How to Get Health Insurance for Freelancer
Reader’s Question:
I quit my job and dropped my health insurance policy in Bellevue WA which was under my employer’s group coverage in Washington. What can I do to get health protection? I am now a freelance writer.
Ramsey
Bellevue, WA
Good question, Ramsey.
You are now officially on of the numbers who’ll be shopping for health insurance in what we call the individual market in Bellevue WA. For the ones like you who lose or quit a job, start a business, or retire early without a health insurance, individual health insurance policy will be an option for protection from medical expenses. With individual policies, you can get coverage not only for yourself, but you can also opt for a family coverage for a corresponding additional premium on top of your individual premium rate. However, since you are no longer in a group coverage, which is normally spreads the cost among more people, expect that you will be paying higher premium rates this time. Expect also that dollar-to-dollar health insurance will cost you more in individual market.
If you only have the individual market as your option to be covered for health insurance, then better pick a health insurance policy that can cover you and your family from being financially wiped out in case you get sick or meet and accident. Do not be attracted in buying low premiums right away. You shouldn’t shop on premium rates alone, even if that can be very tempting. There is a combination of premium plus your probable out-of-pocket expenses on health claims below your deductible.