Is Preventative Care Covered?

Posted in Health Care , Health Insurance

February 17th, 2009

Most standard health care policies cover some type of preventative care coverage, including things such as annual check ups, inoculations and vaccines.

A large majority of health insurance plans do have preventative health care provisions in their policy terms. That means that certain check ups and tests are automatically included in your coverage to help ensure the continuation of your good health. Some of the basic preventative care features include:

• Immunizations and vaccines
• Annual routine physical exams
• Lab services (analyzing blood and urine samples)
• Diagnostic X-rays
• Gynecologic exams including pap smears
• Annual mammograms
• Screen for colon rectal cancer
• Tests for prostate cancer
• Well-baby care

It is important to realize that most health care insurance providers do not cover 100% of all medical expenses. Therefore, they may financially assist in paying for much of your preventative care, but you may be responsible for some of the costs as well, mostly in the form of co-payments. The best thing to do is review the terms of your policy when you are healthy and strong so when you have to take advantage of it, there will be no hidden and unpleasant surprises.

Because of the increasing costs for medical care in America, health insurance is a basic necessity for protecting both your health and your financial assets. Those without medical insurance tend to put off doctor visits for fear of having to pay for expenses out of pocket.