| In order to obtain affordable health | | | | looking for affordable health insurance in |
| insurance in Virginia, you must become a | | | | Virginia, you do not want to purchase a |
| smart, conscientious consumer. Take these | | | | discount plan. Discount plans may help you |
| tips into consideration before you commit | | | | save money, but they do not provide the same |
| yourself to any health insurance program in | | | | coverage as insurance plans. |
| Virginia. | | | | |
| | | | Pay the Virginia health insurance company. |
| Avoid scams. Insurance fraud can go both | | | | Paying the insurance company directly and |
| ways; not all health insurance companies or | | | | requesting a receipt helps you protect |
| agents have your best interest in mind. Many | | | | yourself and your health insurance coverage. |
| health insurance companies or agents are | | | | If the Virginia health insurance agent does |
| interested only in obtaining money from you. | | | | not want you to send payment directly to the |
| These companies are usually fly-by-night | | | | health insurance company, you should contact |
| companies. To avoid these scams, contact the | | | | the health insurance company immediately. |
| Virginia Bureau of Insurance and ask if the | | | | |
| health insurance company in question is | | | | Take note of the way the health insurance is |
| licensed to do business in Virginia. If not, | | | | purchased. It is possible to find affordable |
| move on. If so, you will be protected against | | | | health insurance in Virginia via the |
| fraud should the company scam you. | | | | Internet, telephone, and radio, television, |
| | | | and newspaper advertisements, but the very |
| Be aware of what you are purchasing. If the | | | | solid and reputable health insurance |
| company or agent tells you it's health | | | | companies do not usually try to attract |
| insurance, it's health insurance. If the | | | | customers with flashy gimmicks. Keep your |
| company or agent tells you it's a health care | | | | eyes and ears open for showy and loud |
| savings or discount plan, it's not insurance. | | | | advertisements, and take caution with those |
| The two are not the same, so if you are | | | | health insurance companies that use them. |