Health insurance is one of the most important investments you can make to protect yourself and your family’s health. With the cost of healthcare treatments rising every year, health insurance comes in handy to help you save on medical bills.

However, many people do not know all the benefits covered by their insurance plans. These covered benefits can greatly help you save money on medical expenses throughout the year.

In this article, we will discuss six amenities that are usually covered by health insurance plans and how you can maximize their benefits.

1. Annual Checkups and Preventive Care

Prevention is better than cure. One of the most important benefits of having health insurance is that it covers your annual checkups and preventive care.

This is important because it can help identify potential health issues before they become more severe and expensive to treat.

Take advantage of this covered amenity by scheduling annual checkups with your primary care provider. During your routine checkups, your doctor will conduct a comprehensive examination to track your health progress and ensure you are in good health.

Your doctor may also recommend preventive screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and other diagnostic tests to help detect any potential health issues early on.

2. Emergency and Urgent Care

Life is unpredictable, and medical emergencies can arise at any time. Health insurance covers some emergency and urgent care services, including hospitalization, emergency room visits, ambulance, and urgent care clinics.

Intensive care, emergency surgeries, and medically necessary tests are also covered by your health insurance plan.

If you experience a medical emergency, seek urgent care and medical attention immediately. Remember to always check if your insurance plan covers the emergency services you need before seeking medical attention.

Avoid using emergency services for non-urgent medical issues.

3. Mental Health and Substance Abuse Treatment

Mental health issues are prevalent in our society today. Health insurance plans cover mental health and substance abuse treatment, which includes counseling, therapy, and medication.

According to health statistics, one in five adults experience mental health issues in America today.

Maximize this covered benefit by seeking treatment if you face mental health issues. There are many options available, including therapy sessions, mental health clinics, and counseling centers.

Your health insurance plan may also offer virtual and online mental health resources you can utilize to get the help you need.

4. Prescription Drugs

Prescription drugs are costly, and their prices keep rising each year. Health insurance covers many prescription medications, including generics and brand-name drugs.

It’s essential to always check with your insurer before buying your prescribed medications to ensure they are covered by your plan.

If you have chronic conditions that require you to take a medication daily, speak to your healthcare provider to see if they can prescribe a generic drug or lower-cost alternative.

You can also ask for samples or coupons from your healthcare provider to help you save on your prescribed medications, which can be accessed at pharmacies participating in your health insurance plan.

5. Maternity and Newborn Care

Expectant mothers and newborn babies require specialized medical attention. That’s why most health insurance plans cover prenatal care and hospitalization, along with delivery and postnatal care.

This includes routine checkups, prenatal tests, ultrasounds, and other screenings necessary during pregnancy.

Maximize this covered amenity by enrolling in your health insurance plan’s maternity and childbirth classes, which can help increase your knowledge of pregnancy and neonatal care during your pregnancy.

Additionally, seek advice from your healthcare provider on what care you need, and how best to prepare for your delivery.

6. Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy

Rehabilitation and physical therapy are vital for patients who require after-treatment care after an injury or surgery. Health insurance covers rehabilitation and physical therapy, including hospital stays, outpatient care, and home care.

These treatments help in restoring muscles, function, and mobility.

To maximize the rehabilitation and physical therapy benefits covered by your health insurance plan, consult your healthcare provider who can prescribe physical therapy, rehabilitation, or even home care when appropriate.

Some plans may also cover alternative therapies and chiropractic care.

Conclusion

Health insurance is essential in safeguarding your health and that of your family.

To maximize the covered benefits, take advantage of all the amenities it offers, including annual checkups, emergency care, mental health and substance abuse treatments, prescription drugs, maternity and newborn care, and rehabilitation and physical therapy.

Ensure to always check with your health insurance provider before making any significant healthcare decisions to avoid incurring unnecessary expenses.