Monday, December 18, 2006

Life Insurance For Smart People

Life Insurance for Smart People There are more life insurance choices than
ever for consumers and here's how to save time and money getting the best
deal on buying your life insurance.

Consumers have become more savvy about buying their life insurance and have
turned to the web to make it happen.

Life Insurance Medical May Not Be Necessary

Although you might still need a medical, you can usually handle most of the
process on the web and over the phone. If you compare prices and policies,
you will see a company's financial worthiness, along with the security it
offers.

But What Type Of Life Insurance Should I Purchase?

To make an informed decision, you need to know what the company will charge
and what is its credit rating. You need to know why you are buying the life
insurance and how long you need it to last. If you're reasonably
knowledgeable about term and permanent insurance, you know that term
insurance is the cheapest form of life insurance and that is the type
preferred by most people.

If you have a large estate, you life insurance policy may be part of an
estate plan. These plans may include a last-to-die insurance policy to
reduce your taxes. However most people are trying to protect their families
and for that the best product is term life insurance. You should buy the
amount of life insurance you need for that particular time. And as your
needs increase or decrease, you should increase or decrease your purchase of
life insurance.

One thing most people don't do, and indeed, avoid doing, is realizing that
they need to compare prices. If you are buying a baby stroller or TV set, do
you compare prices? Of course you do; how else will you know how to compare
value? But to avoid conflict with a spouse or to avoid a long drawn out
process, you take the first offer that comes along.

Well that's not the way to do it. You need to find a broker, online is best,
who does the comparing of premiums for you.
Then all you need to do is to take the offer from the best and cheapest
company. That way, you'll know for sure that you have the best deal on your
life insurance.


About The Author: Ivon T. Hughes, The Hughes Trustco Group Ltd.
Online Insurance Broker - Get a FREE Quote TODAY! Tel: (514)
842-9001 Email:info@trustco.ca Web:
http://www.hughestrustco.com

Private Medical Insurance. Experimental Treatments Could Now Be Covered.

Private medical insurance policies can be very particular about what they do
and don't cover. For example, if you are insured with Bupa, then you will
only be covered for experimental medical treatment if it is part of a bona
fide medical trial or study. And Norwich Union Healthcare stipulate that
treatment is only covered if it is considered to standard practice in the
UK.

So what happens if your doctor recommends that the best course of action
would be to have a newer type of treatment, rather than a long established
standard procedure? For the sake of your health, you will probably be
wanting to take your doctor's recommendation. However, many private medical
insurance policies simply do not allow for this.

The issue has come to light as a number of people have been recommended
experimental treatment, only to find that the insurer will not cover it.
These people complained to the Financial Ombudsman Service (FOS) who, in
some cases, rules against the insurers. One of the treatments that has
emerged as something that should be paid for is a new form of varicose vein
surgery. Standard practice in the USA for the last five years, insurers in
the UK were refusing to pay out until the FOS made their decision.

A type of larynx surgery which is performed by laser is also now to be
insured, as is bladder surgery carried out by keyhole rather than through an
open wound, and a new type of spinal treatment which means vastly reduced
side effects.

However, the FOS has only been able to overturn insurer's decisions on
policies in which experimental treatments are not specifically stated in the
policy as being excluded. The Ombudsman can't do anything about those
policies that do specifically exclude experimental treatments.

The FOS has pointed out that just because they have ruled against the
insurers, it doesn't mean they are endorsing specific types of treatment.
They also said: "If the policyholder has been advised by his or her treating
physician that, in their particular circumstances, they should have a newer
treatment instead of an established procedure, our general view would be
that it could be unfair for the firm to turn down the claim entirely."

As a result of these recent rulings, insurers may well reconsider how they
deal with experimental treatments in their policies. Insurers say that they
act in the best interests of their customers, and if they are asked to fund
something that they consider to be against the best interests of the
patient, then they will reject the claim. However, one insurer, WPA, has
admitted that if the customer's doctor does recommend a particular course of
experimental treatment, and there is a very good reason why that treatment
is better than any other, then they will pay out. Norwich Union Healthcare
has already said that they will be reviewing their policies in the light of
the FOS' rulings. As for Bupa, it has expressed concern that customers will
be claiming for procedures or drugs that have not been fully tested in the
UK.

At the moment, it's a case of 'watch this space'. If you are thinking about
getting private medical insurance, then keep this issue in mind when you
choose your policy. It would be very frustrating to be recommended a
treatment, and then find that you are not insured for it. Remember to check
out the Internet first for the cheapest policies, most private medical
insurance policies offer a lot of advice and information on which policy is
best suited to you, which can be very useful with all the choice out there.


About The Author: New and up to date articles from insurance explorer
http://www.insurance-explorer.co.uk

Higher Insurance Premiums Anticipated For Home Owners

According to the Wall Street Journal Online, some insurance companies are
now passing along the higher costs of payouts resulting from hurricanes such
as Katrina, Wilma and Rita to homeowners. In fact, some insurers are
withdrawing from coastal areas altogether, after incurring an estimated $56
billion of hurricane-related losses. With long-time insurers such as
Allstate Corp. and Nationwide Mutual Insurance Co. leaving some vulnerable
areas, homeowners are forced to find new insurance coverage that usually
comes with a higher price tag.

With home insurers getting regulatory approval to increase premiums in
states hit by hurricanes, even states that were untouched by hurricanes are
expected to bear the brunt of this hike. Citing increase in reinsurance
costs as a major contributing factor, many insurers such as Allstate are
seeking approval to increase premiums in as many as 49 states.

Insurance Companies are now reviewing their underwriting process and trying
to enforce stricter guidelines on whom to insure. Industry experts estimate
that insurance premiums will climb even higher when homeowners renew their
policies this year.

Insurance premiums have already increased in Massachusetts, which hadn't
experienced a devastating hurricane in the last 50 years. Moreover, some
insurance companies are not writing new policies in areas such as Cape Cod,
Nantucket and Martha's Vineyard. Homeowners living in these parts are forced
to seek state insurance to cover their homes, which usually costs more than
private insurance.

Homeowners in several states are bracing themselves for likely rise in
premiums due to increased reinsurance costs. Rhode Island has already
experienced increases in home insurance premiums by 10 to 15 percent over
the last year. Insurers are reducing risk exposure by shifting some of the
financial risk to homeowners with higher deductibles for windstorm damage.

For homeowners, dealing with the premium increases must be familiar
territory. Premiums have been going up over the past few years following
natural disasters in the 90s such as Hurricane Andrew (1992). According to
experts, the best path for homeowners to tread is to go for policies with
higher deductibles and lower premiums. Homeowners should avoid filing minor
claims, which may increase their risk of being dropped by their insurer. It
is also best to buy home insurance from firms with a strong financial
rating.

Source: The Wall Street Journal Online, M.P. McQueen


About The Author: http://www.sdhomedatabase.com http://www.la-jolla-home.com
http://www.mira-mesa-homes.com

Affordable Child Health Insurance In San Antonio Texas

Finding affordable health insurance is no easy task unless you are employed
by a business that offers a health benefits package. Unfortunately, not
everyone works, or works for an employer who offers a group health insurance
plan to his or her employees. If you or your spouse doesn't have affordable
health insurance in San Antonio, Texas, how is your child supposed to obtain
affordable child health insurance? Imagine trying to find affordable child
health insurance for your child if you're having difficulty finding
affordable health insurance for yourself.

If you live in San Antonio, Texas, or anywhere in Texas for that matter, and
have a child or children who are without adequate health insurance, you may
want to look into Medicaid for Texas Children.

Medicaid for Texas Children is both a state and federal assistance program
that provides children with excellent comprehensive health insurance at
affordable prices or at no cost at all. To be eligible for Medicaid for
Texas Children, a child must be a resident of the United States and of
Texas, under the age of 19. The family of the child applying for Medicaid
for Texas Children must meet the Medicaid of Texas Children income
requirements.

If a child belongs to a family that receives Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families, also referred to as TANF, the child will instantly qualify for
Medicaid for Texas Children.
Otherwise, the child's eligibility is determined by the Texas Health and
Human Services Commission, also referred to as HHSC.
If a child is found to be eligible for Medicaid for Texas Children, his or
her family's financial status may be evaluated every half year or so to make
sure the child is still eligible.

For more information about the Medicaid for Texas Children program, visit
the Texas Department of Insurance Web site, or give them a call. You can
also visit the Web site of the Texas Health and Human Services System.


About The Author: http://www.ezquoteguide.com/home/
http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health
http://www.ezquoteguide.com/car/

Affordable, Low Cost Health Insurance

Finding affordable, low cost health insurance may seem difficult, but with a
bit of planning, searching, and researching you will be able to find a
health insurance policy that offers the coverage you need at a low cost
price you can afford.

Follow these steps to get started.

Look at your budget. After you pay your monthly bills and set aside enough
money for essentials such as food and gas, how much money do you have to
spend on health insurance? Be truthful with yourself. Do not imagine money
that is not there, and do not overlook money that is. You want to spend
enough for adequate health insurance, but you do not want to put yourself in
a bind. Once you are aware of your budget, you can begin searching for
health insurance that is low cost and affordable according to your budget.

Consider your options. The ideal option is probably your employer or your
spouse's employer. If you have the option of purchasing a group health
insurance policy from your employer or your spouse's employer, choose it.
Group health insurance policies are usually the most affordable, low cost
health insurance policies available. Of course, not everyone has that
option. If you do not, consider contacting your state's insurance department
to find programs that offer affordable, low cost health insurance plans for
which you're eligible.

Research several health insurance companies. If you are not eligible for any
programs that offer affordable, low cost health insurance plans and have
opted to purchase an individual health insurance plan, make sure to research
several health insurance companies before making a decision. Getting
affordable health insurance at a low cost will not matter if the health
insurance policy does not provide the exact coverage you need.

You should not rush when searching for affordable, low cost health
insurance. Consider your budget, explore your options, and find a policy
that is right for you.


About The Author: http://www.ezquoteguide.com/home/
http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/
http://www.ezquoteguide.com/car/

Affordable Low Rate Health Insurance

The easiest way to obtain affordable, low cost health insurance is to
purchase a low cost health insurance plan through your employer. These
health insurance plans are usually Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
or Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs), and - even better news-
purchasing a low cost health insurance plan through your employer usually
means that your monthly premiums are deducted from your paycheck, much like
taxes are. If you're lucky, you won't even miss those premiums!

Yet, not everyone is fortunate enough to work for an employer who offers
affordable, low cost health insurance. Actually, some people aren't even
able to work at all. Maybe they've lost their jobs or been laid off. Maybe
they've become disabled, or just too old to work. Whatever the reason,
there's good news.
Affordable, low cost health insurance is within reach - if, that is, you're
willing to do a bit of stretching.

Use your spouse's health insurance plan. If you are married and your spouse
as an affordable, low cost health insurance plan, he or she may be able to
add you to it.

Look into state-sponsored health insurance programs. These state-sponsored
programs are ideal for the disabled and elderly; actually, most of them are
designed just for those people.

Check out a few short-term medical insurance plans. Short term medical
insurance plans are designed for individuals who have suddenly found
themselves laid off or out of work, but plan to join the workforce again
once they can. Short term medical insurance plans are full of benefits, and
are generally available anywhere from six to 12 months.

Start looking at various individual health insurance plans.
These are usually the most expensive of all health insurance plans; however,
what you'll pay in premiums will pale in comparison to what you'll pay in
hospital bills should you become ill or injured. This makes having an
individual health insurance plan seem all the more affordable and low cost.


About The Author: http://www.ezquoteguide.com/home/
http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/
http://www.ezquoteguide.com/car/

Affordable Arizona Group Health Insurance

You can find affordable Arizona group health insurance through your
employer, as well as through an organization or association to which you
belong.

There are nine basic kinds of Arizona group health insurance, and most
affordable Arizona group health insurance plans will offer at least a
variety of each kind of insurance coverage in the overall Arizona group
health insurance plan.

Major Medical Expense

Major medical expense covers just that - major medical expenses.
Policyholders usually have a deductible of medical expenses they must meet
before the insurance kicks in and begins covering a certain percentage of
medical costs.

Disability Income Protection

Disability income protection provides you with a percentage of your regular
paycheck on a particular time basis (weekly, monthly, etc.) during a
specific time period.

Accident Only Coverage

Accident only coverage provides compensation for accidents, including those
resulting in death, loss of vision, a limb, and medical costs.

Specified Disease or Specified Accident

Benefits under this coverage only cover a particular disease or accident.

Medicare Supplement

The Medicare supplement is usually not included in employer-based Arizona
group health insurance, but is a wise investment since Medicare doesn't
always cover all medical costs.

Long-term Care

Long-term care is another type of coverage that may or may not be offered by
an employer-based Arizona group health insurance, but is a wise investment
should you ever need skilled long-term care assistance.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)

Many affordable Arizona group health insurance plans are HMOs, meaning, you
choose a primary care physician based on a list of HMO participating
doctors; he or she will refer you to medical specialists should you need to
see them.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)

Similar to HMOs, PPOs allow you to choose from a network of doctors;
however, you may choose a doctor not included in the PPO and pay a higher
deductible or co-payment.

Point of Service (POS)

POS is a balanced mix of HMOs and PPOs.


About The Author: http://www.ezquoteguide.com/home/
http://www.ezquoteguide.com/health/
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How To Save Money With Auto Insurance Quotes

Auto Insurance Online Quote Advice

Getting an auto insurance online quote is one of the cheapest and quickest
methods to obtain a car insurance quote. It also offers more options to
consumers who can access several auto insurance companies, carriers and
brokers, conveniently from the comfort of their own homes at any given time.


To get the auto insurance online quote, you'll first need to visit the
official website of your chosen auto insurance company. Most auto insurance
sites provide an online template form for you to fill out, and any
information that you enter in the application will have an impact on the
final quote. So it's best to review and revise what you have typed and avoid
errors that can adversely influence the auto insurance online quote, and
receive a cheap online car insurance quote, along with the most accurate
approximations of the policy you're applying for.


In addition to the required personal information such as name, address and
contact numbers, the cost and coverage of the insurance policy will be
significantly dependent on the information you give out, including your age,
gender and marital status. For example, auto insurance companies are very
alert when doing business with single or younger drivers who are more likely
to indulge in reckless driving, disregard for traffic rules, etc. So the
cost of the premium you have to pay for the auto insurance policy may be
higher if you're under 25 years of age. However, insuring younger drivers on
safer, non-performance cars and less powerful vehicles may allow you to
receive a cheaper auto insurance online quote. Also remember that the Make,
Model and Year of the automobile are also important factors taken into
consideration by auto insurance companies when they calculate rates.
Expensive and high performance automobiles such as supercars require more
extensive repairs after a crash, so they are more likely to cost you more on
insurance.

Tips on Obtaining a Cheap Auto Insurance Online Quote

1. Look for several types of auto insurance quotes regularly

2. Take into account the value of your car/automobile in comparison to the
amount you're paying for premiums when making decisions such as "liability
only" insurance.

3. A simple 6 hour defensive driving course can save you up to 10% on your
auto insurance premium

4. Many auto insurance companies will give you a discount for multiple auto
insurance policies. If you've used one agency for different types of
insurances such as life, home, fire, etc, us the same insurance company for
you auto insurance

5. Remember that higher deductibles result in lower insurance premiums

6. Maintain a healthy credit rating because auto insurance companies take
into account your current credit score as part of their calculation

7. Prepare yourself with valid reasons why you are at lower risk, such as
safer vehicle, clean record of driving, anti-theft alarms etc.


About The Author: Auto insurance is a great way to take your mind of car
theft and damage. That's why you should get an auto insurance quote online.
Get insurance quotes in 10 minutes or less.
http://www.autoinsuranceonlinequotenow.com

Set Your Insurance Website Different From Others

Web-based Insurance businesses are in for a tight competition online. There
are many other insurance websites that offer the same type of services,
specializes on the same niche of insurance marketing and both of these
factors alone can already set you apart from them. What you should do for
your website is to stand out among other insurance websites; but at the same
time, offer content and still, quality service.

If a customer is deciding between two insurance websites but still caught in
the middle because of the almost identical features and mechanics, there's a
50-50 chance that that customer will choose you or the other website for
insurance.
When the other website is chosen over you, you wouldn't have a clue how
often it happens or will happen, so watch out and the sooner you update your
website, the better.

At this point, you need to assert that your insurance services, or your
website to say the least is different and much better than the others. There
are some areas in your website which you can develop right away or one step
at a time. It doesn't matter how immediate you can start, as long as you
make sure that you're better than the rest. When the customer knows that
they can find justification from a service they want, the quality of your
website will spread like wild fire in the internet.

As a content-based insurance website, you always need to make sure that you
have good website content. Also, don't stick to what you already have,
explore and increase the quality of your expertise. You also have to make
sure that you continue to learn and develop the insurance niche you're
working on because that is the part which customers will likely go after.

If you still want your site to get better in another way, try putting a
section on your website where both customers and visitors can leave their
comments.


About The Author: Shareen Aguilar is a writer for
http://www.insuranceleadsgeneration.com which has Insurance Leads Generation
and other free Marketing Books