your life insurance “thinks ahead” of you for just about any eventuality. Nobody wants to die early or suddenly, but it does happen; that “is” life, and what “life” insurance is all about.

One of the questions people ask most often is when they do decide to purchase life insurance, just how much they will need? Actually, the better question to ask is what would you like to have happen in the event of a death? Put another way, what do “you” want?

The more questions you ask, the better it is to get a life insurance policy and package that suits your unique needs. Dealing with a life insurance broker who knows the ropes is the first step in a lifelong relationship; one that will stand you in good stead if something ill fated transpires.

For instance if you think far enough ahead to make provisions for your family, they will not need to move out of their family home should a parent die suddenly. Nor will they need to substantially alter their lifestyles if they have the right plan done in concert with your life insurance broker.

While life goes on no matter what happens, it’s a smart thing to plan for the unexpected, even if it doesn’t happen. Being prepared for those detours in life is what life insurance in all about. You can’t get a better deal than knowing your family is protected should you not be here. Planning ahead and having the “right” life insurance means not having to deal with financial distress as well as emotional distress.

Evan Tunis is with FloridaHealthcareInsurance.com, the leading provider of Florida health insurance quotes. To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance,Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

The Life Insurance Exam Routine

To get life insurance there is a routine that has to be followed before one qualifies.

It only makes sense that to obtain life insurance the company will want to know as much as possible about the person applying. Knowing as much as possible, of course, usually means a health exam done by a doctor or paramedic, lots of forms to fill out, the routine blood tests, urine tests and saliva tests, not to mention the obligatory list of medications being taken and why they are being taken.

It all seems a bit too invasive and nosey, but realistically if a person expects to get their life insured, then they have to expect that the company considering doing that will want to know as much medical information as possible. It’s not just the medical information they insist on either. Many insurance companies will be asking questions about smoking history, hobbies (just in case the person sky dives or pilots a plane) and pre-existing conditions. Pre-existing conditions don’t exclude someone from getting insurance, but it may change the category or class they are ultimately approved in which to get insurance.
If, on the other hand, the person applying for life insurance wants less than $100,000 and happens to be under 40, they usually don’t have a tough time getting what they need. In either instance, the cost of the life insurance premium does tend to depend on the person’s age and health, which brings up an interesting scenario. What if the person applying for life insurance does not reveal all of their health issues?

If they didn’t confess to all their medical issues and withheld the fact that they smoke occasionally, this will come out in the salvia test they submitted to, no matter how many breath mints they have to hide the fact. Interestingly enough many insurance companies don’t tend to penalize people for failing to be totally honest about their health, as it may have been a genuine oversight, or they view their odd cigarette as classifying them as being a non-smoker because it’s not a whole pack.

Generally speaking though, it’s wise to just tell the whole truth and nothing but the truth and save the embarrassment later. Being honest about one’s health will only help get the right kind of life insurance in the final analysis.

To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance,Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Keeping Florida Health Insurance Affordable

Florida health insurance that is tailored specifically for an individual’s life only makes good common sense. If it wasn’t suitable, why would someone bother to buy it?

It’s no secret that Florida health insurance is essential. It is also no secret that it has the potential to be expensive, which accounts for the rising number of uninsured in the state. Recently, the government and a handful of non-profit organizations have started to wade into the health care field in an effort to reduce the expense of Florida health insurance. That only makes good sense in order to make medical care accessible to people who need it the most. It’s about time the sense of “community” began to take hold in the critical area of Florida health insurance.

It’s not just individuals who need Florida health insurance. It’s designed for groups as well. In both instances, it is set up to protect people and allow access to health care services. Shopping for the right kind of insurance and making sure it’s affordable is often a major concern for people, particularly during a recession. Florida health insurance is noted for offering coverage for children up to the age of 19, pregnant women, families and self-employed people. Still, it’s a smart consumer who takes the time to check on the varying prices offered from one insurance company to another.

Florida health insurance basically offers what a health insurance plan should offer: benefits for medications, prescription coverage, hospital stays and doctor visits. The plans available range from individual Florida health insurance to large group health insurance and from temporary health insurance to small group insurance. No matter what coverage a person needs, there is a Florida health insurance plan that will fit the bill.

In order to qualify for individual Florida health insurance, there is a medical exam to pass. It’s the usual run of the mill doctor’s checkup kind of test that will provide the insurance company with a complete health record. If a person does qualify for Florida health insurance, the next step is paying the premium which is usually based on medical history and age.

Opting to buy individual Florida health insurance is less expensive than group health, but the choices made in the final analysis may depend on other factors rather than just cost. This is why it is best to speak with a local Florida health insurance agent who knows his plans inside out and who can provide a clear overview of what benefits each policy has to offer.

To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance,Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Would Someone Please Tell Me What Life Insurance Is About?

Now and then people get into conversations about life insurance, what it does and how much they have, but does anyone really “get” what life insurance is all about?

In a nutshell, life insurance gives money to a listed beneficiary (friend, spouse, family member) if the person who holds the policy dies. In most cases, people buy life insurance to cover their final expenses such as the funeral and burial and to provide income to a beneficiary. Other reasons may include a wish to cover college expenses for someone or a legacy and to pay off estate taxes. There are exceptions to this general rule in that some people just buy a death benefit policy, while others may choose a policy that grows in value over a period of time.

If you don’t know what you want, the best place to start is to review the basics of life insurance, figure out how much coverage you actually need, what type of insurance might best suit you and how the underwriting process works. You certainly don’t have to do this on your own and in fact you’d be one smart life insurance shopper if you took the time to speak to a life insurance expert about the various options you may choose.

Usually the first thing people wonder about when they start thinking about life insurance is how much coverage they should get. There isn’t a right or a wrong number for the amount you would need to cover expenses upon death, but there are a few things you should consider. Take into account what your current financial position happens to be, meaning what are your assets, income, expenses and liabilities? Do you have an idea of what your final expenses would be? What debts are you carrying that might be long-term in nature for your family? Do you want to leave income for a survivor?

Depending on your answers, you should be able to get a rough idea of the amount of life insurance you may need. For example if you want to make sure someone has income on your death, you need to also take into consideration the yearly interest rate. So really life insurance is all about planning for your goals and then finding the right vehicle to carry out your wishes.

You need to know that there are four categories of life insurance you may consider and those are considered to be the primary types of life insurance: term life, whole life, variable universal life and universal life. Before you make any choices about what you ultimately buy, you should be asking questions about the features and benefits of each choice available. Be aware that some insurance plans offer some form of cash accumulation while others do not.

In order to be approved for life insurance you will need to go through an underwriting process which basically means filling out a general medical and financial application and a physical examination. In most cases the whole process may take about 3 to 6 weeks for approval. At that point, you will start paying your life insurance premiums.

Evan Tunis is with FloridaHealthcareInsurance.com, the leading provider of Florida health insurance quotes. To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance,Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Practical Solutions for Cheaper Medications

If you want to cut costs for your health care expenses, use generic drugs.

We all know that health care these days is really pricey, and the costs just keep escalating. It's no particular secret that Americans tend to overload and overwhelm our current health care system. Far too many people use a hospital as a doctor's office, run to a physician with a minor problem or just visit the doctor to ask about a new medication. In other words, we are using the system in ways it isn't supposed to be used. This ought to make you give serious consideration to taking a look at your own habits when it comes to using the medical system.

No one is saying you have to be a crusader for others, to stop them from overusing the health care system. However, there is something to be said for taking responsibility for your own habits. What you do will make a huge difference in how much money you save in the long-term. Think that is a load of baloney? Give the matter some thought first, before deciding one way or the other, and keep reading for some ideas to cut your health care expenses.

Want to save mega-bucks on drugs? If you do want to cut expenses on your medications, then shop online by using mail order pharmacies. Make sure they are reputable of course and then go ahead and order. It doesn't matter where they are located – either in Canada or the U.S. – because the bottom line is saving money. So ultimately, you will be looking for the best prices you are able to find. Hint: sometimes cross border online shopping will net you a month's supply of meds for $15 instead of what you'd pay at home at the pharmacy – say $150. Saving that kind of money every month is pretty attractive to say the least.

Paying less for meds makes a significant difference in the amount of money you shell out every month. This of course means having money for other things that are needed for your family. You work hard enough as it is for your money and paying less for medications is very enticing.

Hint: buy generic drugs. You really don't need to use a brand name drug when a generic one will do. Besides, it will save you even more money. Many people think that generic drugs are not as effective as the old standby brand name drugs. This is not the case. The only differences between brand name and generic drugs may lie in the coating or pill size, but the way they work is the same as brand name drugs. The drug is the same; it's just that a big name Big Pharma company didn't manufacture it.

Evan Tunis is with FloridaHealthcareInsurance.com, the leading provider of Florida health insurance quotes. To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Major Medical Popular

Over the years, major medical (catastrophic) insurance has become the darling of young professionals.

The reason major medical seems to be so popular is because it's totally affordable and will offer outstanding protection for major medical problems when they arise. While it's a good Florida health insurance plan, it still should be examined in-depth before anyone makes a decision to buy it.

All Florida health insurance plans have their pros and cons and those need to be taken into consideration when buying health insurance. Never leap before you look is a good rule of thumb when considering various types of Florida health insurance. In order to figure out the good and the bad of major medical, start by finding out what the advantages and disadvantages are with this plan.

Let's take a look at a few of the advantages of major medical. For instance, we already mentioned it is very reasonably priced. The reason for that is because a younger person, in good health, may have Florida health insurance quotes on premiums as low as $40 a month.

Plan coverage is also very attractive for those "whoops" moments we all seem to run into in our lives. Major medical Florida health insurance would pay quite a large amount of the bill because it is deductible based – meaning the insurance company forks the dollars over to the medical provider and just takes its deductible.

Having mentioned the deductible, this may also be a disadvantage because the higher the deductible, the more affordable the insurance plans. This means that policyholders will be coughing up a large chunk of change to cover medical bills. Also, keep in mind that this kind of plan is "only" for major medical events, not something like a condition that needs regular medical visits.

So, take a look at the pros and cons and then make the decision about what you want and if you think it will be a good risk for you to take. Before making the plunge, talk to a qualified, licensed Florida health insurance broker who knows his stuff; that might help you make up your mind as well.

Evan Tunis is with FloridaHealthcareInsurance.com, the leading provider of Florida health insurance quotes. To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Disability Plans May Prevent Financial Ruin

People need to know they have a constant income in the event of a disability affecting their job.

Everyone knows that the economy is in shambles and that just about everyone is squeaking by with the skin of their teeth. Unfortunately, the number of Americans who are in this wobbly boat is growing on a daily basis, with no end in sight within the foreseeable future. It's times like this that workers relish the security of a constant income in the face of disability, and it is possible with planning.

In the event of a medical catastrophe, having disability insurance would provide some peace of mind that the bills are being paid. "While many have Florida health insurance to cover the incidental illnesses of life, if they are hurt badly enough to not be able to work, they would not be able to pay daily expenses without an income. In addition, they would have medical expenses that were not covered and the inevitable insurance deductibles," said Evan Tunis of Florida Heath Care Insurance.

There are a lot of Americans who tend to think that nothing bad will happen to them and when it inevitably does, they may face a journey that includes foreclosure on their home and personal bankruptcy as a result of their disability. "There is actually a three in ten chance of becoming injured enough to not be able to work to earn a living," outlined Tunis.

In order to protect the family, assets and lifestyle, planning in advance is a smart move. The next smart move is choosing the right disability insurance product with the help of a well-qualified Florida health insurance broker. "It's a bit of a conundrum to buy catastrophic health insurance, and then be too disabled to work and have any level of income. Check out disability insurance plans because they have the potential to save a personal lifestyle," added Evan Tunis of Florida Heath Care Insurance.

To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Choose Medicare Supplements that May Save Money

It's a well-known fact that Medicare supplements are much more versatile than Americans think. There are so many options available that people may opt for a health care plan ideally tailored to each individual.

We all know that supplements are designed to help something that does not quite make the grade in the first place; that supplements make things better, sort of like taking vitamins. The original health care system was designed to be all things to all people, but seriously fell short in some areas. This is why there are Medicare supplemental health insurance policies, and they're sold by private health insurance companies.

Medicare supplement policies (called Medigap) fill the "gaps" in the original Medicare plan, and they help top off out-of-pocket medical expenses that people would be forking out - depending on which plan a person had. Note: The plans are actually called "parts." What this means is that Medicare and Medigap work together to cover health insurance costs.

The thing to remember is that Medigap policies in each state are standardized, which means they have specific benefits common to them all, and this applies no matter where a person happens to live. One further thing to note is that standardized doesn't mean people have less choices to suit their individual lifestyles. There are 10 different parts lettered from A to J. Part A is the one that has to be offered in all states; F the most popular.

Now, with respect to Medigap parts - Medigap parts have different sets of basic and extra benefits. Part A is mandated, but parts B through J MAY be offered if the health insurance carrier wants to offer them. Plan A is only available to people without medical coverage due to disability and Medicare combined with Plan A is the lowest level of coverage.

None of this should prevent a smart shopper from calling around for different rates. People can actually save money on Medicare/Medigap combination deals because this is the only area (Medigap) where health insurance companies set their own rates. What health insurance companies offer is standard, but the price for the choices is variable.

If a person is considering a Medigap policy, they will need both Medicare Parts A and B. There are other considerations, but talk to a local insurance broker. Their advice is free and they will save consumers a lot of time trying to find the answers to Medicare questions.

To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

What You See May Not Be What You Get

While you might see a great health insurance quote on a website, "preferred rate" is what it is called; it does not always mean you will get that rate.

The fact is that when health insurance companies figure out health insurance rates, they have a "preferred" rate for someone in tip-top shape. Unfortunately, not all of us happen to be in that kind of shape. Your rates are figured out depending on what your health conditions happen to be. If you happen to have a health issue or two, then this will likely mean you will be moved to a different category and have a different rate to pay.

Even if you decide to do an online search for health insurance rates, you need to remember that if you have asthma, stomach problems or allergies, this will make a difference. Not telling the health insurance agent that you have these conditions is not even an option. If you go for treatment for them later, this discrepancy will be caught later and your insurance may be canceled.

The reality of today's world is that virtually everyone from you to your next door neighbor is being treated for something by a doctor. So, if you are getting allergy medicines, stomach pills or inhalers for your asthma, this will affect the rates you are quoted.

It doesn't mean you won't get insurance, it just means your quote will be different than the person who is in super shape and has no pre-existing medical conditions. You may, in some instances, be uninsurable depending on the condition you have. However, this is something you need to discuss with your health insurance agent. Usually there is some other alternative "if" that happens to be the case.

If you figure that by talking directly to the health insurance carrier that it will make a difference in your rates, you’d be wrong. The reason for that is that health insurance rates are federally mandated. Ultimately the differences in pricing will be attributable to what criteria the health insurance company uses to assess risk. Just remember that if the rate you see on the website isn't applicable to you, there will be one that will apply.

Evan Tunis is with FloridaHealthcareInsurance.com, the leading provider of Florida health insurance quotes. To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Health Care Insurance Co-Pay or No Pay

There's a big difference between having a co-pay plan with an employer and having to put money out of one's own pocket for medical expenses.

Not a lot of people really understand the differences between a co-pay situation and a no pay situation. The co-pay is an arrangement with an employer to pick up part of the doctor's bill after a visit. This is actually a "benefit" not insurance, although many people think it is insurance. In any other circumstances, meaning not having a co-pay arrangement through an employer, the person will be paying the doctor's office fees themselves.

If you leave the company you work for and you had co-pay benefits, then you will now have to get your own health insurance. Someone who has been used to having that nice co-pay benefit figures they only have to call an insurance company and ask for that insurance. Granted it is a type of insurance people may get, however the deductibles are staggering for an individual, as this is usually something a large company offers to workers.

If you're used to the co-pay arrangement and would like to stick with that kind of arrangement, talk to your local insurance agent and find out what suits your needs and your special circumstances. If your insurance company is worth its weight in gold, they will take the time to walk you through the various other alternatives you might want to consider. This is one of the main reasons why it makes sense to stick with local health insurance agents, because they know the lay of the land.

It's difficult to change from insurance that you are used to and find something similar to what you had when you were employed. Many people find themselves kind of stuck when they expect one thing and wind up not being able to get it, or be able to afford it. If you take the time to talk to a local health insurance agent, they will be able to assist you in choosing something that will work for your new situation.

Evan Tunis is with FloridaHealthcareInsurance.com, the leading provider of Florida health insurance quotes. To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Who's That Knocking on My Door?

Well no one actually is knocking on the door, at least not when it comes to life insurance.

That's right, no more sales reps at the door offering to explain various Florida life insurance policies and hoping to make a sale. Technology has finally caught up with the life insurance industry and applications are now done online. Well, some life insurance agents offer this lovely new, no hassle feature. It isn't widespread yet, but chances are it may be in a few years.

Imagine no more paper forms, no more scrambling for the pen the dog chewed, no more trying to figure out what forms need to be filled out and what medical information is needed to go with what question. No more filling cups of coffee for the agent in the living room who looks like they might be there all night with all the forms, booklets, pamphlets, and questionnaires.

No more trying to figure out what the answer to that last question was; it was so loaded with jargon it was hard to make out the normal English words, surrounded by those "not withstanding" clauses, etc. If the right agent is online and able to offer Florida life insurance via the Internet, imagine how much more simplified the whole process of applying would be without all the forms. There are online forms, but they certainly don't take up pages and pages, like a regular life insurance form.

Offering Florida life insurance online doesn't mean that people have to stop speaking to the agent who if offering the insurance. It's like buying health insurance online, if there are questions, it is best to pick up the phone and call the agent directly for the complete picture. This is the same thing with life insurance online. If there are questions, things that pertain to someone's individual circumstances, the agent would encourage a shopper to call and ask those questions.

In the meantime, remember that everything that a person needs to know is not going to be on the website. This is because there is far too much information to put it all on one site. Make it a point to contact the local Florida life insurance agent for further details if something on a form or a question doesn't seem to make sense.

It's an idea whose time has come –getting life insurance quotes online with all the comforts of home, and the option to contact an agent directly if that is necessary. Now that's the ticket.

To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Where's the Insurance Agent When You Need Help?

It's not uncommon for people to have problems with their insurance company. When that happens people want to talk to their agents fast, and get things sorted out.

It happens. Things go wrong with a health insurance claim and it can only get sorted out by contacting the agent. However, the agent isn't anywhere to be found. The health insurance company that provided the insurance isn't much help either, as they are out of state, enormous, and have no idea what is happening locally in that area. They may not even really know what the fuss is all about either.

If the idea is to buy health insurance that suits a family or an individual, then it's best to stay local and buy health insurance from a well-known local health insurance agent. They know the system in their area, know what doctors provide various services, what hospitals are the best, and who does and doesn't honor their claims. Of course inside information like that is totally invaluable and will save someone money, time and hassle in the long run.

Local agents also know enough to sell customized packages to customers, and not general ones that don’t provide what an individual or family needs. If a custom fit for insurance in important, buying from a local health insurance agent is the smartest move.

Don't be reticent about talking directly to a local insurance agent. They are there to assist people in choosing health insurance that is best suited to their needs. They are not there to "sell" something. They are there to help explain the various alternatives available for health coverage. If they sold something people hated and vanished, they wouldn’t last in that line of work for very long, and their horrible reputation would precede them. When in doubt, check the history of a health insurance agent. The longer they have been in business, the better a person's chances are at getting good prices and good service.

Isn't that unique, finding a health insurance company to stand behind a customer? When a major beef transpires with an insurance carrier, knowing the local agent who has provided service for years is a real boon. They know the situation and can go to bat to get things resolved. If people rely on general package quotes from online out-of-state sources, there's the risk of not getting personal service.

To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Local Florida Health Insurance Agents Save You Money

Shopping locally for health insurance means getting to know the ins and outs of a local area, as opposed to talking to a company out-of-state that knows nothing about what people in other locations really need.

A good health insurance agent actually saves people money, and that is a fact. While they may have a product to sell to consumers, they also have the knowledge to be able to tailor the right package to the right budget. Even though some insurance prices are federally fixed, insurance agents are able to offer price comparisons between various carriers and yes, offer reasonable prices for various plans, etc.

Many people don't realize that every insurance carrier does have a fairly wide latitude in handling their insurance package, just so long as they are still operating well within the guidelines of the federal law. If they do that, health insurance brokers may choose to exclude some items (e.g. pre-existing conditions), decline insuring others, or even approve an individual with a particular condition with proof it is being medically managed.

If an insurance agent stays within the federal guidelines, a highly knowledgeable agent will search for and compare policies that suit their customers. The plan they find may offer a lower deductible and/or health insurance premium. In other words, there are a variety of things a good agent who is intimately familiar with his products, is able to do for customers. Rather than rely on website information alone, a smart health insurance shopper needs to call an agent and get personal service.

While websites may offer relatively accurate information, they never have the full range of options and alternatives that are actually available. This is because there is no way any agent is able to put all they know on a website without having a huge website and thoroughly confusing people.

What is usually on a website is the general information that may be applicable to some people, but not others. In other words, just because something is on a website does not mean it would be applicable to everyone. This is why it is best to call and find out what is actually applicable to your specific circumstances.

To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Health Care Coverage Confusing

When things change in the health care system, people get royally confused.

While it's nice to know that there are changes coming to the health system in June 2010, there have been some minor tweaks to it over the past few years. The major problem is that the right hand doesn't seem to know what the left hand is doing, which would definitely account for the shape the health care system is in today. It's enough to give health care consumers serious doubts about the future of the system.

Many people wonder why the system is in the mess it is. The bottom line is that it is run by a major clutch of separate business entities; in other words, a whole flock of insurance companies, who don't seem to speak to each other.

While all these insurance companies are running around trying to be competitive and stay in business, they tend to forget who really counts in this picture: the consumers. The changes to the system that are slated for June 2010 will likely level the playing field and we'll all see the larger insurance companies scramble for business by lowering their rates. Be aware that there will be a good chance those lower rates may only last for a year, when they will be kicked back up again.

In the meantime things seem to be trundling along as they always have been, in fits and starts of efficiency with occasional pauses of sheer system exhaustion to try and recoup and continue. Ask anyone what their opinion is on the health care system today and the answer will likely contain a reference to how high health insurance premiums happen to be, followed by how overused the system is as well.

To even begin to change the way things are the state of the economy has to be wrestled to the ground, something that will take many years and many billions of dollars to accomplish. While change may be coming in several ways over the next few years, it's hard to imagine what may replace what is currently the devil we know.

There is an old Hungarian proverb that mentions it is easier to deal with the devil we know, rather than the one we don't. It seems this may be quite appropriate when applied to the proposed changes to the health system for the future.

To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Fitness Counts for Florida Health Insurance

Whether or not you are fit or overweight makes a big difference to your health insurance premiums.

This really should make some sense when you stop to consider what we're saying here. If you are overweight to obese it will affect your health insurance rates. Weighing too much means your health risks increase.

There is a little something called the body mass index, or BMI, that is used as a rating factor when people buy health insurance premiums. So, if you’re too heavy for your height, you are paying more money to get decent health insurance. Now that may not be something you want to hear, but it's a fact and is the way the health insurance industry is operated.

If we’re overweight then that means we are largely responsible for what we are paying out in health care costs. Here's another startling fact – our health system is in the mess it is now because we have been overusing it and yes, abusing it shamelessly. It's up to us to make responsible personal health care choices, not up to the system to try and keep us well when we turn around and sabotage their efforts at every turn.

This means we are largely responsible for what we pay for health care. As radical as that may sound, the health care system is in the mess it is today because we are overusing it and abusing it. It's time we took responsibility for our personal health care choices.

The more overweight we are, the more our chances of developing a serious illness. You have to realize this too, that health insurance is about covering you for potential illnesses; however, if you choose to be overweight (there are exceptions to this) the insurance industry regards you as taking risks with your health. So, if you are choosing to be heavy, you will pay a higher insurance premium.

Let's face it, insurance companies don't run charities, they operate with a finely tuned bottom line. If you are heavy by choice or due to laziness, you will pay more because the business of health insurance only really wants to insure healthy people at their optimal weights. Insurance companies are businesses – period. They will risk money on those who are in good shape, but they really don't like covering someone who will cost them money.

Evan Tunis is with FloridaHealthcareInsurance.com, the leading provider of Florida health insurance quotes. To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Health Insurance Shopping Tips for Florida

Everyone needs a few hints when shopping for health insurance in Florida.

If there weren't so many health insurance policies to choose from, it wouldn't be so hard to shop for one, now would it? While it's really nice to have options, sometimes too many options are confusing. However, you need to look at it this way – the more options you have at your disposal, the better your chances are of getting a health insurance policy that actually suits your needs.

If you get confused, don't give up; speak to a licensed and highly informed health insurance broker. S/he will make more sense than trying to sort through masses of health insurance information on your own. They're not there to sell you something; they're there to provide free information. If you choose to buy through them, that is your decision, but you are not obligated to buy from the person you ask health insurance questions.

Speaking of questions, this is one of the smartest moves you could ever make when you want to shop for health insurance quotes in Florida. Sit down and write a list of questions, the questions you want answers to and could then explain those answers to your spouse. Once you have your questions, do some snooping to see what choices you may have. If you are a first time shopper, it helps to know what your maximum out-of-pocket expenses will be – a.k.a. the co-insurance maximum.

Make sure you also have done some advance calculations, budget-wise, because you want to know the dollar coverage – meaning the maximum you would spend in a year for in and out-of-network medical expenses. In insurance language this is called roughing out the costs for the deductible and the co-insurance limit.

Read the whole policy before you buy it for this very simple reason – if you don't you might get caught later and face an unwanted surprise. For instance, say you happen to have a $3 million lifetime expense average, which sounds good on the surface. However, what happens if you read in the fine print that the insurance plan actually has a per incident/per year maximum and those limits supersede that lifetime maximum?

Okay, if you don't want to sit in the agent's office and read the policy, then ask pointed questions about things such as per incident, per year maximums and other questions that might crop up later if you don’t know about those things now.

Evan Tunis is with FloridaHealthcareInsurance.com, the leading provider of Florida health insurance quotes. To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Higher Health Insurance Rates for Now

Yes, health insurance rates are higher right now, but no one seems to really understand why.

Health insurance rates mainly go up for one reason and that reason is that people do not take care of themselves. It is that simple and that complicated at the same time. "If people don't take responsibility for their own health and instead foist that task on an already overburdened health care system, it's no wonder health care rates are atrocious," explained Evan Tunis of Florida Healthcare Insurance.

Being human, the human condition gives rise to smoking, over-eating, over-indulging in prescription or illegal drugs, avoiding gyms and work outs like the plague, and aging. Of course the last one, aging, we really are unable to do too much about, except vigorously pursue preventive health care. "Check out the national statistics for the rate of obesity in America," suggested Tunis. It will astonish even the most hard-nosed individual.

Consider the high costs of treating alcoholics, smokers and drug addicts, and now also consider that there is an element of choice in all these addictions. It's not too hard to see why the cost of health care is creeping up every year. It sure isn't going down and the numbers of people who continue to choose to abuse themselves doesn't seem to be on the decline either.

"Another area of concern relates to medical inflation," indicated Tunis. There is no way anyone is able to find out what the actual cost of any kind of surgery happens to be. No one will divulge that kind of information for the simple reason that they only know what they are going to bill, when they actually bill it out. Nothing like last minute medical charges being added to a patient's bill.

Many patients have been stunned to get bills that reflect being charged for things like an extra pillow or more dressing for a wound. This boils down to just about every item and service being charged out separately while someone is in the hospital. It's not much wonder that the bills are so high.

If people want lower health care rates, they need to start looking after themselves a whole lot better than they have been. "The healthier Americans are, the less expensive health care will be," added Evan Tunis of Florida Healthcare Insurance.

To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Health Insurance Prices Are Affected by Various Things

There are three things that affect the price of health insurance medical inflation, medical errors and the humans who use the system.

Medical errors, according to statistics, do seem to be going down these days and are now checking in at about the 20% range. "If that is the case, then by doing the math, it will tell us that 80% of the reasons for high health insurance prices are humans neglecting their health care and medical inflation, " said Evan Tunis of Florida Healthcare Insurance.

The statistics came by way of the Department of Health & Human Services' Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. What a shocking set of statistics they released, including the fact that potentially preventable errors during or after surgery may cost close to $1.5 billion a year. That's $1.5 billion a year – a staggering number and one that should make any red-blooded American sit up and take notice.

Imagine what that kind of money could do if diverted into stabilizing the economy or was put back into the health care system. Fixing medical errors is chilling and really, those errors should not have happened in the first place. "This kind of an extra burden placed on an already overburdened system is just asking for trouble," commented Tunis.

If one adds in the human factor to medical errors, as many Americans do not take care of themselves, the health insurance rates will continue to creep up every year with no sign of stopping. "It's interesting to note that if there is a medical error caught, the hospital is obligated to fix the situation," pointed out Tunis. However, they also try to bill the cost of fixing their error to an insurance company. Just how that is supposed to work is anyone's best guess.

Death or injuries as a result of medical errors really isn't a new problem. It seems to have been with us since the advent of hospitals. The problem is that not much seems to be done about it. Sure the health care system is way overtaxed with trying to care for everyone using it, and errors are inevitable. However, the fact that over 300,000 people a year lose their lives due to medical errors makes one stop cold," added Evan Tunis of Florida Healthcare Insurance.

To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

Are You Preferred or Not?

If you're surfing for online insurance quotes be aware that many times the rates shown on an insurance site are for "preferred" customers.

If you happen to be in the market for health insurance, you might want to take the time to check out several sites and get some decent quotes you can compare side by side. It's important to call more than just one health insurance agent for information as well, as each agent works with different carriers, and they may be able to find you different deals. Always make it a point to ask questions, even though you may have found information on the Internet.

It's just a fact of life that all insurance sites can't have everything on them that you would need to know to choose an insurance plan to suit you; there's just too much information. So, be careful when you are checking online quotes and ask the health insurance agent if what you read on their website is the "preferred" rate. If you happen to have any pre-existing conditions, this may immediately dash your hopes of the preferred rate.

Health insurance rates are predicated on your health history and if you have for instance, asthma, you may need to be put into a different category than the one you see quoted online. Just about everyone one has "something," and it's just another given in life. So, don't check out quotes expecting to get what is quoted online if you have various conditions.

To better increase your chances of getting the type of insurance you need and plans that are suited to you individually, it's best to speak to a local insurance agent. They know all their carriers. They know the ins and outs of the system, not to mention the local hospitals, the service they provide, and the local doctors.

This is invaluable information and you can only get it by dealing locally. If you deal with someone four states away from you, they have no idea what you really need in your particular area, and even less of an idea what the local hospitals and doctors are all about. It's that simple; local health insurance agents know their stuff and they are happy to share it with you.

Evan Tunis is with FloridaHealthcareInsurance.com, the leading provider of Florida health insurance quotes. To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.

The Phone Beef with Your Health Insurance Company

If you do happen to have a bone to pick with your health insurance company, you are definitely not alone.

Ever notice that when you are dealing with a larger health insurance company and have a complaint (or question) that you spend what seems like hours on the phone getting the run around from department to department? Then, when you get off the phone after talking to several people, you're not really sure what they said – if they indeed said anything at all that helped you with your problem.

Dealing with large online insurance companies who don't happen to be in your area can be a total nightmare, and is just one more reason why dealing locally will improve your relations with your health insurance broker and the companies s/he represents. Those larger online behemoths that happen to be in other states can't help you deal with a local doctor's denied claim, for the very simple reason that they don't know the doctor. Frankly, they hardly know you either.

Stay local and talk to local insurance agents. They know information that can make your life much easier and are able to provide you with quotes that are tailor made for your circumstances. This is much better than getting a general insurance package from a large no-name broker who has no idea what exists in your area. This isn't to say that general packages might not be suitable to some individuals, however, in most cases, local insurance agents make sure their customers have their needs met specifically, with no song and dance or run around.

Insurance agents advice comes free and if you don't want to buy a policy from them – so be it. They are not there to "sell " you something; they are there to make sure you get what you need. If they sold people something that didn't work, you can bet they would not have too many happy customers. If you want to know if your agent has a good "rep," just check how long they've been in business. They longer their history, the better the chances are that they know what they are doing, and will also stand behind you in the event of an insurance dispute.

Evan Tunis is with FloridaHealthcareInsurance.com, the leading provider of Florida health insurance quotes. To learn more about Florida health insurance, Florida health insurance quotes, Florida life insurance, Florida life insurance quotes, Florida group health insurance visit Floridahealthcareinsurance.com.