Kids and Health Care: Choosing the Right Doctor...and Plan Conclusion

Choosing the right doctor is critical to the overall health of your children. Hopefully this chapter gave you some tips to making that decision. Insurance company representatives might be able to assist you as well...assuming you've found a plan.

Remember to check with your state's insurance department to see if there have been a lot of complaints about the insurance companies you're considering.

There are agents and companies whose lack of professionalism and ethics can cost consumers dearly. But there are also ways for you to protect yourself. If someone calls you claiming to have been authorized by the government to review your existing insurance program, don't agree to an appointment.

Anyone who tells you that he or she is a counselor or adviser for any association, may in fact just be a licensed insurance agent trying to sell you a supplement insurance policy. Ask for credentials, the licenses they hold, and what kinds of products they are authorized to sell. A business card is not a license. To the extent an insurance rep can offer advice about doctors, make sure you've done your own homework and considered other sources for doctor referrals. You don't want to end up with a doctor only your insurance company likes. This can mean poor care.

Never let an agent talk you into signing any form, application or document in blank. When you are buying a policy, never pay your policy premium in cash or make out a check to the agent's personal account. The agent should make it clear that you have the option of paying your premiums directly to the insurance company.

As with all insurance policies, it pays to compare the costs of similar policies available from different insurers.