Cracking the Code: Health Insurance Jargon Made Easy
Health insurance jargon can be seriously confusing. It’s like they’re speaking a whole other language, right? If you’re trying to get your head around your policy or just starting to look into health insurance, don’t worry—Switch Health have got you covered. Here’s a simple guide to help you make sense of the most common health insurance terms.
Premium
First up, we’ve got the premium. This is just a fancy word for the amount you pay every month to keep your health insurance active. Think of it like a subscription fee for your favourite streaming service, but for your health.
Deductible/Excess
Next is the deductible. This is the amount you need to pay out of your own pocket for medical services before your insurance starts helping out. For example, if your deductible is £500, you’ll need to pay that much on your own before your insurance kicks in.
Co-payment (or Co-pay)
A co-pay is a fixed amount you pay for certain services, like a visit to your GP or a prescription. So, if your co-pay is £20, that’s what you’ll pay each time you go to the doctor.
Coinsurance
After you’ve paid your deductible, you might still need to pay a percentage of the costs for medical care. This is called coinsurance. If your coinsurance is 20% and you have a £100 medical bill, you pay £20, and your insurance covers the other £80. This Usually only applies to International Policies.
Out-of-Pocket Maximum
This is the most you’ll have to pay for covered services in a year. Once you hit this limit, your insurance takes over and pays 100% of your covered benefits. This includes your deductible, co-pays, and coinsurance.
Network
Your insurance company has a network of healthcare providers and facilities they work with. Staying “in-network” usually means lower costs. Going “out-of-network” can mean higher costs or no coverage at all.
Preauthorisation (or Prior Authorisation)
Some plans require you to get approval from them before you get certain types of care. This is called preauthorisation. It’s their way of making sure the care you’re getting is necessary and cost-effective.
Formulary
This is just a list of medications that your insurance plan covers. Always check if your prescriptions are on this list—it can save you a lot of money.
Claim
A claim is a request for payment that you or your healthcare provider sends to your insurance company after you receive services. If all goes well, the insurance company pays their part, and you get billed for the rest.
Exclusions
These are services or treatments that your insurance plan doesn’t cover. It’s good to know what’s excluded to avoid any surprise costs.
Rider
A rider is an add-on to your policy for extra benefits or coverage. For example, you might add a maternity rider if you’re planning to start a family.
Annual Limit
This is the maximum amount your insurance will pay for your care in a year. If your bills go over this limit, you’ll have to cover the rest.
Lifetime Limit
Some plans have a cap on how much they’ll pay over your lifetime. Many plans don’t have these anymore, but it’s good to be aware of just in case.
Understanding these terms can help you navigate your health insurance plan with confidence. Health insurance doesn’t have to be a mystery!
If you have more questions or need assistance finding the right plan, contact the Switch Health team. They’re here to help!
