FAQ's (Frequently Asked South Carolina Health Insurance Questions)

What is a premium?

A premium is the monthly cost of keeping your insurance policy in effect. Health insurance premiums are determined by a variety of factors, including your medical history, your lifestyle, and your current health status.

What is a deductible?

A deductible is an amount of medical expenses you are responsible for paying before your insurance starts covering you. A common deductible is $500 — this means you would be responsible for paying the first $500 in medical bills before receiving coverage. Having a higher deductible usually means you enjoy lower monthly premiums.

What is a co-payment?

A co-payment is a fixed-dollar amount that you are responsible for paying for a particular medical service. For example, many plans have $20 co-payments for doctor's visits. This means it only costs you $20 to see a doctor.

What is coinsurance?

Coinsurance is an amount of the cost of a medical service that you are responsible for paying. Unlike a co-payment, which is a fixed-dollar amount, coinsurance is expressed as a percentage. For example, many insurance plans have 20% coinsurance for hospital costs — meaning you pay 20% of the total cost of a trip to the hospital.

Who are the major South Carolina health insurance companies?

Aetna, United HealthCare, World and Humana offer the most competitive rates in South Carolina. Occasionally, Blue Cross & Blue Shield, Cigna or Celtic have plans that could be considered.

What if I only need coverage for a few months?

An South Carolina “short-term” policy might be your best option. Premiums are substantially lower than regular policies and you can pick the number of months you would like to be covered.  Applications are brief and are often approved within 24 hours.

What is “catastrophic” health coverage and should I consider it?

“Catastrophic” health insurance plans are designed to cover major medical expenses, such as hospital visits, surgical expenses and emergency room charges. South Carolina Premiums are quite low, but office visits and prescriptions are generally not covered. For healthy individuals and families, this type of coverage can potentially save a substantial amount of money, and is worth considering.

What is a PPO?

A PPO is a “preferred provider organization that negotiates lower rates with groups of doctors, hospitals and other health care providers. Membership in the PPO allows a substantial discount below their regularly charged rates. Most South Carolina health insurance companies offer PPO policies, and they are the most popular type of coverage.

Will my pre-existing condition be covered?

That depends on the type of condition and the health insurer you are applying with. Many pre-existing conditions are covered by South Carolina health companies. United HealthCare, Humana and Aetna are more likely to cover certain conditions than other companies. Sometimes, an existing condition will be covered, although rates may increase to pay for expenses paid by the insurer.

How much do I have to pay to use this Web service?

There is no cost for our services and we never charge any fees or expenses. We can also guarantee that you will receive the lowest allowable premium in South Carolina since the South Carolina Department of Insurance regulates rates. No other company or website can legally quote a lower rate.

How many brokers are going to call me after I submit my information?

Probably none! Generally, I do not call website visitors unless requested. Also, I never share your information with any other person, company or website. Many other websites will sell your personal information, resulting in multiple calls and emails from brokers and agents.

Can I buy a customized South Carolina health insurance policy?

Yes, you can. Once we have determined the type of coverage you want, we can create a personalized plan that features the deductibles, copays and premium that you want. We’ll make sure that your doctors are Network-approved and the company is highly-rated.

How long do I have to keep my policy?

Fortunately, almost every policy we represent allows you to cancel the plan at any time. Whether you need coverage for a month or 20 years, you are never required to keep the policy any longer than you want. Cancellation of policies is quick and easy, and refunds are promptly returned by the insurers.

I already have health insurance but my rate keeps increasing. Should I change?

If you are in good health and there is a substantial savings by purchasing a new health policy, it may advisable to apply for new coverage. However, it is imperative that you do not cancel the existing policy until you have been approved and have had ample time to thoroughly study the new policy.