There is a process which every health insurance applicant must undergo in order to be granted a health care insurance coverage.
The specific processes may vary from company to company, but in general, they are comprised of a personal data questionnaire, a physical examination, and an interview with the official representative of the health insurance policy provider.
These are explained in detail in the following sections.
The personal data questionnaire These questionnaires come in different forms, but they usually ask for the same information.
Basic questions such as name, date and place of birth, marital status, number of children or dependents, and annual income can be expected on these questionnaires.
Information regarding occupation, address, and business and home phone numbers are standards as well.
Some may ask you for your social security number while some don not.
The physical examination Two different kinds of physical examinations are administered, depending on whether you are male or female.
Usually, the exam begins with the clinician taking your medical history and that of your family as well.
An eye exam follows to determine whether you have poor vision or not.
This is standard for both male and female examinations and for those who are near- and far-sighted.
The examiner will also check your ears, nose, throat and lungs (with the use of a stethoscope, of course) to make sure everything is in working order.
You may have to undergo a urinalysis and fecalysis wherein you will be asked to bring samples of your urine and stool for analysis in the clinician's lab.
You may also be asked to undergo a blood test called a complete blood count (CBC).
This test will determine your blood sugar level, the number of white blood cells in your blood (an elevated number means you have an infection), blood cholesterol level, and uric acid level.
Finally, if you are male, you may have to undergo a test to see if you have hernia.
For the females, you may be required to have a breast exam or a pap smear.
Rectal tests for prostate cancer in men and tests for sexually transmitted diseases may also be required.
The interview After your physical examination, you will most likely discuss your options for a health insurance policy with the sales representative of the policy provider.
He or she will ask you questions regarding how much you would be willing to pay every month for premium and how healthy you think you are.
After evaluating all the information from the interview, the physical examination, and the personal data questionnaire, the agent will then determine whether you are eligible for coverage or not.
If you are, he or she will offer you different packages to choose from.
Whether you can afford a high premium or not, whether you want a low deductible of not, whether you need dental care, or medication subsidy as well should factor into deciding on the best health insurance policy for you.