10 Tips on Avoiding Major Health Insurance Traps

HOW TO AVOID THIS HEALTH INSURANCE TRAP

As the insured patient, you’re responsible for finding out if the requested treatment is covered. If you’re worried that something your doctor recommends may not be covered, call your insurer to see if pre-approval is needed.

If so, the pre-approval process is relatively straightforward. It usually involves getting a letter sent from your doctor with any medical notes or test results that back up his or her recommendation, Lopez said.

“The insurance company will make sure the treatment is appropriate for the condition and medically necessary,” he said. A coverage determination is usually made within a few weeks.