Protecting your home

Although you have no legal obligation to insure your home, your mortgage company will want to protect their investment with buildings insurance. However, it is also worth protecting your own investments, so even after you?ve paid off your mortgage, you should ensure you?re financially covered.

Home contents insurance and personal possessions insurance

According to Money Observer, the average home has ?44,000 of contents and replacing this without insurance would be almost impossible for most people. An average premium is about ?150 a year and will provide cover up to ?50,000. The majority of contents insurance policies additionally provide public liability and personal legal expenses and although most people don?t claim on these, they could be very useful if needed.

Personal possessions insurance is worth taking out because often it covers your belongings outside the home, as well as inside the home, and is often incorporated into your contents insurance. Personal possessions insurance is also frequently referred to as all risks insurance and offers cover on possessions that are lost or stolen outside of the home.

Income protection

Income payment protection insurance is recommended by most insurers as the most appropriate way to safeguard your mortgage repayments and any other monthly bills. Kevin Carr, a senior technical advisor at LifeSearch believes that this is a better option than payment protection alone, including accident sickness unemployment (ASU) and mortgage payment protection insurance (MPPI). In a recent statement, Carr revealed that ?the banks and mortgage lenders make huge profits from sales of payment protection. For instance, 17% of Lloyds TSB?s profits come from this.?

Debts ? you don?t want them to haunt you

In addition to safeguarding your income to assist with loan repayments, you may also wish to consider personal finance products such as life assurance and critical illness insurance, which, under certain conditions provide a lump-sum that can be used to pay off the mortgage in difficult circumstances. The choice of life assurance or critical illness cover will depend on personal variables. For example, if you are single and have no dependents, then nobody would benefit from your life being heavily insured. However, should you be diagnosed with a serious illness, a lump sum might be helpful to ensure you maintain a reasonable quality of life. Personal accident plans can be helpful if you believe the specific conditions of the policy would be relevant to you. Examples include insurance providers such as Nationwide who will provide cover of around ?50,000 for the loss a limb, ?10,000 for a hip and ?2,500 for a toe, in relation to a premium of ?4.95 month.

Health insurance / private medical insurance

There are many difference financial products available for insuring your health and they vary in accordance with your stage as life. Examples include critical illness insurance, as discussed above, as well as long-term care insurance and medical insurance, which may also be referred to as private medical insurance or simply health insurance. Wikipedia argues that health insurance is one of the more controversial forms of insurance due to the tumultuous debate of insurance companies remaining solvent, against the needs of its customers to actively protect their health.

One of the main problems insurance companies face is the issue of ?adverse selection?, a term used to describe the increased likelihood of sick people signing up for health insurance. Health insurance companies argue that those people seeking health insurance are often those with existing medical problems, those who are much more likely to have medical health insurance problems in the future and those who may engage in ?risky behaviour? such as excessive alcohol consumption and smoking. Products such as health insurance tend to fuel fiery debates of the moral argument of health insurance costs and the question that if people pay for health insurance, are they more likely to lead a ?risky? lifestyle in the knowledge that they are covered.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance isn?t complicated, but there are a few considerations you should bear in mind. Travel insurance typically covers issues such as cancellation, loss of baggage and medical expenses. However, Money Observer recommend better value by including baggage cover in your personal possessions insurance and not as part of your travel insurance policy. The consumer financial magazine also recommends extending your motor insurance ? to ensure your car is covered when driving abroad.

Moneynet, a personal finance consumer information site, makes the point of shopping around for your travel insurance and avoiding the high street travel agents. According to their insurance guide:

?Since January 2005, it is especially important to avoid the travel agents when buying travel cover; from that date, the insurance industry falls under the regulation of the Financial Services Authority, giving that body the ability to investigate and take action on behalf of consumers. Tour operators and travel agents, however, are not subject to this regulation, so if you have a complaint about travel insurance purchased from a travel agent, the FSA and the Financial Ombudsman Service will not be able to intervene on your behalf.?

In a recent press release, moneynet also blasted high street travel agents for exorbitant insurance, stating that, ?major high street players like Thomas Cook, Thomson and Travelcare, which between them account for around 70 % of the travel insurance market, levy premiums that are typically twice as expensive as buying cover online.?

Weddings ? insure your finances for better and for worse Insurance may not be romantic, but it?s important and if your wedding doesn?t go according to plan, it can be very expensive. Wedding insurance will typically cover dress damage, loss of rings and retaking the photographs if anything goes wrong with the photographer or prints.

Insurance doesn?t always come with guarantees, but shopping around to make sure you have the most appropriate protection for yourself, your partner and your family will give you a certain amount of peace of mind.

Disclaimer:

We only show you the way ? it is up to you to follow the path of enlightenment. All information, is intended for general information only and should not be construed as advice under the Financial Services Act 1986. You are strongly advised to take appropriate professional and legal advice before entering into any binding contracts.

Recommended resources:

Moneynet insurance guide

Money Observer(October 2005)

Rachel lives in Edinburgh with the teenage mutant ninja turtles. She also writes for the personal finance blog Cashzilla ? locally known as Scotland?s favourite personalfinanosaurus.

Shopping for health insurance can be very discouraging when you become aware of the costs. If you are in search of affordable health insurance, an online quote may be very helpful to you. Purchasing insurance online or simply getting an online quote from one or more health insurance carriers can save you a lot of money on the health insurance you so desperately need.

Hospital and doctor bills can be too costly for most people too afford without a health insurance plan. Uninsured or under insured medical bills can spell disaster. A health insurance plan is imperative to your health and your financial security. Online health insurance quotes are available now and you may find more affordable rates than you expected. You can find the cheapest rates possible for your health insurance needs when you receive a fast, easy quote online.

Health insurance can provide security for you and your family in the event of sudden illness or unexpected medical emergencies. The continually rising costs associated with medical care are staggering. Do not be caught in the position of needing medical attention for yourself or a family member with no health insurance coverage. An online quote can provide you with information about the choices in coverage at the cheapest rates. Medical expenses that arise suddenly could mean financial ruin if you do not have adequate health insurance coverage. Doctor bills, hospital expenses, and even prescription medications can very quickly add up to large amounts of money out of your pocket.

Online health insurance quotes are quick, easy, and could save you hundreds of dollars each year in health insurance costs. You can find excellent health insurance plans and the cheapest rates possible in just minutes when you get an online quote. If you think affordable health insurance is out of your reach, keep in mind health insurance providers are ready to give you an online quote now and will offer you the cheapest rates available. Don’t risk your financial security. Your health is the most important issue in your life. Get an online quote now and obtain the health insurance you need at the cheapest rates possible.

To view our recommended health insurance companies, visit: Recommended Health Insurance Companies.

Carrie Reeder is the owner of eZerk, an informational website with articles and the latest news about various topics.

If you’ve found your way here, you’ve no doubt decided you need to purchase a new insurance policy or add to your existing level of insurance. It can be a little confusing deciding just what you need. So let’s cover some of the most popular types of insurance.

Critical Illness Insurance

Heart disease, stroke and cancer are just a few of the critical illness that bring a chill to your spine when you are diagnosed. The good news is that with the advances with modern medicine many illness that even recently were almost always fatal can now be treated and life goes on as normal. However, in a worst-case scenario, critical illness insurance helps you cope with the expense of your illness while you are treated and helps your loved ones to go on unencumbered by the financial burden left by a long illness should you lose the battle.

Disability Insurance

One of the most popular forms of supplemental insurance, Disability Insurance pays you a percentage of your income as a benefit should you become disabled. You use these benefits to help with out of pocket expenses not covered by your major medical policy and to pay your household bills while you recover from a temporary disability or a lump sum payment or a life long benefit in the case of a permanent disability.

When shopping for a Life Insurance quote, Term Life Insurance and Whole Life Insurance are the two most popular choices. Let’s explain each of these:

Whole Life Insurance

When shopping for a Whole Life Insurance quote you will find that, the policy remains in force during your entire lifetime as long as the premiums are paid. The type of life insurance also builds what is commonly called a cash value that you borrow under certain circumstance after a period of time.

Term Life Insurance

When shopping for a Term Life Insurance quote keep in mind that this insurance will cover you for a specified time only such as five years. Your premiums do not increase during the term of your policy but will likely increase once it is time to renew the term. Term Life Insurance does not build a cash value.

Term life is generally cheaper if you are younger in age and a good starting point for a safety net for a young family until you’re ready to invest in long-term whole life insurance.

Now you’re fully informed to make the right choices as to just what new or additional insurance to choose for yourself and your family.

Natalie Aranda writes about Occupational Health and health insurance. When shopping for a Whole Life Insurance quote you will find that, the policy remains in force during your entire lifetime as long as the premiums are paid. The type of life insurance also builds what is commonly called a cash value that you borrow under certain circumstance after a period of time.

Do you want to feel secure during your holiday and vacation trip around the world? You always want to feel the security while traveling.

Of course, you need to secure your family as well. In case something bad happens to you, your family will receive enough claims to sustain their living. Once you are caught by a particular sickness during your vacation, there in no need for you to spend much on medical fees and treatments because of the international health insurance.

What is international health insurance? It is mostly used by short term travelers. Usually, the ones who get this are the vacation travelers who want to enjoy spending their holiday outside the country. International health insurance covers the medical expenses and emergency medical treatments and refunds.

Before you leave the country, you have to fix everything including your schedule and all the necessary reservations. Some international health insurance company will do it for you. These things should be accomplished two weeks before the flight. Sometimes people with unhealthy body conditions are not allowed to leave the country. Usually, international healthy insurance cover travel insurance as well as the refunds from the company during cancellations.

You have to choose the best international health insurance for you. If you are traveling with your kids, you must choose an international health insurance that can cover the health of your kids. This includes the medical treatments and medical expenses during your tour.

Before you sign for an international health insurance, read carefully all the policies. You should not only read those which are written in bold letter. Usually, the disadvantages of an international health insurance company are written in small letters. Be a vigilant traveler. If you are not fully satisfied with the policies of a particular international health insurance, never get it. It will only give you a headache at the end of it all.

Never choose a cheap international health insurance. It will never give you the satisfaction you need. The services are limited so you will never enjoy the benefits. Choose the one with reasonable price but does have all the things you need in an international health insurance.

Ask your friends, relatives and acquaintances on which international health insurance is the one that give away services fitting for you. This will be a great help for you in your search for the best international health insurance. Enjoy your vacation? without worries.

Khieng ‘Ken’ Chho – Online International Health Insurance Resources. For related articles and other resources, visit Ken’s website: http://internationalhealthinsurance.1w3b.net/

In today’s world of expense and inflation, finding the right health insurance plan can mean the difference between physical prosperity and financial ruin. But with all the insurance companies out there claiming to have the best policies at the best prices, how can you sort through all the hype and find the coverage you need to get–and stay–healthy?

We all need health insurance…and you know your own needs better than anyone. So when insurance salesmen start hunting you down, barraging you with phone calls and filling your mailbox with marketing brochures, don’t give in and buy the first health insurance policy you’re offered. Do your homework ahead of time so you’ll be well informed and able to choose the health insurance plan that fits you best.

To sort through all the offerings and find something you can live with, give these important issues careful consideration when searching for a personalized health insurance plan.

Services

Just knowing your health insurance company is there when you need it can be a priceless assurance. While some companies work hard to serve your needs, others may take your money and treat you impersonally.

If you ever have to face a long-term illness, hospitalization or specialized treatment, worrying about your health insurance coverage is the last thing you’ll want to do. So look now for a provider offering you a wide variety of health insurance services.

Analyze the coverage offered for medications and special equipment, experimental treatments, emergency care and rehabilitation. Find out which services are limited–or not covered at all–and consider whether each health insurance plan is a good match for you and your lifestyle.

Remember, the choices you make now could greatly affect your quality of life in the future.

Choice

What are your options when it comes to doctors, hospitals and other medical providers?

Make sure your present medical providers are listed on health insurance plans if you want to continue using them. If they’re not, this could easily dictate the type of policy you need to look for.

What are your choices regarding specialists and specialty care? If you want to see a specialist, do you need a referral from your primary-care doctor–or can you refer yourself?

Location

Examine where you’ll go for the care you need. Are your doctors, hospitals and other medical care providers near where you live or work? Convenience and accessibility can be worth a lot when you’re in a hurry or don’t want to waste gas driving across town.

What about out-of-town care? If you get deathly ill while visiting Aunt Martha 500 miles from home, will your health insurance cover a needed doctor’s visit or emergency procedure at the nearest doctor’s office or hospital? Or are you required to notify your health insurance company, then go where they direct you?

Costs

While no health insurance plan covers everything, part of your goal should be to analyze your health care needs (both present and future) and choose the policy that includes most of what you need (or may need) at the lowest possible cost. Although no one really knows what the future holds, we can make predictions based on age, health, and medical and family history.

Several costs come into play here, and together they determine your monthly and/or yearly health insurance premiums. Deductibles, coinsurance amounts, copayments, lifetime or yearly plan maximums, and cost of health care outside a particular network all make a difference in the price you pay for your health insurance. Find out exactly what you’re facing with each of these issues, and use the answers you get to compare policies side-by-side.

Using a consumer shopping service like www.insureme.com also helps defray costs. Online insurance shopping services like InsureMe can help you get competitive, affordable quotes from qualified health insurers in your area. This can save you time and money in your search for the best health insurance policy.

Getting Down to Basics

When looking for the right health insurance policy, get down to basics. Analyze your options and weigh significant factors like services, choice, location and costs. Then make a wise, informed decision–and protect yourself for years to come!

About InsureMe
Penny Hagerman is a copywriter and insurance information expert with InsureMe in Englewood, Colorado. InsureMe links agents nationwide with consumers shopping for insurance. Specializing in auto, home, life, long-term care and health insurance quotes, the InsureMe network provides thousands of agents with insurance leads every year. For more information, visit http://www.InsureMe.com.

In a world of growing unease, it is more important that ever to insure individual good health. The stress of worrying about the expense of health care and health insurance is enough, in itself, to make you sick. With health expenses spiraling out of control, making even basic health care seem too difficult for the average person to obtain, it is more important than ever to make sure your insurance is the best that money can buy for you. In California, and elsewhere, it is essential to do some research, to gain quotes for the amounts you might pay in health insurance, for the policy itself and at the time of service. Health insurance is one of the most important purchases you may ever need to make.

Whether you live in Los Angeles or Redding, San Diego or Sacramento, people in California tend to care about the same things: fresh air, clean water, and anything else necessary for good health. People in such diverse areas also know how wildly different health insurance rates might be based upon the needs and goals of an individual. Good consumers in California know that obtaining a california health insurance quote is the best way to find the best deal on health insurance. While company recognition and comfort with your policy are important, most often, health insurance purchases, in California and everywhere else, depend greatly upon the quote, upon the price. While good health is priceless, as we all well know, health insurance is not.

A California quote for health insurance gives the consumer the information they need to make an informed decision regarding the health and care of them as individuals, as well as the group of their families. Regarding the actual quote obtained for health insurance, it is important to compare like policies. One must read carefully under each policy what may be covered, as well as costs at the times of a scheduled doctor appointment or, in case of emergency, at the hospital. It is important, too, to address questions about choice of physicians, payment for pregnancy, pre-existing conditions, and countless other issues when determining which policy may be right for you and your family. Policies are as diverse as the families who need them, so it is essential to fully comprehend the details surrounding your health insurance quote, from what may be required of you, initially or at the time of service, as well as what may be required of your health professionals.

A health insurance quote, in California and throughout the United States, is the consumer?s best access to actual health insurance information regarding the standard of care and cost they may expect. In a time when our paychecks seem to be shrinking as the cost of our monthly bills rise, it is undeniably necessary to make the best choices possible when it comes to our financial concerns, as well as our physical care. In uneasy times, having the certainty of an official quote, a set cost for health insurance, can give the individual the peace of mind that truly brings good health. With a California health insurance quote, the individual is assured of exacting parameters of the policy on which they must depend. This speaks to the most basic of human desires ? good health and financial security. You owe it to yourself to insure both.

Christopher M. Luck has an extensive medical background in dealing exclusively with california health insurance and is now offering his free professional health secrets to the public. If you are at all interested in Christopher’s professional health advice, tips, or secrets, you can visit his health blog.

To file a claim with Critical Ill or Life Insurance companies, the recipients often need to mail in receipts of medical proofs and the claim form itself. The policies are valid in most instances, providing that after your prognosis you received report that you have ?14 to 28 days? to survive. Once the company is accepted and evidence is clear that you are in fact the policyholder, that your were born on the said date, and that you have received medical treatment from an expert in the field of your condition, and once, all verifications are made, you will receive a large lump ?tax-free? sum of cash.

Can I work still, or do I need to stop work after filing a claim? When illness attack the patient may need to stop work, or else the patient can work minimal hours. Once the patient receives, the lump sum provided by the policy the money belongs to you and if you continue to work, it will not affect your claim. Statistics claim that ?35? percent of men and nearly 50% of the women are increasing contacting cancers, and only live for around ?5 years.? While the statistics reveal further, that ?1 in 6 women? will experience Chronic Ill and that ?1 of 5 men? will undergo Chronic Ill before the giving up work. Therefore, Critical Illness Coverage is important, in that if these statistics are accurate, then debtors are in the making if coverage is not available. This will increase the already existing problem and even if you can work after filing a claim, there is no guarantee how long that work will last.

It makes sense to combine Life Insurance Coverage with Critical Illness Policy. The combined coverage will make a way out when a person becomes ill. While, Critical Illness Coverage will often cover major illnesses, Life Insurance may offer a way out when the ill is not lingering. Since, new medical developments are underway creating solutions for cancer treatment, AIDS, and other terminal illnesses; we can never tell which plan could most benefit us in the event we fall ill. In other words, if you have terminal illness and treatments become available, who knows if Critical Illness plans will work in the same manner. Since, we can never tell we must also learn more about Life Insurance policies, and what the policies will cover.

Life Insurance

Life Insurance Coverage offers a way out in some instances when a patient is temporarily out of work. The plans may offer large ?tax-free? cash sums to tie the family over until the patient if well. If the patient is critical ill then the coverage will provide additional burial funds coupled with the funds received from Critical Illness Coverage to help the family out. There are several types of plans available; therefore, it makes sense to shop around looking for policies that you feel may be needed later.

Things to consider when searching for Life Insurance and Critical Ill policies should include health. To consider your health your must consider hereditary conditions, pending conditions, and possible conditions. Does my family history have histories of heart attacks, strokes, mental diseases, or other types of diseases that could affect my health later? If so, what medical treatments will I need and how much will the treatments cost if I should befall the illness? How is my health now? Do I consider myself a risk of poor health in the future? What if my condition causes me to loose my source of income? Is it possible I could get into a car accident that will put me out of work permanently? These are a few questions to consider when applying for Insurance. You may also want to consider the coverage needed and the price you can afford for the policy? Do not forget to consider the premiums, since the premiums will determine cost.

Finally, health is important, since we need good health to function properly in our daily lives. Furthermore, at any given time anyone of us could meet the nasty illnesses that plague lives everyday. Therefore, if you have coverage now, later when you file a claim, the money will be there when you are in need.

Authored by Michael Bens. For more great information about all forms of insurance visit our free online insurance publication the Gabae Insurance Source to find the information you’re looking for!

Also you can check out Gabae Insurance Articles to find the articles’ you’re looking for!

So-called ?high deductible health plans? are a lot like conventional (PPO/HMO) insurance plans, but they typically have higher deductibles (over $1,000 per year). The idea is that even though the deductible is high, you save so much money from the lower monthly premium costs that the HDHP is a better deal in the long run, when used in conjunction with a tax-free Health Savings Account (HSA).

Last year, in order to setup an HSA, you needed to find a High-Deductible Health Plans that met the following qualifications:

1.A minimum deductible of $1,000 for self or $2000 for family coverage.

2. A maximum out-of-pocket limit of $5,100 for individual coverage, and $10,200 for family coverage.

3. Preventive care can have first dollar coverage (i.e. without a deductible). Preventive care examples include: periodic health evaluations like annual physicals, screening services like mammograms, routine prenatal and well-child care, child and adult immunizations, tobacco cessation programs, and obesity weight loss programs.

Prescription drugs taken to prevent the onset of a condition for which a person has developed risk factors for can be considered preventive care, like cholesterol-lowering medication. A general rule of thumb for what is or is not preventive care is the care does not include any service or benefit which treats an existing illness or condition.

4. The plan can use co-pays to cover preventive care. Higher out-of-pocket (co-pays and co-insurance) is allowed for out-of-network care.

5. The can?t cover prescription drugs before the deductible is met.

HDHP?s often offer a better value for money as compared to a lower deductible plan. HDHP premiums are significantly lower, and any out-of-pocket cost risk to can be minimized by funding an HSA to cover out-of-pocket costs up to your deductible. Also, HDHP premiums have not been subject to the kinds of rate increases that traditional health plans have seen over the last few years.

This is not true in all states and for all health plans.

Some have said that consumer-driven health plans, like the HSA HDHP combo, works best for relatively healthy people. It is certainly true that if you?re healthy, and don?t use medical services during the year, you?ll save a lot of money with a high-deductible plan. But it?s also true that CDH plans, applied wisely, can result in savings and greater flexibility for consumers of all kinds. Individuals who are likely to make moderate or heavy use of medical services should be sure to understand the benefits covered under their plan, and should pay special attention to the co-insurance, maximum out-of-pocket, and any exclusions or carve-outs. Healthia?s health cost modeling tool can help you decide if a CDH plan will work for you.

Kurt Stammberger is VP, Marketing at Healthia Inc. Healthia was founded in 2005 to provide integrated comparison-shopping information on health insurance products and services for groups, individuals, families and small business employees.

Florida residents that are self employed and looking for health insurance have a number of options available to them. Be aware that depending upon your health, your age, and other factors unique to your particular situation there is no hard and fast rule as to which option is best for you. However, there are some general guidelines that will help you make the best Florida self employed health insurance decision.

The first Florida health insurance option available to the self employed is to simply apply for an individual health insurance policy. The benefit to applying for an individual health insurance policy is that individual health insurance rates in Florida are very competitive.

The downside to attempting to purchase an individual health insurance policy in the state of Florida is that you must be healthy. According to FL law, a health insurance company can decline your application for an individual health insurance policy based on prior medical history (pre-existing conditions), height and weight restrictions, and other health related criteria.

That means if you have cancer, diabetes, weight problems, or a host of other physical ailments then you will be denied coverage with a Florida individual health insurance policy. (Any unscrupulous agent that tries to tell you other wise is misrepresenting whatever product he or she is trying to sell you as health insurance when in fact it is probably a discount health plan or a health insurance indemnity plan with very limited coverage).

The second Florida health insurance option available to the self employed is to apply for a Florida group health insurance plan. In Florida, any group of 2 employer/employees or more is considered eligible for a Florida small group health insurance. (If it is just you: 1 self employed person functioning as a sole proprietor in the state of Florida then you have a different option open to you – see option 3 below). The benefit to applying for a Florida small group health insurance policy is that that certain health issues that can signal an automatic decline on the individual health insurance side will not signal an automatic decline on the group health insurance side.

The downside to attempting to purchase a group health insurance policy in the state of Florida is that it can be very expensive. Think of it in terms of: the more potentially unhealthy people that the insurance company has to give health insurance to (group health insurance) the higher the premiums will be as opposed to where the insurance company can pick and choose who they will accept for health insurance (individual health insurance).

The third Florida health insurance option available to the self employed is for those that are functioning as a sole proprietor. Florida self employed sole proprietors can apply for a Florida guaranteed issue small group health plan. The Florida guaranteed issue small group health plans has an open enrollment period only during the month of August.

Florida self employed health insurance can be a somewhat tricky area to navigate without the help of a licensed independent Florida health insurance agent. There are also many different ways to save money in taxes – one of which being the ability to deduct your health insurance premiums paid on Schedule C of your tax return against and up to your Schedule C income (Meaning that even if you don’t itemize [Schedule A you can still deduct your health insurance premiums paid all the way up to your Schedule C income!).

Request help from the Florida self employed health insurance experts (CPA, Certified Financial Planner, and licensed Florida independent insurance agents) by visiting Real time Health Quotes.

Florida Self Employed Health Insurance

The cost of health insurance continues to climb unabated. As the number of uninsured in America swells to 45 million people, many look to our political leaders for answers and relief.

Presidential campaign rhetoric about how to control skyrocketing health care costs provides only short-term solutions focused on the sticker price. But the administration should address long-term solutions to the spiraling crisis.

In 2002, the United States spent $1.6 trillion, or nearly 15 percent of GDP, on health expenditures. Medicare, the government?s single payer model for seniors, spent $267 billion.

Analysts project national health care expenditures to reach $3.1 trillion by 2012 ? nearly twice the amount spent in 2002. The dramatic numbers have a tendency to overstate the obvious ? for many, the cost of insurance can be as much, if not more, than rent or a mortgage. Until the administration places its focus on the rising cost of health care, those costs will continue to escalate far exceeding the rates of earnings. Whether you subscribe to a higher monthly premium charged by an HMO or a payroll tax collected by Uncle Sam, someone has to pay the bill. Shifting the burden from our premium bill to our tax bill is not an acceptable solution.

There are basic initiatives that policymakers need to address in an effort to streamline the delivery system and minimize the soaring cost of health care.

First, encourage investments in technology improvements across all levels of the health care delivery system, including insurers, hospitals and physicians. For a $1.6 trillion industry in the 21st century, the technology employed is comparable to driving a Model T on a highway full of modern cars.

Consider the banking industry. A simple piece of plastic, from any bank, allows you to purchase anything from antiques on eBay to milk at the local grocery store. In health care, the piece of plastic serving as an ID card serves little purpose other than to inform the physician where to send the bill. Physicians and their staffs then spend an inordinate amount of time completing the proper paperwork to get paid.

Inefficiencies are expensive. Administrative expenses are the fastest-rising component of health expenditures. In 2002, public and private insurance spent $105 billion on administrative expenses, almost 13 percent more than in 2001. Support for developing common standards and technology improvements is necessary to eliminate the costly inefficiencies that contribute to rising health costs.

Next, support the release of cost and quality information. Most of us know where we can find the best deal on a car, mortgage or even shoes. But how many people can afford to buy something without ever knowing the price?

Do you know the average cost of a physician office visit? We have grown accustomed to the minimal office co-payment as the benchmark for the cost of delivering care. Yet who would seriously consider a $10 co-payment a sufficient amount for physician treatment?

As consumers, we are asked to bear a greater share of health care costs. In return, we should demand more information about price and quality. Disclosure of such information has the potential to have a profound effect on consumer behavior and the cost and quality of health care. Such transparency should reform inequities and deficiencies in the cost of health services.

There is no single magic bullet to solving the issues facing the American health care system. Our system is an immense and complex web of interdependencies. Expanded public financing and subsidies will provide only short-term relief unless the drivers of health care expenditures are resolved. Solely addressing the problem by throwing more money at it, public or private, while ignoring the elephant in the living room serves little to alleviate the large financial burden the health care system has become.

We must accept the fact that health care in the United States is expensive and get to work on long-term solutions that will effectively control costs. We have the ability to control health care costs in this country; what we lack are the commitment and stamina to get it done.

JOHN R. CANTILLO is vice president of underwriting at VISTA. An industry expert with more than 10 years of experience in health insurance, he received his MBA from the University of Florida. Cantillo is a member of the Health Underwriting Study Group, a national think tank and information source for health insurance executives. Reach him at http://www.vistahealthplan.com