UniCare Health Insurance

Once you lose the percentage your employer pays. Plus they tack on an administrative fee the COBRA insurance can be very expensive. Many time 100% more then you had paid for the health insurance while employed.

Many people like Maria look for alternatives due to those factors. Maria and her spouse are on the plan. Maria is somewhat healthy, but takes medication for diabetes. Her husband has no health conditions at all. This is where making health insurance decisions get tricky.

Since COBRA is more comprehensive and will not exclude Maria’s pre existing illness she should consider staying on the COBRA insurance. However, since her spouse is relatively healthy she could save money buy finding a alternative health insurance plan, like temporary medical insurance for him.

Temporary medical insurance is typically very inexpensive. Especially, compared to COBRA.

There are drawbacks to consider with temporary health insurance before purchasing. Here are a few things to think about:

1. Temporary health insurance limits the amount of time you can purchase. Usually 6 months to a year at a time. You could find yourself looking for other insurance if the length of uninsured time is longer then first thought

2. Temporary typically excludes pre existing conditions. So even if Maria’s husband is healthy now, if he does become ill in the term purchased when he renews or extends coverage it will no longer be covered. This can backfire if you need coverage longer then they allow.

3. Temporary medical insurance typically covers only major medical. So you can expect to pay out of pocket if her husband should get a sinus infection and have to visit the doctor. Since deductibles are usually high, the insurance would only protect you for a substantial financial burden caused due to an expected illness or injury.