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Information about all aspects of finances affected by a serious health condition. Includes income sources such as work, investments, and private and government disability programs, and expenses such as medical bills, and how to deal with financial problems.
Information about all aspects of health care from choosing a doctor and treatment, staying safe in a hospital, to end of life care. Includes how to obtain, choose and maximize health insurance policies.
Answers to your practical questions such as how to travel safely despite your health condition, how to avoid getting infected by a pet, and what to say or not say to an insurance company.

My Survivorship A to Z Guide

Insurance Important

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Note: This is a sample Survivorship A to Z Guide for a fictitious person we call John. John is just diagnosed with HIV. To view a summary of his answers which led to this Guide, click here.

To get your own free, computer-generated A to Z Guide, click here.

Next time you have a choice of health insurance policies, our Health Plan Evaluator helps decide which is the best policy from the point of view of a person with a history of HIV.

If the insurance your employer offers isn't what you need, consider changing jobs for better coverage. Your health coverage can be that important. As you will see below in the section about "work," there are a combination of laws that keep people from being locked into a job just because of a health history. As long as you're physically and mentally up to it, a heath history is no longer a reason to keep you from qualifying for a new job. One of the laws is likely to prevent a new waiting period during which your existing health condition is not covered by a new employer's health insurance.

If changing jobs isn't an option, look at other ways to obtain health insurance. If all else fails, we've compiled tips for people who are uninsured.

If you lose or leave your job, you will probably get to keep your insurance under COBRA -- at least for 18 months, and possibly for 29 months. You'll have to pay the premiums. Medicare starts 29 months after you become disabled.  

Insurance on your property and against liability takes on new meaning after a diagnosis of HIV. It becomes even more important to have the appropriate coverage, and at the lowest cost. [Tell me more]

In the world of your new normal, a catastrophic loss could be devastating.

While you probably already know the basics, it's worth reviewing our unbiased articles to assure you are getting the best insurance for your needs at the least cost. For example, you may be entitled to a discount on your homeowners insurance policy that you're not aware of.

You may also be entitled to a discount on your automobile insurance policy.

You indicated you have real property.

  • Ideally, the amount of insurance on property insurance should cover replacement cost, to current standards.

  • If there is a co-insurance feature, and you do not have sufficient coverage on your property, you may not receive the full amount of your coverage in the event of a loss.

Don't let any insurance policy lapse unintentionally for non-payment of premium. 

  • Mark your calendar with the date when each payment is due. Don't rely on the insurance company to send you a bill. And don't rely on the grace period. Particularly if you pay bills by mail, the mail can be very, very slow.
  • If you won't be able to meet a deadline, call the insurance provider before a deadline passes and explain the situation. It can't hurt to mention your health history. You're talking with a person. People at the right level in the company have the ability to bend the rules. If you're not speaking with a person at that level, ask for a supervisor. If money is tight, look at our article about facing a money crunch.

Before you travel abroad, check your health insurance to determine whether you are covered outside the United States. If not, consider purchasing an insurance policy to cover. [Tell me more]

To locate appropriate insurance, speak with a travel agent or an experienced insurance broker.