Health Insurance Articles
How To Find Health Insurance Carriers That Cover STDS
2010-11-14
Health insurance carriers offer different health insurance plans consisting of a variety of health care coverages. They can range from the most basic of plans to ones that are extremely comprehensive. Of course, there are variations in benefits, limits, and exclusions, as well as the amounts for deductibles, co-pays, and co-insurance. These plans often exclude or place limitations on pre-existing conditions, which could include STDs.
Sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs, are infectious diseases that are usually spread through physical contact with another infected person. STDs do not discriminate by gender, race, or background. Unfortunately, STDs have become common among teens. Because teens are more at risk for getting some STDs, it's important to learn what you can do to protect yourself. Anyone who contracts an STD is naturally embarrassed, but this condition is much more than an embarrassing problem; it can cause many health issues and even lead to death. The most common way that STDs are spread is through sexual intercourse, but it can also be passed from person to person through skin to skin contact.
In many cases, no symptoms are present and a person passes along the disease without knowing. Certain factors can increase the chances of contracting an STD such as starting sexual activity at a young age, having multiple sex partners, and neglecting to use protection during sex. STDs include such conditions as genital warts, gonorrhea, herpes, chlamydia, and HIV/AIDS.
When shopping for health insurance plans, you should always contact multiple health insurance carriers and compare what they offer. No two insurance companies are exactly the same. The coverage that one company offers may not be beneficial to one person but may be to another. This is also true when it comes to STDs. If an STD is a pre-existing condition, then the health insurance plan may limit benefits that are paid out, or may charge higher premiums. With more serious STDs, such as HIV/AIDS, the health insurance plan may not offer coverage at all. However, if the condition develops well after a policy is in place, then some health insurance policies will cover treatments and testing. Again, the deductibles and co-pays can differ from company to company.
The best move is to always shop around and compare plans that are offered by several different health insurance carriers. "Ask the agent to explain the coverages and exclusions and read through the policy booklet very carefully so that you are aware of all terms and conditions contained within. If you do have an STD when you apply for health insurance, you must be upfront and notify your insurance carrier, otherwise, your policy may be canceled or your premiums may be increased.
