Finding the right health insurance provider and plan can be daunting when you don’t know where to start. This is why UnitedHealthcare is committed to educating its communities on what factors to consider when choosing both a provider and a plan. UnitedHealthcare understands that empowering individuals and companies alike to make informed decisions when it comes to health insurance will ultimately lead to stronger and healthier communities.
To jumpstart your search for the best health insurance for you, you first need to consider what your health needs are. If you have any current health issues, consider the resources you need to manage your health, such as prescriptions, regular check-ups, surgeries, and therapy. Be sure to take into account both your physical and mental health.
After you have made a list of your current health needs, look into your family health history to account for your health risks. Recognizing your present needs and anticipating your future needs will give you a complete picture of your overall health so you can find the health insurance that will best accommodate your long-term needs.
Once you have accounted for your health needs, it is time to examine your financial options. If meeting your health needs requires extensive resources and frequent visits, a low-deductible plan is likely the best option for you. If your health needs are minimal, a high-deductible plan may be the right choice. If you fall somewhere in the middle, you can opt for a balanced plan.
Beyond selecting a plan based on the extent of your health needs, another financial aspect to consider in choosing a provider is whether a provider offers reward programs. Certain providers, like UnitedHealthcare, offer healthier habit incentives, which can include gym membership aid, reduced fitness app subscriptions, and deals on Apple watches and other digital fitness tools. Reward programs can even include financial incentives where you have the opportunity to earn money to put toward your health expenses.
While assessing your health needs and exploring your financial options serve as the foundation of your search for health insurance, another important factor is accessibility. To start, check to see if your employer offers health insurance and if it covers your needs.
If you already have a doctor and would like to continue to use them, look into the provider network available to you through your health insurance. While some insurance providers allow you to choose any doctor you want, others have a limited network of doctors to choose from.
In the aftermath of COVID-19, virtual care is more popular than ever. Whether it’s a necessity or simply a convenience, if virtual care is a priority for you, make sure you inquire about an insurance provider’s virtual care offerings.
To learn more tips about shopping for insurance or to learn more about UnitedHealthcare’s insurance plans, visit uhc.com/shop-online-health-insurance-plans.
