Naturally people will Similar Seeking Couples

Naturally people will Similar Seeking Couples

There is a phrase if the couple has a similar face meant she paired. This expression may not be entirely wrong, because naturally someone will be interested in other people who have the same DNA.

Researchers from the University of Western Ontario found that people tend to choose mates with the same gene. It shows someone has terpogram in his body to be attracted to others who have the same or similar DNA with it.

This situation also applies to the psychological level held each other. The similarities that exist between the couple will make it connect to each other, understand each other and feel comfortable with each other.

Psychologist Robert Zajonc from the University of Michigan conducted a study to determine the extent of resemblance to each other play a role in one's life. He studied photographs taken when the couple recently married and another photo taken 25 years later.

The study found that couples not only looks like from time to time, but the similarities will increasingly look to one another if they feel happier life. Zajonc said this happened because the couple usually imitate each other with each other.

The couple who simulate the behavior of mutual signifies happiness and a sense to co-exist. Therefore a more harmonious relationship, then the similarity will become clearly visible.

"The level of this similarity will make the pair being in tune and can complement each other better and generally they have the same thoughts," said Leslie Becker-Phelps, PhD, as quoted by WebMD, Friday (4/3/2011).

The results of this study indicate that a person will unconsciously looking for a partner who is physically or face looked like him. Besides similarities, several other factors also determine the longevity of a relationship.

When Ganja Being Drug

When Ganja Being Drug

Researchers have shown that marijuana can relieve pain and get drunk, stimulates appetite, and can help alleviate pain in people with HIV, cancer and multiple sclerosis.

But people who used cannabis continuously for a long time can cause brain damage and the dependence of the body itself.

Pros cons of whether marijuana could be used freely for drugs continue to roll in some developed countries like the UK. This issue is open again controversy over how the sale of marijuana should be allowed for the sick.

This old issue still unsolved because of marijuana more distorted than utilized by the taking.

The drug companies also do not have the opportunity to enlarge the gains from the sale of cannabis is still illegal.

A migraine sufferer (headaches) Marie Summers in the UK to apply for sale of marijuana to sick people are allowed.

Marie imprisoned for years of pain. All drugs not effective until he finally overcome by using the drug. The result is like a miracle.

Marie suffered migraine already in phase disrupt his life. Migraine cause more pain and no one can stop the attacks.

If the contract is migraine, Marie suddenly could not walk because his legs suddenly became unable to move. When forced herself, she began to tremble and lose consciousness.

Migraine is also making it unable to focus on reading and writing or engaging in long conversations, and every movement made him dizzy uncontrollably.

"I almost always unable to get out of bed. I went in and out of hospital but still continued to attack me migraines. Migraine is increasingly destroying the quality of my life," Marie said as quoted by the Independent on Saturday (08/07/2010).

In a desperate condition, Marie then seek information on the Internet that finding people who recover experience migraines because of marijuana. Marie originally did not want to consume cannabis because he had collapsed because of addiction to cannabis during adolescence.

But finally he tried it and miraculously missing his head pain. Not only he's improved but he also had time for his son. But for fear of addiction as teenagers when he was only tried once.

But what happens when the attack came again, drugs can not cure it. Marie eventually chose to use marijuana, with reasons for feeling better and save itself from the chaos of life.

In a matter of minutes using a little marijuana to make the pain disappear. "My body feels peaceful. Nothing is sick and feels wrong. I'm still weak, but I could move as calmly and as gracefully as before. The number of marijuana less liberate me from this pain. I feel more smiles than usual, because the layers of pain that during this menutupiku has been successfully removed, "said Marie.

Marie is able to do activities that have long been abandoned and passed. But the difficulty if the relapse he can not get marijuana. Marie hopes sick people who helped because marijuana should be allowed to consume.

Recognition Marie is open again controversy how should the sale of marijuana is allowed for the sick. Further research needs to be done to determine the appropriate concentration and dose use of marijuana to combat pain.

Scientists reveal some facts that marijuana can indeed be a drug.

1. Researchers have shown that marijuana can relieve pain and get drunk, stimulates appetite, and can help symptoms of diseases such as HIV, cancer and multiple sclerosis. But people who used cannabis continuously for long periods can cause dependence.

2. In tahun1999, investigation of the House of Lords inquiry recommends that marijuana be made available by prescription. Long-term clinical trial has been approved but no conclusions are made.

3. Marijuana legal for medical use in countries including Canada, Austria, Germany, Netherlands, Spain, Israel, Italy, Finland, Portugal and 14 states in the U.S..

4. Drug marijuana is generally smoked, but can also be given in capsules or by eating or drinking the juice. Two major components are THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol).

High levels of THC which causes users to feel intoxicated, where the levels of CBD reduces some effects of THC and other meningkatkanyang, making it more suitable for the use of drugs.

5. Colin Davies, 42 years old, a resident of Manchester Stockport acquitted by the court in July 1999, in supplying two MS patients with drug marijuana. Davies' own use of drugs after suffering from side effects of prescription drugs. This consideration is the first time in court in England.

6. Jason Turner, 23 years old, a resident of Clifton, Nottingham, was detained by the court in 2009 after pleading guilty of producing cannabis in the attic, on the grounds that he needed to help reduce the pain of acute arthritis who experienced since birth

The Cost of Insuring The FIFA World Cup

Every four years Insurance Companies underwrite all the risks associated with holding and attending the World’s largest sporting event – The FIFA World Cup Finals.

Insurance Blog reports on the risks and covers available and the large premiums paid to ensure that this years Tournament currently going on in South Africa, went without a hitch…

The prior concerns and fears that had been raised over the insurance cover for the 2010 World Cup failed to materialise as the tournament passed off without a major incident or claim.

FIFA had been forced to build a R6.3 billion contingency fund (around a billion US dollars) to cater for the possible collapse of the 2010 event – a lot of money when you consider that the winners Spain only receive £40 million pounds ($60 million) in prize money. FIFA have taken out cover for any kind of interruption, delay or abandonment of the World Cup and the consequent loss of revenues.

Individual players and their respective Football Association’s had to make their own arrangements for sports disability and sports accident insurance , with the number of top players appearing at the tournament making it the most injury exposed in the history of the sport.

Fortunately for FIFA and the Insurance companies involved, the Tournament passed off without any major player injuries, which was fortunate as many National Football Associations, particularly those in Africa, would have struggled to meet the cost of covering the wages of the likes of Didier Drogba, Michael Essien, Soloman Kalou and Kolo & YaYa Toure, nevermind the liabilities to the individual Clubs.

Bank of England is Steady at the Helm with Sensible Interest Rate

CPI annual inflation stands at 3.1 per cent, down from 3.2 per cent in June, reveals the latest Consumer Price Index showing that the market will self adjust to inflationary pressures without the intervention of monetary or fiscal policies designed to rock the boat!

The CPI fell by 0.2 per cent between June and July this year compared with no change over the same period a year ago.

These 1-month changes are both within the normal range for a June to July period; since 1996, the monthly movement between these two months has varied between a fall of 0.8 per cent and an increase of 0.1 per cent.

Some myopic Internet financial analysts who have been arguing for a base rate increase for over a year are still crying foul……

“Inflation is a stealthy enemy for savers and when rates are low, it quietly erodes the spending power of a hard earned nest egg. Savers may have had a short respite from a marginal fall in inflation, but savings rates have hit a plateau and may be there for a while.

“The average one year fixed bond rate has fallen from 3.07% in January to only 2.54% today and the average five year fixed bond rate has fallen from 4.56% to 4.08% for the same period.

“The average instant access savings rate is still at rock bottom at a rate of only 0.74%. The only trigger for any improvement in savings rates may be a surprise increase in the Base rate by the Bank of England, but this is most likely not to happen soon.”

Stated a recent industry commentator, who Insurance Blog thinks is living in cloud cuckoo land and who obviously has been sitting on his dwindling nest egg of savings, and foolishly thinks he will survive a double dip recession caused by an increase in Interest Rates!

However the Bank of England sensibly have other ideas, and quite rightly given the downward curve of inflationary pressures have decided to leave things as they are!

The Bank of England’s Monetary Policy Committee voted two weeks ago to maintain the official Bank Rate paid on commercial bank reserves at 0.5% and their decision now looks justified with inflation self balancing. The recent inflation has been artificial with rises in the RPI in areas such as fuel and power and food, although where there are alternative suppliers the markets have had to adjust to the temptation of putting prices up to pay for their past mistakes, and the UK Insurance Market is a typical example of this.

The Committee also voted to maintain the stock of asset purchases financed by the issuance of central bank reserves at £200 billion. The Committee’s latest inflation and output projections will appear in the Inflation Report to published on Wednesday 11 August.

The minutes of the Bank’s meeting will be published at 9.30am tomorrow on Wednesday 18 August.

Geico Car Insurance Is Good For You

 Geico Car Insurance  Company has recently launched a concept, because the little creature that your auto insurance has become spaces.

You spend millions of dollars each year trying to convince him to buy the policy with them. They claim they can save 15% in just 15 minutes. The most important thing is that the reputation is not the cute mascots many of us have learned to love.

Well first, the  Geico Car Insurance company is in business for 70 years, I must tell you something. Most companies are not the last five years and usually give a lasting good service and competitive prices.

Recently I called  Geico Car Insurance to see if I could really save 15% today on my car insurance. The customer service was very friendly and seemed out of the way for me. After about 10 minutes Geico give me the same could cover about 20% lower than it was currently paying.

If you are looking important for  Geico Car Insurance, do your homework and you looking to make the turn. I suggest you have at least three bids from three different companies, so you can make your own decision. Be sure to compare budgets to provide such coverage.

It is simply too large insurance prices to find the insufficient coverage, if you have an accident. After an adequate coverage to repair or replace your car is very important. More importantly, covers the other driver if you happen to be in error.

Although my experience with  Geico Car Insurance was the opportunity to save money, it is important that you protect your business and your family.

15 minutes could save you 15% or more on your car insurance.

Asbestos Compensation Claims To Cost UK Insurance Companies Dear!

The use of asbestos was banned over thirty years ago, but the UK Insurance Industry now faces a time bomb of claims from people directly or indirectly exposed to the deadly substance.

Asbestos was once hailed as a miracle product but its use has exacted a terrible price for those exposed to it. Diseases caused by ingestion into the lungs such as Asbestosis and Mesothelioma may take over forty years to become apparent, and the true cost of the substance use in damages claims, is only just beginning to occur.

Asbestos has been used by man since ancient Greece for its fire resistant properties, but even then it was recorded that slaves exposed to it were dying from terrible lung disease and breathing difficulties.

In the twentieth century Asbestos was used in all sorts of construction and manufacturing processes. In every public building you would find pipes and boilers covered with the material. Shipbuilders and dockyards were particularly prevalent in its use and it was not uncommon to regularly see old ‘laggers’ and pipe workers coughing up the so called ‘Dockers oysters’. Offices were also exposed to asbestos with the use in partition walls and suspended ceilings. In the home it was used in all sorts of ways ranging from ironing boards to car brake pads and shed roof coverings.

By far the most deadly variety of asbestos is ‘blue asbestos’ of which a single strand in the lungs can cause the deadly disease years later.

The first asbestos related industrial injury claims appeared in the 1960’s and have risen dramatically since then. The use of the material in the UK was stopped by the H&SE (Health and Safety Executive) in the 1970’s but it was only finally banned in 1980. During that time many asbestos removal firms sprung up primarily to remove the substance from public buildings such as hospitals and schools. By 2003 it is estimated that the number of direct asbestosis claims accounted for a payout of over 1.3 billion pounds in the UK.

There are four recognised types of asbestosis related disease ranging from the savage lung cancer mesothelioma which usually kills within a year, through to what are known as ‘pleural plaques’ for which legislation in the UK does not currently allow claims, though this is set to change and could trigger billions of pounds worth of claims.

Pleural plaques are areas of scar tissue on the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos.

Although not directly covered for claims as the cause and outcomes cannot be proven, UK Insurance companies used to pay out small amounts to compensate for the anxiety of the possibility of the plaques developing into something more serious such as mesothelioma. In 2007 the House of Lords ruled that these conditions are no longer entitled to compensation, though this is currently being challenged by the Scottish Courts and others and is expected to be overturned.

The United States is about twenty years ahead of the UK in asbestos related claims with more than three quarters of a million claims being paid out since 1980. The vast majority of these claims were for pleural plaques and the cost so far is estimated to be around $120 billion, which has been paid out by US and foreign underwriters.

In the UK it is not as easy to bring a claim for asbestosis as it is in America where class actions against the manufacturers of asbestos can sue a multitude of companies who each pay a small amount of damages. In the UK even though more people are expected to die from exposure, causality and proximate cause need to be proved before any legal action can be taken.

The worrying thing for Insurance company claims departments is that the range and spread of claims for asbestosis has changed dramatically in recent years as the true cost is exposed. In the past the majority of claims were from laggers and those directly involved in the use of asbestos, mostly in the industrial parts of the country.

Claims are now being made from all over the UK from for example, carpenters, plumbers, teachers and family members of those who worked with asbestos, such as wives washing clothes and children who greeted their fathers after work.

According to the health and safety executive, the body in charge of workplace safety in the UK, there is still over half a million tonnes of deadly blue and brown asbestos and nearly 3 million tonnes of white asbestos in buildings around the UK. Each year over 2500 people die from mesothelioma.

Although claims for mesothelioma are expected to peak by 2012 as those directly exposed to it will all be dead, the ticking time bomb for all asbestos claims is predicted to continue until 2040. By this time over 200000 claims will have been made which will cost the UK Insurance industry in the region of 10 billion pounds, which the Insurance companies will have to set aside in claims reserves.

Insurance software for customer and contract management

Insurance software for customer and contract management for insurance, financial services and multiple agencies
KVV 2.4.0 is a very comfortable and yet easy-to-use customer and contract management (inventory management) for insurance brokers and agencies, financial institutions, multi-agency and multi-level marketing. With KVV 2.4.0 to manage any number of clients and their insurance policies, all types of motor vehicle, property, life and health insurance can be created freely definable.
Comfortable – Even the basic version manages the customer and contract management KVV 2.4.0 customers and appointments, contracts and claims, agencies and insurance companies. KVV offers this extensive filtering, search and export capabilities, allows user-defined print lists, and statistical analysis, customer and contract mirrors and many other reports.
With heavy calendar management, a comfortable book to post correspondence using Word, many built-Word document templates for short letters, notices, claims ads.Moreover, with GDV interface for importing and customer contracts. The data are supplied on request by the companies in the GDV format.
Scalable – The standard version of KVV 2.4.0 allows entry of unlimited number of clients and contracts. The most cost-effective light versions for smaller agencies or professionals allow 100 customers and 300 contracts (Light 1) and 500 customers and 1,500 contracts (Light 2). Of course, later to be changed at any time and at no extra cost (only difference) from a light version of the standard version.
The customer and contract management is also available as a network version. This may a network (eg Windows 2000 or Novell NetWare) unlimited number of users to work simultaneously with KVV.
Flexible – can optionally be used with a module for 2.4.0 to KVV “commission statement.” Which then also allows agencies under contract with their own stocks and manage this sub-commissions and agencies of their own (main) calculates agency, managed and recorded.
As a further add-on module has a user management for multiple users. This is controlled by an intelligent system with user ID and password, which functions and access rights of the individual user. can be given the rights of an administrator.
New Data (notebook-module) “- so that you can not perform a reconciliation between a part of the network computer (laptop) and the server or office computer. So you can maintain abroad (at the customer’s home or on vacation) data and change, and to return to the office with the office computer (server) Syndicate.
KVV 2.4.0 has all the functions of a modern software application:

Highly productive, intuitive user interface
Support for MS Office and OpenOffice Writer
Integrated Scheduling with Calendar and Outlook synchronization
Integrated document management with direct scanning option in PDF, JPG, GIF
Extensive communication options (email, phone, fax, web, letter, …)
Telephony (CTI) via TAPI dialing and caller recognition via ISDN or TAPI
Various printing functions (letters, lists and reports)
Complex search and filter functions, stored
Birthday and event reminder, deduplication and cleansing, mass changes
Very flexible, configurable and customizable (custom lists, fields, …)
ZIP code database (after entering the zip code is automatically completed, the place name)
and much more …
The customer and contract management KVV 2.4.0 It therefore makes your daily work with clients and insurance data.

Boat Insurance in the UK

With warm temperatures right here in UK, water season is luring the boat enthusiasts. If you are on your boat every day or whether on weekends, you must have boat insurance at least during summer months, and beyond if possible. With this in mind Insurance Blog thought we’d take a look at the oldest type of insurance….

What is boat insurance?

Boat insurance is a custom made insurance that covers your boat and this coverage becomes applicable once you have the boat insurance policy from your preferred insurance company. You need to pay certain premium and while the policy lasts, the insurance company will cover all the expenditure that has occurred due to damages resulting from mishaps, accidents or calamities. This insurance also covers damage done by your boat to other boats or people.

Things to consider when buying boat insurance

Different companies provide a variety of policy wording and you may be confused what sort of policy you require. The cover offered by an insurance company and the service provided by it can differ greatly. Hence remember that if you buy a cheap policy, you may end up spending more money in the long run, if you make a claim. The most important points to consider before you buy insurance for your boat are:
• Third party liability: You must always go for liability insurance as this covers you in case you have caused damage to another boat or have caused injury to a person.
• Comprehensive cover: This insurance covers you for any accidental damage, theft, fire and vandalism.
• Theft cover: When your boat is not in use, this policy covers you against theft.

However, each insurance company has different requirements and you have to adhere to them or you may be left uninsured.

• Towing: Most policies cover expenses which cover towing waterskiers, kneeboards or inflatable toys, though restrictions may apply.
• Policy excess: This is the amount you have to pay if any claim is made.

Tips to save money on your boat insurance

Another way of reducing the cost of boat insurance policy is going for voluntary insurance excess. But remember that in an event of a claim you will have to pay the excess. So ensure that you are able to strike a balance between cost of the insurance and the excess you choose when trying to reduce your boat insurance premium in the UK.

Once summer months are over and the boat is laid up, it would be foolish cancelling your insurance, but consider laid up cover to protect the safety of your boat. Shop around for a Boat Insurance Quote!

source: www.insuranceblog.co.uk/2010/08/boat-insurance-in-the-uk/

Top 10 Health Insurance Reform Myths

Healthcare Reform. Just say the words lately and everyone seems to have an opinion. Town Hall meetings are getting a lot of hits on YouTube lately but it’s not because of the educational content. One common thread that I see in all this is hoopla is the amount of misinformation. So this week, I want to take a look at what I see as the Top 10 Health Insurance Reform Myths:

   1. Comparative Analysis will dictate what procedures doctors will be able to use with their patients.
Chances are, with health reform changing daily, you’ve forgotten about this provision that was provided for in the Stimulus Package that was passed wa-a-y back in March. What this does is to investigate which treatment procedures have the best chance for success in the general public. It is investigational only and is specifically prohibited by the same law to let government force the procedures to be used.

   2. Individual Responsibility Mandate infringes on individual freedoms.
This law says that everyone has to pay to be in the system whether they want to or not. While technically true, since everyone would have access to healthcare by law without preexisting conditions, without this law, nobody would sign up and pay until they needed medical care.  Without money, the system would go broke.

   3. Public Plan can coexist with the private market plans with no disruption.
This is false. As one Economy Professor at Harvard said, “it’s simple economics.” As of the date of this writing, President Obama may have taken it off the table for that very reason.

   4. Health Insurance is the reason health care costs so much. 
Actually, the opposite is true. Health insurance is nothing but healthcare financing. Americans have among the best healthcare in the world. That, plus innovation and new drugs, costs money. Health insurance pays for that, hence the cost goes up.

   5. Formation of Death Panels is unequivocally false.
What the provision provided for was to have Medicare pay for end-of-life wishes that seniors discuss with their doctors now at their own expense. As of the date of this writing, such provisions have been stripped from the two bills because of this hysteria.

   6. The number of uninsured was originally touted as 46 or 47 million (depending upon who you asked).
Most media rounded up the figure to an even 50 million. In reality, the number is closer to 16 million that are truly “uninsured” and can’t get insurance. The other roughly 30 million is made up of (1) people that qualify for some sort of government program, but for whatever reason don’t sign up, (2) families that make over $75,000 a year that choose to self-insure, (3) college kids who have come off their parents policies and are awaiting coverage, as well as (4) other people who are in the waiting period at their employers. Lastly, the millions of undocumented workers are counted in this category as well.

   7. Socialized medicine is “bad,” when in fact it is neither bad nor good…it simply is.
Most medical and pharmaceutical advances come from America due to the profit motive and the risk/reward of the free market. Socialized medicine would curb and/or eliminate that. The current system also employs millions of workers from doctors to claims representatives to (yes, even insurance brokers). A socialized system at this point would cause a catastrophic economic shakeup greater than the auto, financial and banking industries combined.

   8. Insurance companies are floating in money but in reality 87% of money insurance companies take in is spent on claims. 10% is for administrative expenses. Only 3% is profit.

   9. The high cost of prescription medicine is because the U.S. doesn’t have price caps.
In fact, one factor of high prices is that other countries DO have caps. Drug companies make up their huge R&D costs, advertising costs, lost income from generics and failed drugs by charging higher prices in America because other countries have these caps.

  10. Voting against the President’s plan is voting against reform.
This is the biggest fallacy I see. Virtually everyone (that understands it) wants reform, insurance companies included. Something as complex as our system needs careful thought to fix, not rushed judgments that we may wind up regretting.

Health Insurers Seek Tax, Profit Changes in Health Reform Bill

Health insurance lobbyists are pushing lawmakers to eliminate caps on profits and other administrative spending and delay a hefty, industry-wide tax under the massive healthcare reform legislation being finalized in Congress.

Health insurers, which include companies such as Aetna Inc., Humana Inc. and UnitedHealth Group Inc., became ripe targets for reform as President Barack Obama and fellow Democrats slammed everything from premium costs to the denial of care.

Bills passed by the Senate and the House last year would increase regulation of the industry. They also make it mandatory for people to purchase health plans, a move that could bring insurers roughly 30 million more customers.

Lawmakers are now working to reconcile the two bills into one proposal for Obama to sign into law. But significant differences remain, and Karen Ignagni, head of industry lobby America’s Health Insurance Plans, said insurers are still pushing for changes before a final bill passes.

Congress needs to ensure that there is “a transition that is smooth, that is not disruptive, that doesn’t inadvertently … increase costs,” Ignagni told reporters Thursday.

Both bills set how much insurers can dedicate to medical care versus administrative costs, profits and other areas, an allocation known as the medical-loss ratios. The ratios are closely watched by Wall Street as a sign of profitability.

The House bill would require that at least 85 percent of revenues from patient premiums go toward care, while the Senate measure would let some small group and other insurers devote 80 percent. Companies would have to report how they allocate their money and offer consumers rebates as necessary.

Insurers and investors are concerned because the fixed limits by Congress would cap profits and could significantly alter how companies operate, although advocates argue the move protects patients by ensuring enough funds go to paying for medical care.
‘UNINTENDED CONSEQUENCES’

Ignagni said there is no problem with reporting spending but that setting medical-loss-ratios could raise long-term costs by prompting insurers to put off needed technology investments that boost efficiency.

“We have no problem with disclosure, but there are unintended consequences,” she said, adding that profits were not an issue for an industry which she said sees just 2.5 percent in profits on average.

The Senate bill also includes a $70 billion tax spread out over 10 years.

“I think Congress needs to look very carefully at this tax,” which takes effect in 2011 but would have to start being assessed as early as this year, Ignagni said.

Insurers face numerous other taxes, such as the tax on more costly “Cadillac” health insurance plans, she said. All told, insurers face as much as $225 billion in fees and taxes through 2019, Ignagni said.

Both the profit cap and the taxes could raise costs for consumers and some smaller employers before the bulk of reforms take effect in 2013 or 2014, Ignagni said.

Some members of Congress seem open to reallocating some of the taxes over the 10 years, she added.

But Massachusetts Democrat Senator John Kerry said while the Cadillac tax must be changed to avoid hurting middle class consumers, it must remain in any final bill to help reduce health care spending.

“So let’s fix it, not nix it,” Kerry wrote in the Huffington Post blog. “I believe the final health care reform bill will include appropriate adjustments to preserve its cost containing benefits while increasing the fairness of this provision.”

It is not clear what changes Democratic leaders in Congress will make as they close in on a final deal to blend the two bills. Lawmakers aim to finish the legislation before Obama’s State of the Union address to Congress in early February.

“I think more can be done in the transition to make sure there are no unintended disruptions in coverage or cost increases,” Ignagni said.

Shares of health insurers have fluctuated widely since reform took the political spotlight last February. On Thursday, stocks closed up 3 percent on the Morgan Stanley Healthcare Payor index and 3.7 percent on the S&P Managed Health Care index.

Health Insurance... Money-Saving Consumer Tips

Health insurance can be tricky. Here are some tips to help you save money and avoid surprises.

1. The primary purpose of health insurance is to cover the BIG expenses.

Look for comprehensive coverage from reputable companies. Avoid gimmicks that purport to offer you lower "group rates" through associations that anyone can join. Remember, cheaper insurance is cheaper for a reason.

To lower your premium, consider the highest deductible with which you are financially comfortable.

Take a moment to do the math. Add up your total annual savings with a higher deductible and compare this amount to the extra out-of-pocket risk. Then consider your health history and decide if the savings are worth the extra risk. If you live a healthy lifestyle and you have a good health history, in most cases the extra savings will be worth the risk.

2.  Avoid Surprises. Look for the term "Major Medical" (or similar) & avoid "Basic Medical."

In general, a Major Medical or "Comprehensive Major Medical" health plan covers medically necessary treatment unless specifically excluded. On the other hand, a "Basic Medical" or "Hospital/Surgical" typically covers only treatment that is specifically included on a schedule of benefits.

Look carefully at the difference. "Basic Medical" or "Hospital/Surgical" plans serve a purpose and their premiums are usually lower. However, if you qualify and you want the most comprehensive protection, look for the words "Major Medical" or "Comprehensive Major Medical" (or similar wording) on the offering brochure or policy.

3. Check how a health plan will pay your medical claims. Look for the term "Reasonable." 

Sometimes, insurance companies will pay for medical procedures based on a schedule of fees that are considered to be the "Usual and Customary" for the region. However, if an unexpected complication occurs and "reasonable" extra medical services are required, then these reasonable extra services may not be covered under the definition of "Usual and Customary" alone.

Complications can be costly, sometimes very costly! Look for the term "usual, reasonable, and customary" or "reasonable and customary" for greater protection.

4. When comparing health plans, check the "Exclusions" carefully.

One of the first things an experienced agent looks at in a health insurance plan is the list of plan exclusions, or what is NOT covered. Often found in small print, what is NOT covered is equally as important as what IS.

Many exclusions are typical (i.e. acts of war, self-inflicted injuries, custodial care, etc.), while others are not and should be carefully considered when comparing health plans. For example, does the plan have a waiting period for certain conditions? One exclusion of a "Basic Medical" or "Hospital Surgical" plan is "anything not specifically listed in the policy.

5. If you have a favorite doctor, does he or she participate in a PPO network?

Lower-cost health plans control costs by contracting with a "Preferred Provider Organization" or "PPO." If you have a favorite doctor who is important to you, call your doctor's office and ask in which PPOs your doctor participates. Save yourself time by only comparing those plans that offer your doctor's PPO network.

6. Consider an HMO.

Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) usually cost less and are far better regulated than they were 15 or 20 years ago. Today, HMOs are easier to use with online access (for example, to change your "Primary Care Physician"). Also, HMOs typically have fewer restrictions on "pre-existing conditions." If you do opt to save money with an HMO, be sure you understand the terms of use.

7. Activate your memory when completing the health questionnaire. Here’s why: 

The final step in obtaining health insurance is qualifying through the health questionnaire. It’s important to remember that by nature, the human mind tends to forget or minimize past or present illness. A positive attitude can be a benefit in the healing process. However, failing to disclose a material health condition, past or present, could jeopardize your coverage entirely.

Medical audits are often done when there is a major claim. By contract, the insurance company can revoke coverage and return all premiums if it can be shown that the policyholder failed to disclose a material condition on the application.

Never give the insurance company a potential way out of paying a major claim. Even though this is the last step in the process, don’t be hurried.

Disclosing past illness or injury is not an automatic negative. When truthful, always include clearly written phrases such as "complete recovery," "no further treatment," and "well controlled." It helps to clearly state the positive in writing.

8. Key concept - understand the trade-offs.

Comparing price is easy. The key is being aware of the differences in coverage which account for any differences in price. There is nothing wrong with trading some benefits for a lower premium. The key is for you to be fully aware of the trade-offs. Below are some examples.

Lower Premium Cost	Higher Premium Cost
Higher deductibles and/or higher co-pays	Lower deductibles and/or lower co-pays
Basic Medical Plan or Hospital/Surgical Plan with broad medical exclusions.	Comprehensive Major Medical Plan with fewer exclusions.
Limited maximum coverage for specific items such as intensive care, mental health care, air ambulance, etc..	More overall coverage, with fewer limits or caps on specific items such as intensive care and other medically services.
Reimburses only medical expenses which are "Usual and Customary".	Reimburses medical expenses which are Usual, Reasonable and Customary.
Co-insurance: After the deductible, you pay 20% of the next $15,000.	Co-insurance: After the deductible, you pay 20% of the next $5000.

9. Normally, it costs no more to use a good, local health insurance agent (see Internet Secrets).
Health insurance can be confusing. A good local health insurance agent may be be able to help you at no additional cost. (See Local Agents for tips on how to find a "good" health insurance agent.)

Life Insurance Shopping Tips

For life insurance consumers, these are the best of times. In the last 15 years, term life insurance rates have declined by over 50%. Plus, the Internet gives consumers a powerful term life insurance pricing tool. Owners of older term life insurance policies could save $100's, some $1000's by updating their older policies.

Here are a few hard-hitting consumer tips that we believe are rarely found elsewhere.

1. Stay in control of the life insurance shopping process.

Today, most life insurance quote Websites ask for or your full name, home address, e-mail address, and telephone number. But in reality, only your Zip Code is required (along with some preliminary health information) for a life insurance company to provide you with reasonably accurate term life insurance quotes.

Be very careful. Many Websites are only in the business of selling your name and personal information to outside insurance agents. Typically, your personal data is sold many times.

It's OK to give detailed health information, as long as you do so anonymously. (See Internet Secrets for more information.)

Don't allow someone you don't know decide which insurance agents will call your home, and when. Rather, seek out a good health insurance insurance agent when you are ready. (See Local Agents for some tips.)

2. "Look Your Best" for the life insurance medical exam.

For life insurance, the more medical information you provide, the better the price.

In order to qualify for the best life insurance rates, insurance companies will require that you have a brief medical exam, at no cost to you. Taking a few steps to look your best for this brief life insurance medical exam could save you money.

The life insurance medical exam is normally performed by a licensed nurse or paramedic who comes to you. The exam may be done at your home or office, wherever is most convenient for you.

The exam is brief, generally lasting approximately 15 to 20 minutes. There is no undressing required. The exam will consist of a series of questions pertaining to your medical history, some parental medical history, and taking your height, weight, pulse, and blood pressure. Other tests may also be required.

Sometimes a blood test is required (usually a finger stick). Almost certainly, a urine sample will be required. When the examiner calls to schedule the exam, you should be informed as to what specific tests will be necessary.

Important: You should watch what you eat prior to the exam, so mornings are normally the best time to schedule your exam. This is when your cholesterol levels and blood pressure are usually the lowest.)

For some suggestions to help ensure the best possible results on your brief life insurance exam, see our report "How to Look Your Best" (opens in a new window).

3. Buy an amount you can afford to keep for the long-term - as planned.

It can be costly to let your policy lapse. Yet according to industry statistics, over 90% of all life insurance polices lapse before the end of their term.

Some policies are replaced with new lower-cost policies. But many life insurance policies lapse because people wanted or needed to cut back on household expenses. In some cases, people purchased too much for their budget in the first place.

Plan sensibly for the long-term and stick with the plan.

Step 1: Determine how much life insurance you need and for how long. (For families with young children, 20 year level-term is a popular choice.) One simple rule of rule of thumb for "how much" is ten times your annual earnings. Also, you'll find many "life insurance needs calculators" online.

Step 2: Get a range of quotes for your needs (see Tips #4 below). These quotes are merely guidelines, but should be enough to "work with the numbers."

Select an amount that comfortably fits in your budget today, and would likely fit during lean times as well. Don't become "insurance poor." Otherwise, it's simply too tempting to drop the insurance later. (At least, that's what the statistics seem to say.)

4. Rates vary widely - comparison shopping works - some suggestions.

Rates quoted online for the same life insurance policy, from the same company, can (and often do) differ from website to website.

Regardless of the rate you receive online, your final premium rate will depend on several factors which include: Health History (including your immediate family), Build (height & weight), Blood Pressure, Cholesterol (levels and ratio), Driving Record, and Lifestyle (your occupation and hobbies).

5. Additional quick-tips you've probably seen elsewhere, but worth repeating.

- Pay attention to the conversion option. It might be of value in later years. (A policy tie-breaker.)

- Quit smoking, and if you quit, check out how much you could save with a new, non-smoker policy.

- Never pay cash for any insurance policy - life, health, car, etc...

- Make sure you receive a written policy from the insurance company.

- Life insurance you likely don't need: flight Insurance, mortgage insurance, life insurance on a child.

6. Normally, it costs no more to use a good, local life insurance agent (see Internet Secrets).

Life insurance can be confusing. A good local health insurance agent may be be able to help you at no additional cost. (See Local Agents for tips on how to find a "good" health insurance agent.)