Health
Health insurance comparison: models, deductible, savings
How to find the best mix of premium, benefits, and flexibility, clearly explained.
Comparing health insurers is more than finding the lowest premium. Models, deductibles, and supplemental coverage determine your flexibility and what you actually pay. This guide highlights the key levers and common mistakes.
1. Models: standard, family doctor, HMO, telmed
Standard models offer the most freedom, but are more expensive. Alternative models reduce premiums but require a first point of contact.
The right choice depends on your lifestyle and desired flexibility.
- Standard: free choice, highest premium
- Family doctor/HMO: coordinated care, lower premium
- Telmed: phone first contact, often cheaper
2. Deductible: the most important lever
Higher deductibles lower premiums but increase out-of-pocket risk. The ideal deductible depends on expected healthcare usage.
A realistic middle option often beats extreme choices.
- Healthy: consider higher deductible
- Regular treatments: lower deductible can make sense
- Compare total yearly cost, not just premium
3. Premium regions and age steps
Premiums vary by region and age. If you move or enter a new age band, compare again.
Young adults often face noticeable jumps.
- Moved? Re-check premium region
- Plan for age-band increases
- Check family pricing
4. Evaluate supplemental coverage separately
Supplemental plans (e.g., semi-private hospital, dental, alternative medicine) don’t automatically transfer when switching.
A health assessment is often required, so plan separately.
- Don’t cancel supplemental plans blindly
- Compare benefits carefully
- Plan the switch early
5. Switching process and deadlines
Switching basic coverage is possible annually, but only within deadlines. Supplemental plans have separate termination conditions.
If you react late, you can lose a full year of savings.
- Respect cancellation deadlines
- Secure confirmation from the new insurer
- Include all family members
Comparison checklist
Conclusion
The best health-insurance mix is individual. If you choose model, deductible, and supplemental coverage consciously, you can save hundreds per year without sacrificing benefits.