Basic Definitions

Insurance:
1 a: the business of insuring persons or property
   b: coverage by contract whereby one party undertakes to indemnify or guarantee another against loss by a specified    contingency or peril
   c: the sum for which something is insured
2 a: means of guaranteeing protection or safety

Premium: the consideration paid for a contract of insurance

Deductible: a clause in an insurance policy that relieves the insurer of responsibility for an initial specified loss of the kind insured against

Out-of-Pocket Maximum 2: Your share of medical expenses which are covered by this insurance plan is called coinsurance. Your out of pocket maximum is the highest total amount of coinsurance you will have to pay during a benefit period.

Carrier: an organization acting as an insurer

Provider: a health-care provider (such as a doctor or hospital)

Pre-existing Condition 3 : A condition that you do not reveal or misrepresent on the application, and for which symptoms existed before the effective date of coverage under the policy that would cause a reasonable person to seek diagnosis, care or treatment, or for which medical advice, treatment, or diagnosis was received or recommended by a doctor. For example, you hurt your knee playing football a couple years ago and had to have surgery. When you sign up for a new health plan, you'll have to list your knee injury as a pre-existing condition.

Frequently Asked Questions

What if I have been declined for insurance before?
Please share this with one of our agents before we submit your next application.  This information eases the agent’s ability to pair you with a company that will better fit your medical and budgetary needs. 

What if I had a recent illness or injury?
Many insurance companies will still cover a new applicant even with a recent illness or injury if they have been resolved with no further treatment needed.  Some companies may not cover any related complications if they are not aware of the situation before approval.

Does every plan cover maternity?
No.  However, we do offer many plans that may have maternity added to the coverage.  This can be discussed with one of our agents to better serve your needs.

Will my policy bind me to an annual contract?
No.  For every month you pay for your insurance you will have coverage.  Should you stop paying, the coverage will end.  Thus, if you are unhappy with the performance of your carrier for any reason we can shop for a new one that will better meet your needs.

^1. As defined in Merriam-Webster Dictionary 2007.
^2. As defined by Blue Cross Blue Shield glossary on www.bcbssc.com as of 2/2007.
^3. As defined by Blue Cross Blue Shield Summary of Personal BluePlans 12129M (10/06).