In-patient Insurance

• 1). Choose in-patient insurance or cash plan or both. In-patient insurance provides coverage for hospital stays, treatments, maternity and psychiatric coverage and out-patient benefits. Some things are not covered such as cosmetic surgeries, birth control, or expenses that will be covered by a third party. Cash plans provide cash amounts for hospital stays and out-patient benefits. Many cash plans do not provide coverage for in-patient care.
  
  
• 2). Evaluate the coverage you want from an in-patient plan. For example, consider whether you will need maternity coverage or if you will be including children on your plan. Also decide how much you are comfortable paying out-of-pocket in medical costs each year.
  
  
• 3). Compare the in-patient insurance plans based on the criteria you determined for yourself. In-patient insurance is offered by Aviva Health, Quinn Healthcare and Vhi Healthcare.
  
  
• 4). Choose the plan that best meets your needs and contact the provider you have chosen. Apply for the plan you selected and ask if there will be a waiting period before benefits may be claimed.
  
  

Cash Plans

• 1). Compare the coverage you are receiving with your in-patient insurance plan if you have one. You do not want to pay for the same coverage on both your in-patient insurance and your cash plan. Determine what coverage you need from your cash plan.
  
  
• 2). Evaluate the plans offered by Aviva Health, Quinn Healthcare and Vhi Healthcare. Each plan offers a daily cash amount for medical expenses. Check what services are excluded from the plans and choose the plan that most closely meets your needs.
  
  
• 3). Contact the provider you have chosen and apply for the cash plan you have selected. Providers must accept you for the plan you choose. Find out if there will be a waiting period before you may claim benefits offered.