Are you looking to buy health insurance and not sure where to start? Choosing the right health care plan depends on many things.
What should I consider when choosing a health plan?
While a lot can go into choosing a health plan, these five quick check points are a good starting place.
| What to Consider | What it Means | How to Decide |
|---|---|---|
| Deductible | The amount you pay before your health plan covers costs for medical services. | If you're likely to have surgery or a lot of medical care expenses, you may want a lower deductible, which is the amount you pay before your health plan covers costs. |
| Network | The hospitals, health care providers and labs that Cigna has negotiated lower rates with to provide health care services. | Determine if your doctor is in the plan's network. |
| Providers | Your doctors - both primary care and specialists. | You may want to choose a plan where your provider is in-network to avoid extra costs. |
| Prescriptions | Any medications you take that have been prescribed by your doctor. | Different plans may have different copays or coinsurance for covered prescriptions. Review the plan to understand how your prescriptions are covered. |
| Value-added Benefits | Any additional things your health plan provides for you, such as access to mobile apps, or discounts. | While you may not choose a plan for the additional benefits, it's nice to know if your plan includes 24/7 customer service or discount programs. |
Questions to ask before you choose a health plan.
- How often do you or your family need medical care?
- Many medical costs are covered by you until you reach your deductible. If you anticipate a lot of medical care, you may want a lower deductible. But, plans with lower deductibles generally have a higher monthly premium.
- Do you have any planned surgeries?
- These large expenses are something that you should consider when you are choosing your plan.
- Do you have a doctor you regularly see?
- If you do, make sure that doctor is in-network for the plan you choose.
- What prescriptions do you or your family need? How often do you need them?
- Check your plan's prescription drug list for the prescriptions you take often
What other benefits should I consider?
When you're comparing health plans, look for useful tools and services that may come at no additional cost and help you save time and money, and support your health.
- Websites and mobile apps
- 24/7 customer service teams
- A health information phone line for help finding answers to your medical questions
- Discount programs to help save on health and wellness products and services