California Health Insurance - Affordable Health Insurance Quotes in California

Indemnity Policies (Traditional Fee-for-Service Insurance)


Most indemnity policies allow you to choose any doctor and hospital that you wish when seeking health care services. The hallmark of traditional fee-for-service insurance is choice. You are given the choice of what provider to visit when seeking covered medical services with few geographic limitations. When purchasing an indemnity policy, you may often have a deductible. The deductible is the amount you are required to pay before policy benefits are provided. You may have a choice in the amount of your deductible. Once the deductible has been paid, the remaining charges are reimbursed to you at a specified percentage according to the policy contract. The difference between eligible charges and the percentage paid is called a "co-payment," and is normally your responsibility. The policy or an employee benefit booklet (if your indemnity policy is group coverage) will spell out the terms and conditions of what is covered and what is not covered. Read your policy or benefit booklet before you need health care services and ask your health insurance agent, insurance company, or employer to explain anything that is unclear.

The California Department of Insurance (CDI) regulates indemnity policies. If you have an individual or group health insurance policy that is a traditional fee-for-service policy issued by a CDI licensed health insurance company, then you may contact the CDI for assistance. Since jurisdiction is divided between state and federal agencies, it can be confusing to determine who regulates your health care coverage. The CDI is always available to assist consumers with health care questions or to direct consumers to the correct agency for assistance. Please see the last page of this brochure for the many ways you can contact the CDI.Important Points to Remember About

Indemnity Policies:

  • You have the freedom to choose your doctor, specialist, or hospital with few limitations.
  • Your options are seldom if ever limited by geographic restrictions.
  • You may be responsible for paying a deductible before covered medical benefits are reimbursable.
  • You may be required to pay a co-payment for covered medical services.
  • You can seek assistance from the CDI for questions regarding any indemnity policy issued by an insurance company admitted in California.

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