INSURANCE GUIDE

HOW TO FIND AFFORDABLE
HEALTH INSURANCE?

Download guide
Left arrow icon.

Finding an affordable health insurance plan while keeping your wallet happy is something HealthBird’s AI can help you achieve easily and quickly.

Here are five tips to getting the most cost-friendly coverage:

  • Compare prices like a savvy shopper: Explore different health insurance plans and compare their prices. HealthBird can help you look for a plan that offers a good balance between cost and coverage based on your needs, those of your family, and other personal factors.
  • Seek discounts and offers: Like when you’re hunting for a bargain, look for deals or subsidies that can lower your premiums. You may qualify for financial assistance based on your income or other factors. HealthBird makes it easy for you to find out your options.
  • Embrace the power of deductibles: Consider a plan with a higher deductible. While it means paying more out of pocket before coverage kicks in, it often leads to lower monthly premiums. HealthBird can help you decide whether a higher deductible plan makes sense in your specific situation.
  • You can also join forces with your employer: If employed, check whether your company offers group health insurance plans. These often come with lower premiums, since your employer chips in.
  • Lean on HealthBird's AI and team of agents: HealthBird can be your trusty shopping companion, utilizing its AI magic to analyze your needs, budget, and preferences. Our trusted agents provide personalized guidance, helping you discover affordable health insurance options tailored just for you.

Remember, the key to finding affordable health insurance is to be a savvy shopper, explore discounts, and leverage the expertise of HealthBird. With all that in mind, let's find an affordable health insurance plan that keeps you and your wallet in tip-top shape!

Family smiling.

Who Should Buy Health Insurance?

Imagine a resource so powerful that it could save you from catastrophic financial peril. That’s what health insurance can do, and with HealthBird’s AI, finding the best coverage is easy.

Health insurance isn't some dusty old document—it's your ticket to financial security and peace of mind. It ensures you won't have to choose between your health and your life savings when life throws you a medical curveball. Without the protective wings of health insurance, you're sailing into stormy waters. Imagine skipping those vital check-ups, only to discover you've missed the warning signs of a lurking health issue. Yikes!

And don’t forget about the financial whirlpool that awaits the uninsured. A single medical emergency can unleash a tidal wave of bills that could wreak havoc on your bank account.

Health insurance is a crucial investment that all individuals and families should consider purchasing. It provides financial protection and access to essential healthcare services while ensuring peace of mind during uncertain times.

While the decision to buy health insurance ultimately rests with each person, the risks associated with being uninsured are not worth taking. A single medical emergency or a chronic illness can lead to substantial medical debts, potentially causing bankruptcy or a significant drain on savings. Moreover, individuals without coverage may hesitate to seek medical attention, resulting in untreated conditions that can progress and lead to more severe health issues.

To understand the degree of risk associated with being uninsured, consider the below estimates representing the average cost for the ten most common surgeries in the U.S., including hospital fees, surgeon's fees, anesthesia, and related medical expenses:

  • Cesarean Section (C-section): $15,000 - $25,000
  • Knee Replacement Surgery: $35,000 - $50,000
  • Gallbladder Removal (Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy): $10,000 - $20,000
  • Hysterectomy (Removal of the uterus): $10,000 - $20,000
  • Hernia Repair: $8,000 - $15,000
  • Appendectomy (Removal of the appendix): $10,000 - $20,000
  • Hip Replacement Surgery: $30,000 - $50,000
  • Spinal Fusion: $50,000 - $100,000
  • Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) Surgery: $75,000 - $150,000
  • Cataract Surgery: $3,000 - $6,000 per eye

As you can see, health insurance is important because it helps mitigate the high costs of medical care. Medical expenses can quickly escalate without coverage, leading to significant financial burdens. Health insurance typically covers a portion of medical costs, including doctor visits, hospitalization, prescription medications, and preventive services. With insurance, individuals and families can receive the care they need without worrying about excessive bills.

Being uninsured exposes individuals and families to several risks. Without coverage, routine preventive care, such as regular screenings, may be overlooked, leading to undetected health conditions. Early intervention is critical for effective treatment and better health outcomes. Secondly, in the case of an unforeseen illness or injury, lack of insurance can result in delayed or inadequate medical attention. This delay may worsen the condition or lead to complications that could have been prevented if addressed promptly.

AI is here to help you steer clear of these perils and find the best health coverage by analyzing your needs, reviewing all the options, and finding the perfect plan tailored just for you and your family. No more drifting aimlessly in a sea of uncertainty!

Don't risk your health and financial well-being by sailing through life without health insurance. Let HealthBird's AI be your guide, ensuring you and your loved ones flow smoothly into a future where worries about medical costs are a thing of the past.

Buying Health Insurance for an Individual

Imagine you're going on a road trip. You want to ensure you have everything you need, so you do your research and make a list of things to pack.

The same goes for finding health care coverage: You need to do some research and make a list of important factors to keep in mind before you buy a plan.

Here are some of the things you should consider when shopping for healthcare coverage:

  • Your budget. How much can you afford to spend on health insurance each month?
  • Your health needs. Do you have any pre-existing conditions? What kind of care do you expect to need in the future? Do you take prescription medicines, and how expensive are they?
  • Your lifestyle. Do you travel often? Do you get sick frequently? Or are you generally healthy and lead a healthy lifestyle?
  • Your employer. Does your employer offer health insurance? Many employers provide some form of health insurance, often free and sometimes covering part of your premiums.

Once you've considered these factors, you can start shopping for healthcare coverage. There are a few different ways to do this:

  • Use HealthBird to find your perfect health insurance plan. HealthBird’s AI will delve into all the insurance options, tirelessly comparing plans and deciphering complex jargon. It will explore all possibilities tailored to you, leaving no stone unturned in pursuing the best plan to fit your needs.
  • You can also go through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This is a federal marketplace website where you can compare plans from different insurers. They are not easy to navigate and can be time-consuming, especially compared to HealthBird.
  • You can talk to a broker, but normally they are interested in selling you the coverage that pays them the highest commission and not the policy that suits your needs.
  • You can buy a plan directly from an insurance company. This is the least common way to shop for health coverage because it requires you to research and compare all the options available in your area, a lengthy and difficult process.

Here are some other essential points to research when looking for health insurance:

  • The network of doctors and hospitals included in the plan. Make sure the policy covers your preferred doctors and providers.The plan’s coverage for prescription drugs. If you or any of your family members take prescription medications, make sure the plan covers the ones you need.The insurance company’s customer service reputation. You want to be able to get help if you need it.
  • The plan’s coverage for prescription drugs.
  • If you or any of your family members take prescription medications, make sure the plan covers the ones you need.
  • The insurance company’s customer service reputation.
  • You want to be able to get help if you need it.

No matter how you shop for healthcare coverage, remember to compare available plans carefully. Make sure you understand each plan's terms, including deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums.

Here's where HealthBird comes in handy. HealthBird’s AI is a tool that can help you compare healthcare plans and find the best coverage for your needs. It's easy to use, and it's free.

Finding health insurance as an individual is not always easy, but it's important to do your research and ensure you get the best coverage for your needs. And if you need help figuring out where to start, HealthBird's AI can help.

Here's one way to think about healthcare coverage: it's like a safety net. You have coverage to help pay for your care if you get sick or injured. This can give you peace of mind and help you focus on getting better.

Don't wait. Start shopping for health care coverage today. Your health matters!

How Long Can I Stay on My Parents’ Health Insurance?

As a child or young adult, you can enjoy your parents' healthcare policy until you reach the age of 26, as outlined in the Affordable Care Act (ACA).

The ACA prohibits health insurance companies from denying coverage or charging higher premiums based on age, so you can stay on your parent's plan even if you're no longer listed as their dependent until you turn 26. And in eight states, young people can stay on their parents’ plan beyond the age of 26: Florida, Illinois, Nebraska, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.

But let's say parental coverage is not an option. How do you find the best healthcare policy? That’s where HealthBird comes in. With the HealthBird app or website and in just a few clicks, we will provide you with the best possible options, all selected just for you by our AI.

You should also explore the realm of student healthcare plans. Many academic institutions offer plans tailored to their bright scholars' needs. Private insurance plans and government programs like Medicaid or CHIP might also be worth investigating.

When buying your own coverage, you must first consider your needs. Do you just want regular check-ups and prescriptions? Or are you someone who tends to get sick frequently, or an adventurer eager for coverage to protect you on your daring exploits? Let Healthbird’s AI work its magic and help you identify all your healthcare needs.

Here are some other factors to consider when looking for health insurance.

How to Buy Health Insurance for My Family

Finding a health plan that protects you as well as your loved ones can be a daunting task, but fear not: HealthBird is here to help.

If you're responsible for your family's health insurance, there are a few things you should consider:

  • Your budget. How much can you afford to spend on health insurance each month? Did you qualify for financial aid or subsidies?
  • Your health needs. Do you or any of your family members have any pre-existing conditions, such as diabetes?
  • Your lifestyle and that of your family. Do you travel often? Do you or anyone in your family practice dangerous sports? Do you or anyone in the family smoke, lead a sedentary lifestyle, or are overweight or obese?

What are your insurance options?

Explore different plans. Look into employer-sponsored insurance, as many companies offer coverage for their employees and their families. Alternatively, venture into the realm of private insurance plans or government programs like Medicaid and the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP).

And don’t forget the ACA, also known as the Affordable Care Act. The ACA can bring assistance to families seeking health coverage. It ensures that insurance plans offer essential benefits and prevent discrimination based on pre-existing conditions.

Additionally, the ACA provides subsidies to those with lower incomes to help ease the financial burden of healthcare.

You can spend hours trying to compare plans on your own, or you can use HealthBird to find the perfect coverage in minutes. Here are some other factors to consider when looking for health insurance:

  • The network of doctors and hospitals included in the plan.  Make sure the policy covers your preferred doctors and providers.
  • The plan’s coverage for prescription drugs. If you take prescription medications, make sure the plan covers the ones you need.
  • The insurance company’s customer service reputation.  You want to be able to get help if you need it.

Here are four ways to get coverage:

  • Use HealthBird to find your perfect health insurance plan. HealthBird’s AI will delve into all the insurance options, tirelessly comparing plans and deciphering complex jargon. It will explore all possibilities tailored to you, leaving no stone unturned in pursuing the best plan to fit your needs.
  • You can also go through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This is a federal marketplace website where you can compare plans from different insurers. They are not easy to navigate and can be time-consuming, especially compared to HealthBird.
  • You can talk to a broker, but normally they are interested in selling you the coverage that pays them the highest commission and not the policy that suits your needs.
  • You can buy a plan directly from an insurance company. This is the least common way to shop for health coverage because it requires you to research and compare all the options available in your area, a lengthy and difficult process.

Try out HealthBird to find your perfect policy. Our AI analyzed your family's needs, compares various plans, and can even assist in determining your eligibility for subsidies. It's like having a wise friend by your side, making the experience of shopping for health plans easy, fast, and rewarding.

With HealthBird’s AI as your ally, you'll easily navigate the maze of paperwork and calculations, discovering the best possible coverage for you and your family, finding all the subsidies available to you, and reducing your financial strain so you can receive the care and support you deserve.

Family smiling.

Healthcare Coverage Options for the Self-Employed

If you’re self-employed, finding health insurance might seem complicated or time-consuming. But fear not: HealthBird can help you find the perfect coverage, whether you’re a freelancer or a small business owner.

The health insurance landscape for self-employed individuals can be quite complex. Here’s a quick recap of the options that are available to you:

  • Affordable Care Act coverage: This is the government-run Marketplace where you can compare health insurance plans from different insurers. You may be eligible for subsidies to help you pay for your health insurance premiums if you purchase a plan through the Marketplace, or you can make it even easier by letting HealthBird find the best policy available.
  • Short-term health insurance: This type of insurance typically covers you for a short period, such as three months or 12 months. It is often less expensive than traditional health insurance but may not offer the same level of coverage.
  • Health Savings Account (HSA): This is a type of savings account that you can use to pay for qualified medical expenses. You can contribute money to your HSA tax-free and deduct your contributions from your taxable income. It does not provide coverage, but it is a way to save money.
  • Health reimbursement arrangement (HRA): An employer and a self-employed individual can set up an account to help you pay for qualified medical expenses. The HRA was designed to assist with healthcare expenses and provides over $6,200 in tax savings. This plan allows small business owners the opportunity to deduct up to 100% of health care costs, including individual insurance premiums and qualified out-of-pocket medical expenses. This is another good option regardless of coverage.
  • Direct primary care (DPC): This is a type of medical care in which you pay a monthly fee to a doctor for unlimited access to their services. It can be a good option for self-employed people who want to avoid the high costs of traditional health insurance. But remember, it will only cover doctor visits, so coverage is very limited.

Your best option is getting a traditional health insurance policy under the ACA. When choosing a plan, it is important to consider your budget, health needs, and lifestyle. Instead of spending hours of your time trying to compare plans from different insurers, let HealthBird's AI do the work for you. Our average customer finds their dream policy in under 12 minutes.

And don’t forget, the Affordable Care Act can bring assistance to families seeking health coverage. It ensures that insurance plans offer essential benefits and prevent discrimination based on pre-existing conditions. Additionally, the ACA provides subsidies to those with lower incomes to help ease the financial burden of healthcare.

You can look for health insurance yourself or, better yet, use HealthBird’s AI to find the perfect plan in minutes. Keep in mind the following factors:

  • The network of doctors and hospitals included in the plan. Make sure the policy covers your preferred doctors and providers.
  • The plan’s coverage for prescription drugs. If you take prescription medications, make sure the plan covers the ones you need.The insurance company’s customer service reputation. You want to be able to get help if you need it.
  • The insurance company’s customer service reputation. You want to be able to get help if you need it.

Here are four ways to get coverage:

  • Use HealthBird to find your perfect health insurance plan. HealthBird’s AI will delve into all the insurance options, tirelessly comparing plans and deciphering complex jargon. It will explore all possibilities tailored to you, leaving no stone unturned in pursuing the best plan to fit your needs.
  • You can also go through the Health Insurance Marketplace. This is a federal marketplace website where you can compare plans from different insurers. They are not easy to navigate and can be time-consuming, especially compared to HealthBird.
  • You can talk to a broker, but normally they are interested in selling you the coverage that pays them the highest commission and not the policy that suits your needs.
  • You can buy a plan directly from an insurance company. This is the least common way to shop for health coverage because it requires you to research and compare all the options available in your area, a lengthy and difficult process.

Here are four ways to Let HealthBird guide you on your quest for the perfect policy. HealthBird’s AI can analyze your family's needs, compare various plans, and even determine your eligibility for subsidies.

With HealthBird’s AI, you'll easily navigate the maze of paperwork and calculations, discovering the best possible coverage for you and your family. You’ll unveil the highest subsidies available, reduce your financial strain, and ensure you receive the care and support you deserve.

Top arrow icon.