10 Things You Need To Know Before Paying For Health Insurance

You know that feeling when you have a job, but the next day it feels like your muscles are broken and you just can't do it? Or having just enough money to visit the hospital after waking up feverish on a Monday morning, let alone paying for care?

It's OK. You are not alone.

But what if there was a way to get back on your feet? To feel like yourself again without having to go through the whole process again? To walk into any hospital and get treatment even when you don't currently have any money on you? That is where health insurance comes in. It is an important part of your life and a financial necessity for most people. But before you sign up for any plans, there are some things you should know.

1. Health insurance is not just about getting sick. It is also about getting healthy! If you don't have health insurance, then how will you pay for all those doctor visits, prescription drugs, and hospital stays? Will your plan cover them or will they be out of pocket?

2. There are many different types of health insurance plans available in Nigeria today. The government-backed National Healthcare Insurance Scheme (NHIS), the Vital Contributors Social Health Insurance Programme (VCSHIP), and private healthcare HMO providers like AXA Mansard Health.

3. Carry out adequate research into the insuring company. Find out information like how long they have been in existence and the exact details of their healthcare plans. You don't want to be that person who's happy about a low premium only to get to the hospital and get turned back because the insurer has owed them for months. You should also find out how long it takes to resolve claim disputes.

4. The more expensive your health plan is, the better it is. It has to cover what you need it to cover, and it has to be affordable for everyone else who has coverage through their job.

5. If you want affordable coverage and don't want to be stuck with high out-of-pocket costs, look into AXA Mansard's plans! They offer flexible health plans that are all designed to fit your specific needs. You get access to quality healthcare and superior service delivery in carefully selected hospitals across Nigeria. 

6. If you are married, it’s good to get health insurance plan that covers maternity expenses immediately. This is important because many insurers exclude maternity coverage until several months after the baby is born—which can lead to financial stress if something goes wrong during that time.

7. Look at what kind of service provider is available in your area. There are different types of providers—from hospitals and emergency rooms to specialists who deal with specific illnesses or conditions. You might find that one type of provider offers better coverage than others.

8. Find out how much you'll pay for your health insurance. If you're going to get a plan through your employer, check what HMO plan you are offered and if you can increase the coverage based on your special needs. Some healthcare plans are flexible and allow you to add more benefits for an extra fee, while others don’t allow you.

9. If you have a pre-existing condition, you'll want to see what kind of coverage is available and how much it costs before signing up for any type of plan that might require expensive medical care in the future.

10. Almost all plans cover some services at no cost, but not others. Some plans cover dental care, visits to the optometrist, gyms, physical therapy, or other special services. Others cover routine examinations like immunizations, mammograms, liver, and kidney function tests, etc. Check what your plan covers before signing up! 

Bottom Line

Now that you know the things to be aware of before paying for health insurance, why wait? Visit AXA Mansard to get a suitable health insurance plan in a few taps. Our flexible plans give you access to quality healthcare including cover for hospital visits, surgeries, medications, gyms, eyecare, antenatal, lab tests etc.