How do I find a suitable health care plan?



If you do an internet search, you will find that there are an overwhelming amount of insurance plans available.  However, which one is “right” for you and your family, or for you and your family of employees? 

As a guest of United Family Healthcare, you may find convenience in utilizing one of the insurance plans for which we offer direct billing services on behalf of our patients. United Family Healthcare hospitals and clinics have direct billing arrangements in place with around thirty global and Chinese health insurance providers, and the list is always growing. Yet, each plan is not alike. They range from comprehensive plans that are designed for more frequent use, with cover for annual check-ups, mammography, gynecological exams, prostate screening, vaccinations and dental options, to somewhat simple plans that have been designed primarily for protection in case of emergency or serious illness.

What points should be considered when selecting a health care plan?



Overall annual limit: The overall annual limit of an insurance policy can range from less than US$100,000 to several million dollars. The more coverage the better, since hospitalization can easily cost several thousands of dollars per day in case of an emergency. A plan with an annual coverage limit of over US$1 million is recommended for patients of by United Family Hospital facilities.



Coverage for pre-existing conditions: It is common for healthcare plans designed for individuals and small groups not to include coverage for pre-existing or chronic conditions. However, there are some healthcare plans that do cover some pre-existing conditions. Expect those insurance providers to request a full medical history at the time of your application so they can confirm if your condition(s) will be covered or not. You can also expect that such a policy will be two to three times more expensive than a policy that does not include cover for pre-existing conditions.



Emergency evacuation: Most insurance plans designed for expatriates include emergency evacuation. In case of an emergency in a location where suitable healthcare is not available, your insurance company will arrange and pay for transportation costs to get you to the nearest appropriate hospital.



Out-patient treatment: Out-patient treatment is coverage for consultations when you are not checked-in to the hospital, but rather when you have made an appointment to see your doctor. This can include a doctor consultation, lab tests, prescription drugs and follow up exams. Ask yourself if you have been to see the doctor in the last year or two for something such as a sore throat or stomach condition. If you have, you might like your plan to include significant coverage for out-patient treatment.



Maternity: Typically, large group health insurance plans will cover maternity without any waiting period, normally because they already have hundreds, if not thousands, of employees on a plan and have therefore collected a large premium from the employer. However, maternity benefits for individuals or small groups often come with a waiting period, so if you are planning to have a baby sometime in the near future, a little planning ahead might save you thousands of dollars. The average waiting period is 12 months, but you should check the specific details of your policy to be sure.



Annual check-ups and routine treatment: Annual check-ups and routine treatments are most likely automatically covered by large group health insurance plans. However, they are also available for individuals and small groups followed by a waiting period, depending on your health care plan. Mammography, gynecological exams, prostate screening, vaccinations and sometimes vision benefits fall under this category. Contact your insurance provider or refer to your policy terms for limitations and requirements.



Dental plans: Dental options often include varying percentages of coverage, depending on the level of treatment.  For example, many plans include an exam and x-rays, along with one to two cleanings per year, and then 80% coverage for such treatments as fillings and root canals, 50% for crowns or bridges, etc. Each plan has different categories and levels of coverage, so it is best to consult with your insurance provider or refer to your policy terms for clarification.