Can I Find Affordable Health Insurance in the City?

Can I Find Affordable Health Insurance in the City? in Individual Health Insurance

We recently collaborated with the Chicago Sun-Times for an article that showed health insurance rates actually vary by Zip code. Using our instant health insurance quoting technology, we saw that residents living in the city of Chicago pay a bit more than those in the suburban areas.

But after reading the article, you might wonder: Does this mean it’s impossible for city-dwellers to find affordable health insurance?

Well, thankfully, no. It’s possible to find a plan that fits just about any budget — even if you reside within the city limits.

Okay then. How, you ask?

First, it always pays to compare plans from a few different companies. As the article reported, we know that rates can vary by carrier, so if you’re looking to trim as much off your monthly bill as possible, shop around a bit.

Another major factor that determines your premiums, besides your health history, is your deducible. The key here is to find the perfect premium/deductible combination, so you can minimize your premiums and your out-of-pocket costs at the same time.

Typically, if you hover around the $1,000 to $2,500 deductible range, you can get the best value for your health care dollar. Most plans give you the option to choose a deductible from a menu of options. Just make sure whichever deductible you choose you realistically afford just in case you experienced a medical emergency.

Also, it’s vital to assess which benefits you need. For example, if you rarely visit the doctor, you can find a plan that limits the number of routine visits, which in effect lowers your premiums. And if you’re not picky on which doctors or hospitals you visit, health insurance plans with smaller provider networks have more affordable price tags.

Oh yeah, one more thing — quit smoking.

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