Moneyadviceblog » Insurance » Health Insurance: Understanding How It Works

For your health needs, subscribing to a health insurance is always recommended, if not mandatory. Depending on the type of care you wish to receive, you may be able to take out a supplementary health insurance policy in addition to the basic insurance contract.

The Importance of a Health Insurance

In terms of health, people are automatically covered by the social security system for various treatments in some countries. Generally, this coverage allows access to medical care in case of illness, follow-up during maternity, assistance during a period of disability, etc. However, to benefit from wider coverage, it is in your interest to subscribe to a complementary health insurance. Although social security covers a percentage of treatment costs, you may have additional expenses, which can be costly.

The Basic Coverage of a Complementary Health Insurance

Anyone wishing to have supplementary health insurance can purchase it individually to cover their needs and those of their family. To do so, they simply have to go to an insurance company. However, in the case of employees, whose subscription to complementary health insurance is compulsory, the company generally takes care of the contract.

In general, the guarantees depend on the coverage you or your employer have chosen. However, some expenses are automatically covered, namely

– medical consultations, whether with a general practitioner or a specialist

– the cost of medication-related to the consultation

– analysis and medical imaging costs (X-rays, ultrasound, etc.)

– hospitalization fees

– dental expenses, including prostheses

– optical expenses, whether for a consultation or for the purchase of glasses

Additional Levels of Coverage

In addition to the basic coverage that gives you access to minimum care services, you can extend your coverage to more extensive contracts. This allows you to benefit from higher reimbursements, especially if you want a specific care service (such as contact lenses instead of glasses or alternative medicine as a treatment procedure).

Supplemental coverage can also provide you with contingency benefits. This means that the insurance will be able to compensate you in the event of disability. This is a daily payment made by the company for a while, usually not exceeding one year. In some cases, you can also benefit from assistance to help you in your daily life, knowing that the benefit includes a housekeeper, child care, etc.

In any case, it is advisable to adapt your contract to your needs and your budget. As you should know, additional coverage also means additional costs.

Coverage Exclusions

Exclusions from coverage refer to reimbursements that the insurance company does not make. Exclusions are usually stated in the policy, but in some cases, the insurance company may refuse to pay you money because of misconduct. This is particularly the case if you voluntarily put yourself in danger during a fight by driving drunk or attempting to commit suicide.

Subscribing to a Complementary Health Insurance

To subscribe to a complementary health insurance, you must first find a company. To do this, consult the comparators to get different quotes. Otherwise, you can go directly to the insurance company of your choice.

To apply, you will need to provide your identity, social security number, and bank account number. Before signing any contract, check all the essential points, such as the rate and time of reimbursement, the various benefits, and exclusions, etc. However, if your needs change over time, you have the option of requesting a contract review to add or remove benefits.