Individuals and Families

Why Buy My Own?

Employer coverage ends if you become ill and lose your job. Once you obtain your own individual or family policy, you can renew until age 65 (Medicare) and your premium cannot generally be increased due to illness or claims history. Premiums will rise with age and general medical inflation. Policies for healthy families are 1/3 to 1/2 the price of employer coverage. Compare Quotes Online!

Why High Deductible?

Choosing a traditional co-pay plan or a low deductible often costs you more in premiums than you save on doctor's visits. High-deductible plans save you money every year while still providing safety against medical bankruptcy.

What If I'm Seriously Ill?

All 50 states now offer some form of guaranteed-issue health insurance. If you or a member of your family has a serious preexisting health condition, you can apply for membership in the State Risk Pool, saving you thousands or tens of thousands each year.

Testimonials

Read how Zane Benefits has helped other individuals and families.

In the News

What To Do If You Are Self-Employed

Forbes

"The solution for healthy self-employed individuals is simple, according to author Paul Zane Pilzer. These folks should buy a high-deductible individual or family policy that is qualified to be paired with a health savings account, he says."

Insuring Yourself

NewsWeek

"In his latest book, The New Health Insurance Solution, published in September by John Wiley & Sons, Pilzer argues that most Americans—at least, those without preexisting conditions—can save money by choosing individual policies over those offered by their employers."

When To Choose An HSA

Wall Street Journal

"The real question for those considering an HSA is: 'Do I want a high-deductible health insurance plan?' says Paul Zane Pilzer."

CBN: The 700 Club with Pat Robertson

CBN

"Most people don't understand Cobra. For example, when you're fired or quit, you're entitled under federal law to the equivalent of three-and-a-half months of free Cobra. But your employer doesn't tell you about this."

Getting Cheaper Health Coverage

NY Daily News

"Paul Zane Pilzer offers living proof that even economists can have trouble finding good health insurance. He's since authored the book...And now, he's among those championing a Congressional bill, the Health Care Choice Act, which would allow individual health insurance to be sold across state lines."

The New Health Insurance Solution

Soundview

"The New Health Insurance Solution explains in layman's terms how readers can save money, and teaches them the most important aspects of the economics of health insurance."

What If You Lose Your Health Insurance?

Consumer Reports

"Surprise! You can find affordable health insurance on your own. Compared with employer-sponsored coverage, 'individual policies that you purchase yourself are half the price or less for the same coverage—if you're healthy,' says Paul Zane Pilzer."

Paul Zane Pilzer Debunks Health Insurance Myths

HealthSavings News

"One of the most common myths is that individual plans are twice the price of employer-sponsored plans. In fact, individual plans for healthy families are typically half the price of employer-sponsored plans. Most employers don't want you to know this because if your spouse is healthy the employer would not collect the premium."

Why Purchase Your Own Health Insurance Policy?


Get a Quote Now!

Protect Yourself Against Bankruptcy

As many as 1 million Americans, mostly middle- and upper-class, file for bankruptcy each year due to medical bills they can't pay—yet amazingly, three-quarters of these families had health insurance when they first became ill.

How is this possible? The purpose of health insurance is to provide financial relief when a large, unexpected medical expense occurs. Millions of employers offer health insurance to their employees that theoretically will cover such expenses. But health insurance plans provided by an employer typically terminate when you leave (or lose) your job. If you contract a major illness, you are likely to lose your job, lose your health insurance, and lose control of your finances. You are one serious illness away from bankruptcy.

Save Thousands Every Year In Premiums

If your employer requires you to contribute to the company plan for your spouse or dependents' coverage, you could save thousands each year by purchasing an individual policy for your spouse and children.

Most Americans believe that health insurance is only affordable when provided by an employer. If you are healthy, you can purchase a health insurance plan on your own for 1/3 to 1/2 the price of your company's group plan.

A new law passed in 2005 allows employers to reimburse their employees tax-free for most medical expenses, including individual insurance premiums. Talk to your employer about setting up a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA). Setting up an HRA is simple, and it will save your employer thousands while allowing you to choose your own health insurance.

State-Guaranteed Coverage for Family Members with Preexisting Medical Conditions

If you or a member of your family has a serious preexisting health condition, it can be expensive or impossible to get health insurance directly from a carrier. However, every state is required by federal law to provide some form of guaranteed-issue health insurance policy for those who can afford health insurance but do not qualify medically for it. These Stake Risk Pools can be expensive, typically 2 to 3 times the premium of an average policy, but they can be a major windfall for someone with a serious medical problem.

For more details on guaranteed-issue coverage and State Risk Pools, click here.