Individual Health Insurance

What is considered Individual Health Insurance?

Individual Health Insurance is that coverage that individuals purchase independently. This form of coverage is regulated and controlled by each state separately.

Purchasing individual health insurance is done through licensed health insurance agents or brokers, and is offered by a wide range of carriers.

Individual coverage is quite different than group coverage which is most likely to be offered by most employers. Benefits are often times less extensive and do not necessarily provide coverage for services such as maternity, substance abuse, or mental health.

Premiums for individual coverage often times are a great deal higher than group coverage due to risk variables.

Individuals are asked to provide health information and health history about themselves and family members that will be included in the policy. Additional information can also be requested from the applicant's physician.

Pre-existing conditions, high blood pressure, smoking, age, and gender, along with previous health history can often times all be a factor in assessing the applicant's health status, and thus the premium is determined based on this information.