Maryland Health Insurance

Maryland Health Insurance

The best way to find the most affordable Maryland health insurance rates is to purchase a health plan when you’re relatively young and in good health. Basically, the best time to buy insurance is when you don’t need it. If you’re already sick or injured you’re going to find the rates will be quite a bit higher.

If you’re purchasing an individual private insurance plan the insurance provider only concentrates on your health condition and history. However, if you join a group health plan the general condition of the entire group will be looked at before the premiums are calculated.

Insurance companies study certain factors when they calculate the costs of a health plan. These include your gender, age, marital status, smoking habits, occupation, medical history, current condition and weight to height ratio. If your weight is considered to be in the medically acceptable range you’ll be considered a lower risk than somebody who’s overweight.

The relationship between your weight, height, and gender is known as your body mass index (BMI). There’s a rating chart which indicates what a person of you height and gender should weigh. If you weigh more than the recommended weight range then you’re considered to be overweight and your health insurance rates will likely be quite a bit higher.

If you exercise regularly and eat healthy foods it’ll help keep your weight in the acceptable range and you’ll be able to save money on your policy since you won’t be considered a high risk client. In fact, many health insurance providers may even help you out with this as they provide customers with healthy lifestyle programs as well as free or discounted gym memberships etc.

Tobacco use will also be taken into consideration by health insurance firms when calculating your monthly premiums. It’s been proven that tobacco can be very dangerous to your health and people who smoke or chew it may be looking at higher Maryland health insurance rates. Be aware that all types of tobacco use, including smokeless tobacco will be taken into consideration.

You need to be honest when filling in a health insurance application and you may even have to undergo a blood test to be accepted for a policy. This blood test will indicate if you use tobacco and if you’re dishonest on the application you could be turned down for insurance. Your health plan rates could also be affected by alcohol consumption. The more you drink the more you could end up paying in premiums.

If you’re given a health questionnaire by an insurer and aren’t sure what tests and procedures you’ve had in the past it’s recommended that you check with your doctor so you can answer the questions accurately. You might actually be amazed at the difference in Maryland health insurance costs between healthy and unhealthy people. The lowest rates are offered to those who are in better condition and the best way to obtain them is to take care of yourself.

If you have any questions regarding private and public health insurance in Maryland and would like to know the difference between the numerous plans that are available, don’t hesitate to contact a licensed health insurance agency. These people are specially trained in the health insurance industry and are qualified to offer helpful advice and assistance.