What Is Private Health Insurance?
Health insurance is a safety net for you and your family. It offers essential health benefits, reducing the out-of-pocket costs you might pay for routine medical care, major interventions, and chronic care management.
In the U.S., there are two types of health insurance: public and private. Public health insurance plans cover about 36.1% of people, while 65.6% are under a private plan. However, they offer similar types of coverage, such as private health insurance, which can give you access to higher-quality care.
If you are switching from a government-run insurance program or choosing insurance for the first time, knowing what private health insurance plans are available and how they differ from public ones can help you make the right choice.
Differences Between Private and Public Plans
Comparing standard health insurance features between private and public plans can help you understand the differences between these policies. Here’s a closer look at how these plans differ regarding coverage options, cost, and flexibility:
What Coverage Options Are Available?
Private Health Insurance: Offers a variety of plans with different levels of coverage, allowing for more personalized options.
Public Health Insurance: Government plans like Medicare Advantage Plans or those available through the government marketplace per the Affordable Care Act often provide standardized coverage, with less flexibility in choosing providers and services.
How Does the Cost Compare?
Private Health Insurance: Premiums and out-of-pocket costs vary based on the plan, coverage level, and your health status.
Public Health Insurance: Typically has lower or no premiums and reduced out-of-pocket costs for eligible individuals.
When is Open Enrollment?
Private Health Insurance: You can typically buy private health insurance anytime you have a qualifying life event, such as a change of job, marriage, or birth of a child.
Public Health Insurance: Enrollment periods may be more restricted, with specific enrollment times or based on qualifying life events or conditions.
How Does the Choice of Healthcare Providers and Services Vary?
Private Health Insurance: Often, it provides more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers and services, potentially including access to a broader network of specialists.
Public Health Insurance: There may be more limited choices in healthcare providers and services, with managed care through a primary provider.
Types of Private Health Insurance
There are several types of private health insurance on the market. These typically include:
Family health insurance. Provides coverage for all family members under a single plan, making it convenient for households to manage their healthcare needs together.
Employer-sponsored health insurance. A specific type of group health insurance plan where the employer offers health coverage to employees, often sharing the cost of premiums as part of the employment benefits package.
Job-specific plans. This private insurance is tailored to meet the unique needs of certain professions. It can include affordable private health insurance plans for those in non-standard professions like travel nurses who require coverage in multiple states or truckers needing nationwide access.
Short-term health insurance. Designed to provide temporary coverage during gaps in insurance, such as between jobs or outside of enrollment periods, with the flexibility to start and stop coverage as needed.
How to Find the Right Private Health Insurance Plan for You
When searching for the right plan, consider the coverages you need and how much you can afford. A representative from United National Healthcare can guide you through buying private health insurance and answer any questions you may have about the following:
Basics coverages. Ask about the plan’s basic coverage for essential medical services like doctor visits and whether dental and vision care are included or available as add-ons.
Mental health and telehealth services. Check if the health insurance includes adequate coverage for mental health services and offers telehealth options for remote consultations.
Maternity care coverage. If you are planning to start or expand your family, ensure that maternity care is covered, including prenatal visits, childbirth and postnatal care.
Deductible amounts. A deductible is what you pay before your health insurance starts to cover its share. Understand your plan’s deductible and how it might affect the monthly health insurance premium price.
Flexibility and portability of the plan. Consider how the plan suits your lifestyle, especially if you travel often or might move. Ensure you can access quality health insurance near you across different locations without compromising coverage quality.
Get Affordable Private Health Insurance Coverage With United National Healthcare
If you’re looking for affordable, tailored private health insurance coverage, consider United National Healthcare private insurance plans. We offer personalized, high-quality care that aligns with your needs, providing coverage for families, short-term policies and specialized plans for coffee shops, truckers and travel nurses.
As part of our global family, you’ll experience attentive, inclusive healthcare designed for everyone. Contact us today and discover how we can achieve a healthier tomorrow together.
