Frequently Asked Questions

• What is the Insurance Store?

  The Insurance Store is not a health insurance plan. It is an independent company that helps you compare health care plans in your area and enroll in an affordable insurance plan with the benefits you need. We make your online health insurance search easy and fast by doing all the research for you. Find out more about us.

• What types of plans can I enroll in through the Insurance Store?

  We offer affordable individual,  family, and short-term insurance and self-employed health insurance with a range of generous benefits. We have affordable insurance plans with low deductibles and premiums, plans that let you customize your benefits, and plans with strong preventive benefits. We also offer affordable insurance for people with Medicare. More about our health insurance plans.

• Should I choose COBRA or an alternative?

  It depends on your needs. COBRA is often more expensive than personal health insurance  since your employer no longer picks up part of the cost. On the plus side, you don’t need to go through an application process with COBRA. More about COBRA.

• What are deductibles, co-pays, premiums, coinsurance, and maximum out of pocket?

  Premium: The monthly fee you pay for a health care plan’s services.

  Deductible: The amount you have to pay yourself before the health insurance company will start paying for services. (If you had a $200 X-ray bill, and your deductible was $500, you’d apply that cost to the deductible, and only have to spend $300 more before your insurance kicks in.)

  Coinsurance: The part of the bill you’re responsible for when you use medical services (usually 20%). Your health insurance plan picks up the other 80%.

  Co-pay: A small, flat fee you pay for services, such as $10 for a doctor visit. (If you have co-pays, you don’t pay coinsurance.)

  Maximum out of pocket:  A cap on your yearly expenses that protects you from the high costs of a serious illness or operation.

• What is a Health Maintenance Organization (HMO)?
  • HMOs are managed care plans. They are usually the most affordable insurance.
  • You must use doctors in the HMO’s network or services aren’t covered.
  • HMOs provide you with preventive care, educational services, and case management for chronic illnesses like diabetes.
  • HMOs may require you to choose a Primary Care Physician (PCP) [link to Glossary. You’ll need to get a referral from your PCP before you see a specialist or your visit won’t be covered.
• When is a HMO a good idea?
  • You live in an area offering an HMO health insurance plan.
  • You have a doctor or other provider that accepts the HMO.
  • You can be flexible about doctor/provider choice so we can help you choose one in the plan’s network
  • You want the most affordable insurance plan
• What is a Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)?

  Like HMOs, PPOs are managed care plans that use a provider network. However, they also give you the freedom to see doctors outside the network at a higher rate.

• When is a PPO a good idea?
  • You live in a region offering a PPO health insurance plan.
  • You have a doctor/provider in the PPO’s network, but you want the flexibility to see other doctors/providers and still receive some discounted services.
  • You travel a lot. (PPO health care plans cover you when you’re out of the area.)
• What is a Private Fee for Service (PFFS) plan?
  • A PFFS health insurance plan lets you use any provider or doctor that accepts the health insurance plan’s terms and conditions.
  • You must check with your doctor to make sure he or she accepts the health care plan.
• When is a PFFS health insurance plan a good idea?
  • When you want the most possible freedom in doctor selection.
  • When you don’t want to worry about networks. 
• What is an Indemnity health insurance plan?

  With an Indemnity Plan, there are no networks. You pay the provider for services yourself and then get reimbursed by your plan.

• When is an Indemnity plan a good idea?
  • When you want to use any doctor without having to worry about restrictions.
  • When you don’t mind paying up front for services and handling claim forms.
• Do I have to keep my health insurance plan for a year?

  No, you can leave at any time with a month’s notice.

• Why does my personal health insurance plan cost more than the group health insurance plan that I’m leaving?

  Because when you buy health insurance for yourself, your employer no longer pays for part of the monthly premium.

• Are group health insurance plans always less expensive than personal health insurance?

  Not always. So even if you already have a group health insurance plan through work, it’s worth comparing costs with personal health care plans in your area. Get an online health insurance quote here.

• Is my maximum out-of-pocket included in my deductible?

  No. After you meet your deductible, your out-of-pocket spending will begin to count towards your maximum out-of-pocket. That’s why it’s important to look at both the deductible and maximum out-of-pocket when choosing a plan. 

• Where can I find specific plan benefits and costs?

  Visit Get a Quote on this site. The computer will generate a list of health care plans in your area with specific costs and benefits so you can compare them side-by-side.

• What are prescription tiers?

  Prescription drugs are placed into tiers based on their cost. Generic drugs are in Tier 1. Brand name drugs are in Tiers 2 through 4. You will pay more for prescriptions with a higher tier. For example, Tier 1 generics may cost you $15.00, but Tier 2 brand-name drugs may cost $65.00.

• Why does the deductible have to be high for my premium to be low?

  Sometimes if one plan cost is low, another will be higher. If you’re very healthy and don’t think you’ll be using a lot of services, you may want to choose a plan with a lower premium and a higher deductible. If you think you’ll use your benefits a lot, you may want a plan with a lower deductible so that coverage kicks in faster.

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