With 2020 highlighting the importance of prioritizing health and strengthening financial awareness, there is no better time to be proactive to reduce healthcare costs. Whether your 2021 resolutions are to shrink your budget or live a healthier life, being conscious of your general health has never been so important.
While the high costs of healthcare should be enough to promote the importance of good health, there are many instances in which we cannot anticipate our healthcare needs.
However, because the goal should be to reduce your spending without compromising good health, we have rounded up the most ingenious ways of cutting your total healthcare spending in 2021. Here’s how you can protect your health and spend less this year.
Get To Know Your Health Insurance
There are different health insurance types, and the options are just as broad for ex-pats living abroad. International health plans do vary, so whether you need Health Insurance in the UK, the United States of America, or other regions, knowing your insurance plan’s specifics can essentially help you save money on your annual healthcare costs.
If you don’t yet have health insurance or search for a more suitable type of cover, it is best to evaluate options from the best service providers in your region. Just as you would compare deals to insuring your vehicles, you can assess your healthcare insurance just the same.
What’s more, you should also make lifestyle changes that will decrease your monthly policy deductible. The more you know about your insurance details, the easier it will be to identify areas of potential savings.
Inquire On Generics And Alternative Options
Generic medications are bioequivalent versions of a branded medication product. While the generic choice is the same medication as the branded medicine, the generic is almost always more affordable. Therefore, simply inquiring with your pharmacist or doctor regarding a generic drug can potentially save you a small fortune on your annual healthcare spend.
What’s more, asking your doctor about alternative treatment plans and facilities is another money-savvy way to spend less on health costs. However, it is essential always to consider all your avenues when treating an injury or condition, as it is never plausible to opt for savings over the best possible treatment.
Stay Within Your Insurers Umbrella Network
Your health insurance policy will list an umbrella network of healthcare providers that are included in your benefits. Venturing outside of this umbrella network for healthcare needs will cost you out-of-pocket fees as you won’t be covered. Because it is not uncommon for policyholders to unknowingly venture outside of the umbrella network, it is even more crucial to get to know your insurance policy details.
Only visiting healthcare providers within your insurer’s network means you will be covered. In many cases, only certain medicine dispensaries are included in the umbrella network as well, so even purchasing your script at the wrong pharmacy means you will have to pay out-of-pocket costs for medications.
In some cases, you may even have to pay a higher monthly deductible simply because you are seeking medical care outside of the insurer’s network. The extra effort of assessing your monthly insurance statement may even help you identify such health spending mistakes.
Care For Your Overall Health
Caring for your overall health is definitely one of the most influential and practical methods of avoiding the high costs of health care. By ensuring your everyday schedule consists of enough exercise and being more conscious of the food you eat, you will ultimately reduce your risks of developing various health conditions. As every
concerning health complaint stems from poor overall health, boosting your immune system through healthy eating habits, exercising regularly, and getting quality sleep every night is the best way to avoid needing medical care.
While you will still need to visit your doctor twice yearly for a general checkup, leading a healthy lifestyle will effectively reduce your number of doctor visits per year. Adopting good health habits will not just transform your quality of life. Still, it will also extend your life expectancy, reduce your insurance premiums, and your total health care spend dramatically.
Be Proactive About Stress Reduction
Stress is a key role player in developing various health conditions, as chronic stress can significantly weaken the body’s immune system. Therefore, proactively taking action against stress can help you save on your health costs by improving your health.
A few ideal methods of managing stress can include natural remedies such as ashwagandha root, CBD oil, and lavender aromatherapy. In addition to natural remedies, self-care and meditation are also great alternative stress management plans.
While there are also tons of other ways to reduce your total annual spend on healthcare, keeping in good health and understanding your health insurance policy details are the best ways to protect your finances while caring for your health.