Sorting through the choices

There's no shortage of choices when it comes to insurance companies - new players are entering the market every day. But, health insurance is a tough and tricky business that requires focus, which means companies are exiting the business every day as well, often leaving their customers without coverage.

Choosing the right company is as important as choosing the right coverage. While there are many things to consider, there are three questions that are critical when choosing a health insurance company.

1. How long has the company been in the health insurance business?
2. Is the company financially strong and stable?
3. Is the company a health expert?

The length of time a company has been in business tells you if it's had sufficient time to get the complexities of health insurance right. It takes more than just a few years, decades even, to learn the business. Affordable Health is part of a long and stable company tradition - with more than 110 years' experience.

A company's financial strength and stability is a good indicator of the company's claims-paying ability, which is particularly important when you actually use what you're buying. A.M. Best rates Affordable Health 'A-,' (excellent) based on claims-paying ability.

Finally, business focus is important. If health insurance is the only business a company does, it has to do it right to be successful and stay in business. With health insurance as their sole focus, Affordable Health is a leader in the industry. 

(1) Source: Fortune 'Global 500' based on assets (July 22, 2002)