Tips for Before & After you Buy North Carolina Health Insurance

Health Insurance Tips Before and After Your Purchase

For All Types of Health Insurance:

• Make sure all claim forms are filled out promptly, completely and accurately.
• READ YOUR POLICY and keep it in a safe and secure place.
• Ask questions.

For Individual Insurance:

• Shop around. Compare plans from more than one company. Do not feel pressured to make a quick decision.
• Verify that the agent and company you choose to do business with are licensed in North Carolina.
• DO NOT PAY CASH. When you purchase a policy, make your check or money order payable to the insurance company, NOT THE AGENT. Be sure to get a receipt.
• Make sure you fully understand any policy you are considering and that you are comfortable with the company, agent and product.
• Do not sign an insurance application until you review it carefully to be sure all the answers are complete and accurate.
• Keep in mind that you have a minimum 10-day "free look" period. If you cancel during the free look period, the company must return your premium without penalty.

Disclosure

• North Carolina law requires all insurance companies to clearly and truthfully disclose the following information in their marketing materials and all health insurance policies:
• A clear description of health insurance benefits.
• A complete list of items and services that the health care plan does not cover (exclusions and limitations).
• An explanation of how the insurance company will calculate its own claim cost (share of a claim) and your share, including an example of how they make that calculation.
• Length of time you must wait in order to receive benefits if the policy contains preexisting health conditions limitations.
• Renewal terms and provisions.
• Premium rate terms and provisions.