Ask prospective insurers how long it takes them to pay claims and whether their own staff process claims or whether they outsource the process. Request names of other customers so you can determine their satisfaction with claim payments. Everyone wants to think that properly filed claims will be paid without question. But as you know well, not every diagnosis or treatment is clear cut, and insurance companies reserve the right to deny some claims. For each insurer you consider, you should know exactly how you will go about appealing claim denials.
Some companies resolve disputes entirely by phone or mail.
Others offer an appeals process that allows policyholders to appear before the insurer's appeals board. In all likelihood, you will review both FFS and managed care plans of some type. After considering the points above, here are several other areas that you might wish to compare. Most FFS plans cover the costs of consultations with specialists, regardless of whether the patient is referred by his or her primary care physician. A common example is treatment for illnesses or injuries while traveling, but consider also whether the plan covers dependent students away at college.