The Limits of “Cheap”

Cheap is great. If you know what you’re buying – a book, a watch, a case of soda, some batteries, even a car — and you find it for sale someplace at a much lower price; good for you. But what if you don’t really know what you’re buying? Would you buy cheap frozen steaks from a telemarketer? Probably not.

Without a recognizable brand name standing behind a product, it can be difficult to know the value of “cheap.” After all, no product could be considered cheap at any price if its value to the buyer is $0.

Health insurance is one of those products for which price and value can be confusing. Policyholders pay a relatively small premium in exchange for the company’s commitment to cover any large claims that may arise in the future. You’re essentially buying a promise, and that promise is only as good as the company’s ability to stand behind it. Is it financially stable enough to pay on claims? Are its policies riddled with loopholes allowing it to avoid larger payouts? This is where it becomes important to know the brand you’re buying into.

There are consumer watchdog companies such as AM Best that rate the financial stability of insurance companies. For A.M. Best to consider an company financially secure, they must have a minimum rating of B+.

Another consumer advocacy group that reports on insurance companies is the Better Business Bureau. The BBB is, among other things, a place where consumers can voice complaints against a variety of companies. Before you purchase a cheap health insurance plan, you may consider researching the BBB website to determine if other consumers have filed complaints against the company for issues such as non-payment of claims.

So when it comes to health insurance, make it a point to look beyond the cheapest plan. Consider your and your family's needs and look for a plan that you can rely on to meet those needs. And remember, you can always make any policy more affordable by taking a higher deductible.

InsureMeOnline.com is ready to help. We have everything you need to get dozens of free health insurance quotes, to check the financial ratings of the health insurance carriers as well as feedback from their policyholders, and to help you separate the unrealistic and undesirable from the affordable and reliable. Let’s get started.