Medical expenses are very high and it is almost impossible for anyone to settle exorbitant bills if they have an illness. Hospitalization also costs a lot and so do medicines. Hence it is very important that everyone buys health insurance so that if and when you fall ill, you do not have to burn a hole in your pocket or dig into your savings to pay the bills.

Health insurance pays your medical bills if the policy is valid. You have to read thoroughly and exactly what health insurance policies cover. Some of them do not pay for cosmetic or plastic surgery; some may have different modes of payment. Hence you have to make sure before you sign the agreement exactly what the health insurance policy covers.

Health insurance is also disability insurance as it will pay for disabilities as well. You may need hospitalization or special care. You may need life saving drugs which are also expensive. Health insurance will help you in all this and hence it is very important that you buy health insurance and buy it from a proper insurer.

There are many different types of health insurance. Some pay the entire amount of the insured person’s illness. Others may pay part of it and you may be expected to pay the difference. This depends upon your illness. Still other insurers may expect you to pay your medical bill and they will reimburse it after the receipt is produced. Some insurers do not pay for outpatient checkups. Some may not pay for hospitalization while others may pay only if hospitalization is done. You have to check and find out exactly what your health insurance policy covers. You may have to renew your policy annually.

In some countries the government may sponsor the insurance. In others it may be the employers who will buy health insurance when you join their organization. Or you may have to buy it yourself or you can have group health insurance where the premium may be lesser than if it was individual health insurance. In the US ninety per cent of Americans have health insurance either directly or through their employers. Other schemes help the senior citizens and those from low income groups.

Canada Health Act gives free access to basic health services in Canada for all their citizens. Of course you can opt for specialized services which the public health care plans do not cover like private rooms in hospitals. Canadians can also use selective private services for laser surgery and the like.