| A catastrophic or major medical insurance plan is a | | | | to protect against major hospital charges and not |
| deductible and comparatively cheaper form of health | | | | routine medical expenses. It normally does not cover |
| insurance with an element of speculation to it. A | | | | maternity care, doctor's visits and prescription drugs. |
| deductible is the amount you pay out of your pocket | | | | Certain pre-existing medical conditions and cases |
| for medical expenses before the insurer pays the | | | | involving mental health and substance abuse are |
| balance. For instance, if your deductible is $5,000 and | | | | usually excluded from the coverage. A catastrophic |
| the hospital bill is $12,000, the insurance company will | | | | health insurance policy can be purchased as an |
| pay only $7,000. The general rule is the higher the | | | | individual plan or as part of a group plan. In fact, there |
| deductible, the lower the premium. When you opt for | | | | appears to be a trend among employers to |
| this plan, you're gambling that you will not face major | | | | encourage employees to opt for this type of medical |
| medical problems in the near future. | | | | cover. The maximum lifetime limit could be as high as |
| It is a calculated risk. According to one survey, the | | | | $3 million. |
| annual medical expenses of 90% of the U.S. population | | | | Rates vary according to where you live and your age. |
| are less than $2000; for 73%of the population, it is | | | | In certain states, the saving on premiums could be |
| below $500. | | | | two-thirds. For example, a 21 year old, non-smoking |
| Two groups that normally opt for catastrophic health | | | | female may pay as little as $30 per month as a |
| insurance are young people in their twenties who are | | | | premium. |
| confident of their health condition, and older men | | | | It is advisable to seek professional guidance from |
| between fifty and sixty-five who are still waiting for | | | | insurance companies and/or agents and compare |
| Medicare eligibility. | | | | quotes before making a decision. |
| Catastrophic health insurance coverage is only meant | | | | |