Health Insurance is one of the most accessible types of insurance. Employees have the advantage of being provided for by their employees with the choice of taking dependents under them. Although there is a provision of health care insurance for most middle class workers and individuals and their families, the rate of insured in health plans are at an uncertain level.

For private and personal insurance providers around the globe, it is not a normal market share. Westhill Insurance Consulting, one of the internet’s oldest insurance information sites, compared health care insurance ratio in certain companies in different parts of the globe. Bermuda, one of the world’s top ranking countries to provide quality insurance faired better than the status of insured in Westhill’s main branch in Massachusetts. In Asia, Singapore is at its highest peak compared to insurance of other providers in developing cities like Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Jakarta, Indonesia.

According to reviews, the United States is lagging behind. If this continues, developing countries depending on the innovations and adaptation from the West can be put into jeopardy. The worldwide issue which causes market fluctuations among private health insurance providers is the rate of medical errors. These errors may have been prevented if legitimate and specialized physicians are being provided for. Instead, most doctors listed under insurance are those consisting general medical practice. For better quality physician and equipment used, an individual has to avail a more expensive premium.

The rising cost of insurance is putting trauma to clients. In response, they take services from fraudulent insurance providers who offers cheaper premium only to discover later that they get scammed.

Such problems require better innovations and technological advancement, a reform on the system or at least, a consideration for the choice of specialist. Innovative solutions involves every aspect of health care—its delivery to consumers, its technology, and its business models. Indeed, a great deal of money has been spent on the search for solutions, a few has been addressed.

The fluctuation in the market poses superior threat to many insurance companies. Many analysts are convinced that the change in the process and the overall method is the solution for the fluctuation. A revamp of the system to integrate technology, new equipment and more qualified physicians can help stabilize the increase of insured clients in private health providers. Unless this problem be controlled and put attention to, fluctuation will continue to dominate the market.

As we grow older, our responsibilities add up. Having a health insurance should be one of the priorities that we should think of. By the time you are old enough to fend for yourself, you are then required to get an insurance. However, many young adults are still confused on its importance.

1. It may be Illegal

When you are living in the United States, Affordable Care Act (ACA) compels you to purchase insurance. Going without insurance for three months would force you to pay a penalty of $325 or 2% of your monthly income, whichever is higher. In developing countries, uninsured individuals have the option to purchase from private companies but laws are already drafted for completion. In cities like Jakarta, Indonesia and Bangkok, Thailand, more than half of their unemployed population goes uninsured.

2. If you are a full-time employee, your employer should provide you with insurance

Most companies require employees work for set period before benefits can be provided. It usually takes 3-6 months in a probationary period before regularization, by which insurance is given. It is in any law in any states and government to mandate to every employer to provide employee benefits.

3. Your parents may still be able to cover you

Individuals under the age of 26 can still be listed under their parents’ coverage. They can still cover even a modest premium cost.

4. You can do it alone

If you are not insured under your parents’ plan or purchasing insurance under your employer is not an option, you have the choice to purchase your own insurance from trusted private companies. If you are buying online, just make sure you are dealing with a legitimate company as there are a lot of scammers operating in the net. If you are looking for a sound advice, you can ask from consulting companies. Westhill Insurance Consulting is one of the longest running catalysts in insurance consulting and the staff can definitely guide you in buying from the best.

5. Know the Difference between HMO and PPO

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMO) and Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) are two different typed of health insurance. HMOs have lower premiums than PPO as its coverage is more limited. Doctors in HMO have to be in-network while in PPO, in-networks are more flexible and you have the option to see doctors outside of your coverage with extra coverage. Review the type you are insured into and make sure you know your coverage.

Expatriates may find it hard to avail of health insurance when they are in a foreign place. The system varies from that of your own nation and customs of availing is a far cry especially in developing nations.

Luckily, developing countries like Indonesia and Thailand are starting to expand its insurance’s scope to a more international level, catering to both local and foreign individuals.

Companies operating in Jakarta, Indonesia, for instance, realize the importance of a comprehensive medical plan to cover sickness and accidents that happen to the staff that they hire.

Westhill Insurance Consulting is also aware of the struggles faced by expatriates when it comes to getting insurance. What preparations do you do then?

1. Find out before you come

The company who hired you and the person you are working for should provide medical insurance for you and your family members just as they do with local folks. Ask for details from your employer to ensure that your policy will adequate cover your family members for sickness, accidents or emergencies, on home leave and when you are visiting other countries for work-related purposes.

If you are joining a new company, remember that they may never love you more than when you first join. Do not rely on promises that medical insurance coverage will be sorted out when you arrive. It could be the case that what the company considers ideal coverage may not meet your expectations. Be sure before you arrive that you understand what medical coverage your company provides for regular medical concerns, major medical situations such as surgery or deliveries, and medical evacuation both inter- and internationally.

A little warning, if you are in a country like Indonesia, for instance, being a foreigner is more likely to be scammed than locals since your lack of knowledge of the customs would be obvious. Make sure you don’t fall into fraudulent acts.

2. Know if there are Medical Evacuations

Medical evacuations are a big factor in medical coverage, as the quality of medical service available in outlying areas in Indonesia will be quite poor. In such areas, emergency medical evacuation (medevac) to a large city or a neighboring country is considered essential.

3. Options in medical insurance coverage

As an example, international medical insurance plans from the U.K. include emergency medical evacuation with the possible addition of major outpatient services to cover everything but minor outpatient claims, which are often excluded to keep costs down. Therefore, outpatient claims are typically subject to a deductible related to the illness.

A patient may have several doctor and specialist visits plus prescribed medicine for one particular bout of sickness and still be subject to only one deductible amount. A point worth noting is that a person could be undergoing outpatient treatment related to a very serious illness, which would not be covered under a local clinic scheme.