Insurance

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Braven Health Medicare Advantage plans are available throughout New Jersey. The company gets below-average star ratings for quality from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), but its member experience scores beat the average for major companies.

Here’s what you should know about Braven Health Medicare Advantage.

Braven Health Medicare Advantage pros and cons

Braven Health Medicare Advantage plans have advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

  • Strong member experience ratings: Braven Health has above-average member experience ratings for factors such as care coordination and customer service.

  • $0 PPO options: $0-premium preferred provider organization (PPO) plans are available in all 21 New Jersey counties.

Cons

  • Below-average star ratings: Braven Health trails the all-company weighted average for star ratings from CMS.

  • High out-of-pocket limits: Plans have higher maximum out-of-pocket limits than most competitors.

  • Limited availability: Braven Health plans are available only in New Jersey.

Braven Health Medicare star ratings

Average star rating, weighted by enrollment: 3.5

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) releases annual star ratings that rank Medicare plans from best (5 stars) to worst (1 star). The agency’s ratings are based on data measuring plans’ quality of care and customer satisfaction.

Based on the most recent year of data and weighted by enrollment, Braven Health Medicare Advantage plans get an average overall 2024 star rating of 3.5 stars

.

For comparison, the average star rating for plans from all providers for 2024 is 4.04

.

What does Braven Health Medicare Advantage cost?

Costs for Medicare Advantage plans will depend on your plan, geographic location and health needs.

Premiums

One of the costs to consider is the plan’s premium. In 2024, about 7 in 10 (72%) Braven Health Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums

.

Even as a Medicare Advantage user, you’ll still be responsible for paying your Medicare Part B premium, which is $174.70 per month in 2024, although some plans cover part or all of this cost

.

Copays, coinsurance and deductibles

Requirements for copays, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on your plan, location and the services you use. Other out-of-pocket costs to consider include:

  • Whether the plan covers any part of your monthly Medicare Part B premium.

  • The plan’s yearly deductibles and any other deductibles, such as a drug deductible.

  • Copayments and/or coinsurance for each visit or service. For instance, there may be a $10 copay for seeing your primary doctor and a $45 copay for seeing a specialist.

  • The plan’s in-network and out-of-network out-of-pocket maximums.

  • Whether your medical providers are in-network or out-of-network, or how often you may go out-of-network for care.

  • Whether you require extra benefits, and whether the plan charges for them.

To get a sense of costs, use Medicare’s plan finding tool to compare information among available plans in your area. You can select by insurance carrier to see only Braven Health plans or compare across carriers. You can also shop directly from Braven Health’s website by entering your ZIP code.

Braven Health Medicare Advantage plan types

All Braven Health Medicare Advantage plans offered in 2024 are preferred provider organization (PPO) plans.

Preferred provider organization (PPO) plans provide the most freedom, allowing you to see any provider that accepts the insurance. You may not need to choose a primary doctor, and you don’t need referrals to see specialists. You can seek out-of-network care, although it may cost more than seeing an in-network doctor.

Braven Health Medicare Advantage service area

Compare Medicare Advantage providers

Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage providers. These insurers offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.

Find the right Medicare Advantage plan

  • What are the plan’s costs? Do you understand what the plan’s premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?

  • Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.

  • Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?

  • Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?

  • Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?

If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Clover Health Medicare Advantage plans are available in five states, and the provider’s star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are below average. Member experience ratings are also below the average for major providers.

Here’s what you should know about Clover Health Medicare Advantage.

Clover Health Medicare Advantage pros and cons

Clover Health’s offerings have advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

  • Mostly PPO plans: Most of Clover Health’s Medicare Advantage plans are PPO plans, which offer more flexibility than HMOs. 

  • $0 plans: Two-thirds of Clover Health Medicare Advantage plans offer a $0 premium. 

Cons

  • Below-average star ratings: Clover Health Medicare Advantage plans score a lower-than-average star rating from CMS — 3.00 for 2024 plans, versus 4.04 for the industry as a whole.

  • High out-of-pocket max: Clover Health’s average out-of-pocket maximum — the most you would be responsible for paying in a plan year — is higher than those of the major providers at about $7,800. 

  • Subpar member experience ratings: Clover Health’s average member ratings on metrics like customer service and getting needed care are below the average for major providers. 

  • Limited availability: Clover Health offers Medicare Advantage plans in just five states.

Clover Health Medicare star ratings

Average star rating, weighted by enrollment: 3

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services maintains star ratings for Medicare Advantage plans on a 5-point scale, ranking plans from best (5 stars) to worst (1 star). The agency bases these ratings on plans’ quality of care and measurements of customer satisfaction, and ratings may change from year to year.

Based on the most recent year of data and weighted by enrollment, Clover Health’s 2024 Medicare Advantage plans get an average rating of 3 stars

.

For comparison, the average star rating for plans from all providers is 4.04

.

What does Clover Health Medicare Advantage cost?

Costs for Medicare Advantage plans depend on your plan, your geographic location and your health needs.

Premiums

One of the costs to consider is the plan’s premium. In 2024, about two-thirds of Clover Health Medicare Advantage plans (67%) have a $0 premium

.

Even as a Medicare Advantage user, you’ll still be responsible for paying your Medicare Part B premium, which is $174.70 per month in 2024

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Costs. Accessed Jan 8, 2024.

, although some plans cover part or all of this cost. (Most people pay this standard amount, but if your income is above a certain threshold, you’ll pay more.)

Copays, coinsurance and deductibles

Requirements for copays, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on your plan, location and the services you use. Other out-of-pocket costs to consider include:

  • Whether the plan covers any part of your monthly Medicare Part B premium.

  • The plan’s yearly deductibles and any other deductibles, such as a drug deductible.

  • Copayments and/or coinsurance for each visit or service. For instance, there may be a $10 copay for seeing your primary doctor and a $45 copay for seeing a specialist.

  • The plan’s in-network and out-of-network out-of-pocket maximums.

  • Whether your medical providers are in-network or out-of-network, or how often you may go out of network for care.

  • Whether you require extra benefits, and if the plan charges for them.

To get a sense of costs, use Medicare’s plan-finding tool to compare information among available plans in your area. You can select by insurance carrier to see only Clover Health plans or compare across carriers. You can also shop directly from Clover Health’s website by entering your ZIP code.

Available Medicare Advantage plans

There are a few kinds of Clover Health Medicare Advantage plans, and they vary in terms of structure, costs and benefits. Clover Health offers Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MAPDs) as well as Medicare Advantage plans without drug coverage.

Plan offerings include the following types:

A health maintenance organization (HMO) generally requires that you use a specific network of doctors and hospitals. You may need a referral from your primary doctor in order to see a specialist, and out-of-network benefits are usually very limited.

Preferred provider organization (PPO) plans provide the most freedom, allowing you to see any provider that accepts the insurance. You may not need to choose a primary doctor, and you don’t need referrals to see specialists. You can seek out-of-network care, although it may cost more than seeing an in-network doctor.

Clover Health Medicare Advantage service area

Clover Health offers Medicare Advantage plans in five states: Georgia, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Texas — down from eight states in 2023. Clover Health covers more than 80,000 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries

.

Compare Medicare Advantage providers

Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage providers. These insurers offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.

Find the right Medicare Advantage plan

  • What are the plan’s costs? Do you understand what the plan’s premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?

  • Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.

  • Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?

  • Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?

  • Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?

If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).

Source: nerdwallet.com

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A Medicare flex card is a preloaded debit card offered by some Medicare Advantage plans that members can use for certain expenses like over-the-counter health items, assistive devices and utilities.

Although flex cards for seniors are associated with Medicare, they’re not provided by the government. They’re a potential benefit from Medicare Advantage plans, which are a bundled alternative to Original Medicare plans and sold by private health insurance companies.

What do Medicare flex cards cover?

Costs you pay for with your Medicare flex card vary by plan, but some common categories include:

  • Groceries (such as healthy items like vegetables and fresh meats).

  • Utilities (such as gas, water and electricity).

  • Over-the-counter health items (such as toothpaste and vitamins).

  • Assistive devices (such as handrails, shower stools and temporary mobility ramps).

  • Allowance for health care costs (such as dental, vision or hearing care).

  • Fitness (such as fees for sports facilities or fitness classes).

  • Weight loss (hospital- or non-hospital-based programs). 

Compare Medigap plans

How do you use a flex card for seniors?

Flex cards are typically preloaded at monthly, quarterly or annual intervals with an allowance you can use toward one or more categories. You might be able to choose the category you want to use your flex card for, or your plan may offer a flex card for a specific cost, such as dental or vision care expenses.

You can use your prepaid flex card like you’d use a debit card: Present it at checkout and the money will be deducted from your flex card balance. You might also be able to use it to buy things online.

How much money is on a flex card for seniors?

The amount of your benefit will depend on your plan. Common benefit amounts range from $250 to $1,500 per year. Your plan may offer different benefit amounts for different categories.

How do you get a Medicare flex card?

Medicare flex cards are available with certain Medicare Advantage plans. If you choose Medicare Advantage, you can compare plan benefits and look for a plan that offers a flex card.

However, don’t choose a plan solely for the flex card benefit. Make sure you carefully compare Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage and find the best plan for your needs overall, including making sure your doctors are in-network and your prescription drugs are covered.

Some Medicare Advantage providers only offer flex cards for members who meet certain requirements, such as having a certain chronic condition. And you may live in an area of the country where a plan with a flex card isn’t an option for you.

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Care N’ Care Medicare Advantage plans are available in Texas only, and the provider’s star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are below average. Member experience ratings, however, are above the average for major providers.

Here’s what you should know about Care N’ Care Medicare Advantage.

Care N’ Care Medicare Advantage pros and cons

Care N’ Care’s offerings have advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

  • High member experience ratings: Member experience ratings on metrics like care coordination and customer service are above the average for major providers. 

  • Lower out-of-pocket max: Care N’ Care Medicare Advantage plans’ average out-of-pocket maximum is just under $3,600, which is lower than the average for major providers. 

Cons

  • Below-average star ratings: Care N’ Care Medicare Advantage plans’ star ratings from CMS are below the industry average. 

  • Limited availability: Care N’ Care offers Medicare Advantage plans in Texas only. 

  • No SNPs: Care N’ Care doesn’t offer any Medicare Advantage special needs plans. 

Care N’ Care Medicare star ratings

Average star rating, weighted by enrollment: 3.39

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services maintains star ratings for Medicare Advantage plans on a 5-point scale, ranking plans from best (5 stars) to worst (1 star). The agency bases these ratings on plans’ quality of care and measurements of customer satisfaction, and ratings may change from year to year.

Based on the most recent year of data and weighted by enrollment, Care N’ Care’s 2024 Medicare Advantage plans get an average rating of 3.39 stars

.

For comparison, the average star rating for plans from all providers is 4.04

.

Still deciding on the right carrier? Compare Medicare Advantage plans

What does Care N’ Care Medicare Advantage cost?

Costs for Medicare Advantage plans depend on your plan, your geographic location and your health needs.

Premiums

One of the costs to consider is the plan’s premium. In 2024, about 6 in 10 Care N’ Care Medicare Advantage plans that aren’t special needs plans (SNPs) have a $0 premium

.

Even as a Medicare Advantage user, you’ll still be responsible for paying your Medicare Part B premium, which is $174.70 per month in 2024

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Costs. Accessed Dec 19, 2023.

, although some plans cover part or all of this cost. (Most people pay this standard amount, but if your income is above a certain threshold, you’ll pay more.)

Copays, coinsurance and deductibles

Requirements for copays, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on your plan, location and the services you use. Other out-of-pocket costs to consider include:

  • Whether the plan covers any part of your monthly Medicare Part B premium.

  • The plan’s yearly deductibles and any other deductibles, such as a drug deductible.

  • Copayments and/or coinsurance for each visit or service. For instance, there may be a $10 copay for seeing your primary doctor and a $45 copay for seeing a specialist.

  • The plan’s in-network and out-of-network out-of-pocket maximums.

  • Whether your medical providers are in-network or out-of-network, or how often you may go out of network for care.

  • Whether you require extra benefits, and if the plan charges for them.

To get a sense of costs, use Medicare’s plan-finding tool to compare information among available plans in your area. You can select by insurance carrier to see only Care N’ Care plans or compare across carriers. You can also shop directly from Care N’ Care’s website by entering your ZIP code.

Available Medicare Advantage plans

There are a few kinds of Care N’ Care Medicare Advantage plans, and they vary in terms of structure, costs and benefits. Care N’ Care offers Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MAPDs) as well as Medicare Advantage plans without drug coverage.

Plan offerings include the following types:

A health maintenance organization (HMO) generally requires that you use a specific network of doctors and hospitals. You may need a referral from your primary doctor in order to see a specialist, and out-of-network benefits are usually very limited.

Preferred provider organization (PPO) plans provide the most freedom, allowing you to see any provider that accepts the insurance. You may not need to choose a primary doctor, and you don’t need referrals to see specialists. You can seek out-of-network care, although it may cost more than seeing an in-network doctor.

Care N’ Care Medicare Advantage service area

Care N’ Care offers Medicare Advantage plans in Texas only and covers just over 10,000 members

.

Compare Medicare Advantage providers

Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage providers. These insurers offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.

Find the right Medicare Advantage plan

  • What are the plan’s costs? Do you understand what the plan’s premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?

  • Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.

  • Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?

  • Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?

  • Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?

If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).

Source: nerdwallet.com

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What can you do if you’re buying or living in a home that’s considered “high risk” because of its location or other factors, and you can’t find the insurance protection you need? In some states, including Florida and California, where insurers are limiting their coverage or exiting the market altogether, it can be challenging to find a renters or homeowners policy. You may even find the insurer you’ve had for years is no longer willing to provide coverage.

There’s no need to panic just yet, or give up on your efforts to get the policy you want or need. There may be options you haven’t thought about that are just a few computer taps away.

What Makes a Home, Area, or State High Risk?

There are a few different factors that can make a home, neighborhood, region, or state high risk when it comes to getting insurance coverage. Some of these factors may affect homeowners only, while others can affect both homeowners and renters.

Sometimes a home is determined to be high risk because it’s fallen into a state of disrepair. The insurance company may say, for example, that the home needs a new roof, the foundation is unsafe, or the plumbing or electricity needs updating. If that’s the case, following through on those repairs may make it easier to keep or qualify for a traditional homeowners policy.

It’s also possible that the way the home is constructed — with certain types of building materials or a roof style that doesn’t meet the insurer’s underwriting standards — is making it harder to get insurance. Or it could be that the home is in an area that makes it more vulnerable to certain crimes, such as burglary or vandalism. Sometimes, a person’s own history (a criminal background, bankruptcy, or too many past claims) could lead an insurer to cancel a policy or say no to a new one.

Increasingly, it’s the propensity for serious, damaging weather that can cause an entire region or state to be considered high-risk. In California, wildfires are one reason insurers cite for pulling out. In Louisiana, it’s flooding. And in Florida, insurers are leaving the state because of the expensive damage hurricanes and tropical storms can cause.
💡 Quick Tip: A basic homeowners insurance plan doesn’t cover floods, earthquakes, or sinkholes. If you live in an area prone to natural disasters, you may want to look into supplemental coverage.

What Can You Do If You’re Denied Coverage?

Though homeowners and renters insurance policies aren’t mandated by any state or federal laws, mortgage lenders and landlords can and often do require a certain amount of coverage. Even if yours doesn’t, you may find it makes sense to get a policy to protect yourself, your home, and/or your belongings.

It can be frustrating and scary to find out you’ve been denied the insurance you want or need, or that the policy you have is being canceled. Here are a few things you can do to find protection:

Shop Around

There are many insurance companies out there, so don’t feel as though you have to give up just because the carrier you wanted won’t cover you. You may be able to find a similar or better policy online, or you could search the old-fashioned way and call around. While you’re looking, try not to limit your options based on brand names or because you have car insurance or another type of policy through a certain company.

If you’re buying homeowners insurance: Before you start shopping, consider how much and what types of coverage you need and what your lender requires. Depending on where you live, you may need to buy additional protection for flooding, earthquakes, sinkholes, etc. This coverage is usually not a part of a basic homeowners policy.

If you’re buying a home, you may want to ask the current homeowners or your new neighbors what coverage they think is necessary.

If you’re buying renters insurance: Keep in mind that even though your landlord might have insurance that covers the building you’re living in, that policy won’t cover your possessions should they be damaged or stolen. And the landlord’s policy probably won’t pay for additional living expenses if you need to move out while your unit undergoes repairs.

As you shop renters policies, it’s important to compare apples to apples, and to be sure you’re getting the renters insurance coverage you might need in a worst-case scenario. Remember: Most renters policies won’t cover damage from flooding. To be sure you’re protected, you’ll likely need to purchase a separate renters policy from the National Flood Insurance Program, which is managed by FEMA.

Use a Broker or Independent Insurance Agent

If you don’t have the time to shop for a policy yourself, you may want to hire an insurance broker or independent insurance agent to get quotes from multiple insurers for you. Before you get started in this process, it’s a good idea to be clear on how your insurance professional will be paid (fee, commission, or both), and how broad or limited the policy search will be.

Contact Your State Department of Insurance

The consumer division of your state insurance department can provide you with a list of insurers that are writing policies in your area. And they may be able to help you work with your current provider regarding a nonrenewal — that is, if the company isn’t pulling out of the state altogether.

Ask Your Current Insurance Professional for Advice

If your current insurance company is leaving your region or state and you need to change your homeowners insurance, your representative — who is familiar with your policy needs — may have suggestions for which companies you could try next.

Consider a FAIR Plan

Many states have Fair Access to Insurance Requirements (FAIR) plans available for homeowners who can’t get a traditional homeowners policy. FAIR insurance coverage is different for each state, but generally, these are bare-bones policies provided by a pool of insurance companies. They often do not include personal liability coverage, and you may have to make upgrades to your property to get or keep your policy.

A FAIR plan may be your last resort if you can’t get a policy anywhere else. Still, it’s important to be clear on what you are getting — and what your premium will be — before moving forward.

Look into Beach and Windstorm Plans

If you live in a coastal state that is prone to wind and hail damage, you may want to look into getting a beach and windstorm insurance plan. These plans are similar to FAIR plans and can provide coverage to homeowners in areas that aren’t insured through the voluntary insurance market.

Recommended: Renters and Homeowners Insurance Definitions

Can You Go Without Insurance If You Can’t Get Coverage?

Although you aren’t legally required to purchase a renters or homeowners policy, you may not have a choice. If you’re renting, your landlord might say it’s a must. And if you’re buying or still owe money on your home, your mortgage company will let you know how much homeowners insurance you need.

If you can’t get a policy, or if the coverage is deemed insufficient, your mortgage company might buy “force-placed” insurance for your home. With force-placed insurance, the lender typically pays upfront for the insurance, then adds the premium cost to your monthly mortgage payment. You won’t have control over the type of coverage you get, or the policy limits, and it might be more expensive than the policy you would purchase for yourself.

You also may be required to have homeowners insurance if you live in a condominium or co-op.

Recommended: Is Homeowners Insurance Required to Buy a Home?

What Are the Downsides of Going Without Coverage?

Even if you don’t have to get insurance, you may want to seriously consider the downsides of going without coverage. You might discover that the security a policy can offer is worth the extra effort or cost involved with finding coverage.

If you’re a homeowner: It’s quite likely your home is your biggest asset, and insurance can help you protect that investment and your overall financial wellness. Your homeowners policy doesn’t just cover the structure you live in; it also insures your belongings and provides liability protection in case of an injury or property damage.

If you’re a renter: Your personal property (furniture, electronics, clothes, jewelry, etc.) may be worth more than you think, and renters insurance can help you pay to replace belongings that are damaged or stolen. Renters insurance also typically includes coverage for property damage, or if a guest is accidentally hurt, or if your pet bites someone.

Worried about how much renters insurance costs and if it’s worth it? Usually, renters insurance is much less expensive than homeowners insurance, so you may want to at least check the price before passing on coverage.
💡 Quick Tip: Next time you review your budget, consider making room for additional insurance coverage. Think of it as an investment that can help protect you from a major financial loss.

The Takeaway

It can be frustrating and stressful to learn that you can’t get the insurance coverage you need for your home and belongings, or that you’re losing the coverage you thought you could count on. But just because one company won’t offer you a policy doesn’t mean you don’t have other options. You may have to spend a little extra time searching for the right policy, though, or get a little help finding the appropriate amount of coverage at an affordable price.

When the unexpected happens, it’s good to know you have a plan to protect your loved ones and your finances. SoFi has teamed up with some of the best insurance companies in the industry to provide members with fast, easy, and reliable insurance.

Find affordable auto, life, homeowners, and renters insurance with SoFi Protect.

FAQ

Is homeowners insurance required to buy a home?

While homeowners insurance isn’t required by state or federal laws, if you’re financing the home, your mortgage lender will likely require that you have a certain amount of coverage.

Is renters insurance required?

Renters insurance isn’t required by law, but your landlord or property management company may require that you purchase a renters policy.

How much renters insurance do I need?

To determine how much renters insurance you should purchase, you may want to do a quick inventory of what you own, including clothing, jewelry, electronics, artwork, furniture, etc. Then, using receipts if you have them, estimate how much it’s all worth.

How much homeowners insurance do I need?

If you’re financing your home, your mortgage lender will likely require a certain amount of insurance coverage. But you may want to purchase additional coverage based on your assets and the types of protection you want. Your insurance company can help you determine the appropriate amount of coverage.

Photo credit: iStock/svetikd

Insurance not available in all states.
Experian is a registered service mark of Experian Personal Insurance Agency, Inc.
Social Finance, Inc. (“SoFi”) is compensated by Experian for each customer who purchases a policy through Experian from the site.

Non affiliation: SoFi isn’t affiliated with any of the companies highlighted in this article.

Financial Tips & Strategies: The tips provided on this website are of a general nature and do not take into account your specific objectives, financial situation, and needs. You should always consider their appropriateness given your own circumstances.

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Source: sofi.com

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Safety Insurance

Regional insurer that sells home insurance in three New England states.

Coverage options

About average

Average set of discounts

NAIC complaints

Far fewer than expected

Safety Insurance

Regional insurer that sells home insurance in three New England states.

Coverage options

About average

Average set of discounts

NAIC complaints

Far fewer than expected

About Safety home insurance

Boston-based Safety Insurance sells homeowners insurance in select parts of New England. It earned a NerdWallet rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 for overall performance, standing out for its ultra-low number of consumer complaints. Safety home insurance is worth considering if you live in New England and want to work with a local independent agent to find coverage.

Where Safety stands out

Consumer complaints. Safety draws very few complaints to state regulators for a company of its size, indicating that most policyholders are satisfied with their coverage.

Optional coverage packages. Safety offers bundles of valuable add-ons such as guaranteed replacement cost coverage for your home and water backup coverage.

Where Safety falls short

Availability. Safety serves only three states in New England. Homeowners elsewhere will need to find a different carrier.

Website. Although Safety’s site has some basic functions like online bill payments, it doesn’t allow you to get a quote or offer easily accessible information about the company’s policy options.

State availability

Safety sells homeowners insurance in Maine, Massachusetts and New Hampshire.

Safety home insurance coverage

You can customize your homeowners policy with numerous add-ons, but below are the types of coverage that generally come standard:

Type of coverage

What it does

Pays to repair or rebuild the structure of your home.

Covers damage to unattached structures such as sheds or fences.

Pays to repair or replace personal belongings such as furniture or clothing.

Pays for hotel stays, restaurant meals or other expenses if you have to live elsewhere while your home undergoes covered repairs.

Covers legal expenses and damages if you’re responsible for injuries to other people or their property.

Covers injuries to guests in your home, regardless of fault.

Besides these basics, you may also be able to add:

  • Equipment breakdown coverage in case a major appliance or system fails. This could include things like HVAC systems, generators and kitchen appliances.

  • Service line coverage, which can pay for damage to underground lines that connect your home to public utilities.

You can also bolster coverage with optional upgrade packages, including:

Safety Supreme Plus. This package comes with:

  • Higher limits for jewelry and silverware.

  • Water and sewer backup coverage in case a sump pump fails or a drain backs up into your home.

  • Service line coverage.

  • Extra liability coverage. 

  • Guaranteed replacement cost coverage, which will pay the full price to rebuild your home even if it’s above your policy limit.

  • Broader coverage for your belongings.

  • Personal injury coverage for things like slander and libel.

Safety Complete. Coverage for this package includes everything in the Supreme Plus package along with identity theft reimbursement, increased water backup and equipment breakdown limits, and coverage for business property on the premises.

Safety home insurance rates

The average cost of Safety homeowners insurance in New Hampshire is $815 per year, according to NerdWallet’s rate analysis. That’s slightly less than the state average of $865 per year.

In Massachusetts, Safety homeowners insurance costs an average of $1,185 per year, below the state average of $1,320 per year.

Rate data wasn’t available for Safety Insurance in Maine.

Discounts

Depending on where you live, you may be able to save on your Safety homeowners insurance premium by:

  • Bundling your policy with Safety auto insurance.

  • Signing up to receive documents electronically.

  • Buying a new home.

  • Not having any recent claims.

  • Having a fire or burglar alarm in your home.

  • Being a loyal Safety customer.

Consumer complaints

Safety had far fewer than the expected number of complaints to state regulators relative to its size for home insurance, according to three years’ worth of data from the National Association of Insurance Commissioners.

Consumer experience

Website: You can’t get a quote or find many details about Safety’s homeowners insurance coverage on the company website. However, you can log in to your online account to pay bills, view your policy information and find agent contact details.

App: Safety’s app offers the same services as your consumer web portal, including bill payments, claim reporting and seeing agent information.

Claims: You can report a home insurance claim by contacting your agent or calling Safety directly at 800-951-2100. You can also file and track claims through your account on the website or in the app.

Customer service: For help, you can reach out to your local agent or call Safety at 800-951-2100.

The bottom line

Safety Insurance may be right for you if you’re a New Englander who wants to work with a local agent to find the best coverage. But it’s not the best option if you prefer to shop for insurance online.

Current Product

Complaints to NAIC 

Far fewer than expected

Complaints to NAIC 

Far fewer than expected

Complaints to NAIC 

Far fewer than expected

Coverage options 

About average

Coverage options 

About average

Coverage options 

More than average

Discounts 

Average set of discounts

Discounts 

Average set of discounts

Discounts 

Average set of discounts

Bottom line 

Regional insurer that sells home insurance in three New England states.

Bottom line 

Well-established insurer known for great customer service.

Bottom line 

Best for homeowners looking for many ways to customize their policy.

Other home insurance companies to consider

Not ready to make a decision? You may be interested in these other homeowners insurance companies:

Frequently asked questions

Source: nerdwallet.com

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star ratings rank Medicare plans from best (5 stars) to worst (1 star). The agency’s ratings are based on data measuring plans’ quality of care and customer satisfaction.

Based on the most recent year of data and weighted by enrollment, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan’s 2024 Medicare Advantage plans get an average overall rating of 3.96 stars

.

For comparison, the average star rating for plans from all providers for 2024 is 4.04

.

What does Baylor Scott & White Medicare Advantage cost?

Costs for Medicare Advantage plans will depend on your plan, geographic location and health needs.

Premiums

One of the costs to consider is the plan’s premium. In 2024, about 39% of Baylor Scott & White’s Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums

.

Even as a Medicare Advantage user, you’ll still be responsible for paying your Medicare Part B premium, which is $164.90 per month in 2023 ($174.70 in 2024), although some plans cover part or all of this cost

.

Copays, coinsurance and deductibles

Requirements for copays, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on your plan, location and the services you use. Other out-of-pocket costs to consider include:

  • Whether the plan covers any part of your monthly Medicare Part B premium.

  • The plan’s yearly deductibles and any other deductibles, such as a drug deductible.

  • Copayments and/or coinsurance for each visit or service. For instance, there may be a $10 copay for seeing your primary doctor and a $45 copay for seeing a specialist.

  • The plan’s in-network and out-of-network out-of-pocket maximums.

  • Whether your medical providers are in-network or out-of-network, or how often you may go out-of-network for care.

  • Whether you require extra benefits, and whether the plan charges for them.

To get a sense of costs, use Medicare’s plan finding tool to compare information among available plans in your area. You can select by insurance carrier to see only Baylor Scott & White plans or compare across carriers. You can also shop directly from Baylor Scott & White Health Plan’s website by entering your ZIP code.

Baylor Scott & White Medicare Advantage plan types

There are several kinds of Baylor Scott & White Medicare Advantage plans, and they vary in structure, costs and benefits. About 65% of Baylor Scott & White Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage.

Plan offerings include the following types:

A health maintenance organization (HMO) generally requires that you use a specific network of doctors and hospitals. You may need a referral from your primary doctor in order to see a specialist, and out-of-network benefits are usually very limited.

Preferred provider organization (PPO) plans provide the most freedom, allowing you to see any provider that accepts the insurance. You may not need to choose a primary doctor, and you don’t need referrals to see specialists. You can seek out-of-network care, although it may cost more than seeing an in-network doctor.

Baylor Scott & White Medicare Advantage service area

Baylor Scott & White Health Plan offers Medicare Advantage plans in 47 counties in Texas. The company covers about 29,000 Medicare Advantage beneficiaries

.

Compare Medicare Advantage providers

Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage providers. These insurers offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.

Find the right Medicare Advantage plan

  • What are the plan’s costs? Do you understand what the plan’s premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?

  • Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.

  • Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?

  • Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?

  • Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?

If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Medicare Advantage plans are available in Florida only, and the provider’s star ratings from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) are slightly below average. Member experience ratings, however, are above the average for major providers.

Here’s what you should know about Florida Blue Medicare Advantage.

Florida Blue Medicare Advantage pros and cons

Florida Blue’s offerings have advantages and disadvantages.

Pros

  • Members give high marks: Member experience ratings on metrics like customer service and getting needed care are above the average for major providers. 

  • Mix of plans: Florida Blue offers both HMO and PPO plans, giving members more options for care. 

Cons

  • Below-average star ratings: Florida Blue Medicare Advantage plans score slightly below the industry average star rating from CMS — 3.74 for 2024 plans versus 4.04 for the industry as a whole. 

  • Limited availability: Florida Blue offers Medicare Advantage plans in Florida only.

Florida Blue Medicare star ratings

Average star rating, weighted by enrollment: 3.74

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services maintains star ratings for Medicare Advantage plans on a 5-point scale, ranking plans from best (5 stars) to worst (1 star). The agency bases these ratings on plans’ quality of care and measurements of customer satisfaction, and ratings may change from year to year.

Based on the most recent year of data and weighted by enrollment, Florida Blue’s 2024 Medicare Advantage plans get an average rating of 3.74 stars

.

For comparison, the average star rating for plans from all providers is 4.04

.

What does Florida Blue Medicare Advantage cost?

Costs for Medicare Advantage plans depend on your plan, your geographic location and your health needs.

Premiums

One of the costs to consider is the plan’s premium. In 2024, about two-thirds of Florida Blue Medicare Advantage plans (65%) that aren’t special needs plans (SNPs) have a $0 premium

.

Even as a Medicare Advantage user, you’ll still be responsible for paying your Medicare Part B premium, which is $164.90 per month in 2023 ($174.70 in 2024)

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Costs. Accessed Dec 14, 2023.

, although some plans cover part or all of this cost. (Most people pay this standard amount, but if your income is above a certain threshold, you’ll pay more.)

Copays, coinsurance and deductibles

Requirements for copays, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on your plan, location and the services you use. Other out-of-pocket costs to consider include:

  • Whether the plan covers any part of your monthly Medicare Part B premium.

  • The plan’s yearly deductibles and any other deductibles, such as a drug deductible.

  • Copayments and/or coinsurance for each visit or service. For instance, there may be a $10 copay for seeing your primary doctor and a $45 copay for seeing a specialist.

  • The plan’s in-network and out-of-network out-of-pocket maximums.

  • Whether your medical providers are in-network or out-of-network, or how often you may go out of network for care.

  • Whether you require extra benefits, and if the plan charges for them.

To get a sense of costs, use Medicare’s plan-finding tool to compare information among available plans in your area. You can select by insurance carrier to see only Florida Blue plans or compare across carriers. You can also shop directly from Florida Blue’s website by entering your ZIP code.

Available Medicare Advantage plans

There are a few kinds of Florida Blue Medicare Advantage plans, and they vary in terms of structure, costs and benefits. Florida Blue offers Medicare Advantage prescription drug plans (MAPDs) as well as Medicare Advantage plans without drug coverage. Florida Blue also offers Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

Plan offerings include the following types:

A health maintenance organization (HMO) generally requires that you use a specific network of doctors and hospitals. You may need a referral from your primary doctor in order to see a specialist, and out-of-network benefits are usually very limited.

Preferred provider organization (PPO) plans provide the most freedom, allowing you to see any provider that accepts the insurance. You may not need to choose a primary doctor, and you don’t need referrals to see specialists. You can seek out-of-network care, although it may cost more than seeing an in-network doctor.

Special needs plans (SNPs) restrict membership to people with certain diseases or characteristics. Hence, the benefits, network and drug formularies are tailored to the needs of those members. Florida Blue offers one type of SNP:

  • Dual-Eligible SNP: For people who are entitled to Medicare and who also qualify for assistance from a state Medicaid program.

Florida Blue Medicare Advantage service area

Florida Blue offers Medicare Advantage plans in Florida only and covers about 185,000 members

.

Compare Medicare Advantage providers

Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage providers. These insurers offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.

Find the right Medicare Advantage plan

  • What are the plan’s costs? Do you understand what the plan’s premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?

  • Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.

  • Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?

  • Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?

  • Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?

If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).

Source: nerdwallet.com

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Posted on: December 12, 2023

A key advantage of the VA loan is that eligible homebuyers can make a home purchase without a down payment requirement. But surprisingly, only 3 out of 10 veterans know that they can get a VA loan to purchase a home without a down payment.

Let’s explore what this surprising statistic means for veterans and how you can use the VA loan to your advantage.

Check your VA home buying eligibility. Start here (Dec 13th, 2023)

Most veterans don’t know about the VA loan’s down payment requirement

According to a recent survey by Veterans United, only three in ten veterans reported knowing they can use the VA loan to purchase a home without a down payment. That equates to thousands of veterans who might be missing out on the opportunity to purchase a home.

VA borrowers can purchase a home without a down payment

A down payment can be a major hurdle for prospective home buyers. After all, many would-be homeowners face a big challenge in saving up thousands of dollars for a down payment on a home loan.

Veterans and active-duty service members who qualify for the VA loan don’t have to wait to save for a down payment. Instead, veterans can get a loan with zero down payment. And that’s just one benefit of the VA loan, which also offers limited closing costs and relatively low interest rates.

Check your VA home buying eligibility. Start here (Dec 13th, 2023)

VA home loan statistics

It’s undeniably surprising that many veterans are unaware of the many benefits that the VA home loan, backed by the Department of Veteran Affairs, has to offer. While thousands of veterans might not know about zero down payment requirement, many veterans can take advantage of the opportunity

For example, nearly 9 out of 10 VA home loan borrowers finalized their home purchase with less than 10 percent down. According to Realtor.com, the average down payment percentage for a VA loan was 2.7 percent of the home’s purchase price, which is significantly lower than the average down payment percentage of 19.1 percent for conforming loans.

VA home loan benefits 2024

The zero down payment requirement is a big deal for military home buyers. However, that’s not the only benefit offered through the VA loan loan. Other benefits include:

  • More flexible credit score requirements: The VA itself doesn’t set a minimum credit score requirement. While the VA lender will set its own qualifying minimums, military borrowers are free to shop around and find a lender willing to work with them.
  • More affordable monthly payments: Competitive interest rates and no PMI requirements often help VA home loan borrowers access lower monthly payments. The amount you can save varies based on your unique situation.

A combination of factors makes homeownership more attainable for eligible veterans. And the far-reaching benefits of a VA loan have big consequences for homeownership. According to Realtor.com, the homeownership rate for veteran households nationwide was 79.9 percent in 2021. That’s 16.2 percent higher than the homeownership rates in non-veteran households.

The bottom line: VA loans can be a great deal for military borrowers

A VA home loan is stacked with benefits for prospective homeowners. If you are a veteran or military member considering homeownership, take a close look at what the VA loan has to offer. Not only can it help bypass the need for a large down payment, but you might also benefit from the flexible credit score requirements and competitive interest rates.

Check your VA home buying eligibility. Start here (Dec 13th, 2023)

Source: militaryvaloan.com

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Heading out on a vacation can be an exhilarating experience, especially if you’re into adventure activities. However, with increased adrenaline comes increased danger — and decreased coverage from insurance companies.

Being protected in an emergency is valuable when you’re doing something risky, so we’ve gathered some of the best adventure travel insurance policies.

Factors we considered when picking adventure sports travel insurance companies

You’ll want to consider the following facets of travel insurance during a comparison:

  • Cost. We looked for a mix of affordability and comprehensive coverage. 

  • Types of coverage. Extreme sports insurance isn’t usually included with standard travel insurance, which is why we’ve made sure it’s included. 

  • Coverage amounts. Being underinsured is almost as bad as having no insurance at all. 

  • Customizability. Plans that can be customized offer more flexibility for travelers. 

An overview of the best adventure travel insurance

To determine the best extreme sports insurance, we gathered quotes from various companies using insurance aggregator SquareMouth. To do so, we input a sample trip of a 33-year-old from Colorado traveling to New Zealand for two weeks. The total trip cost was $3,400, and activities included hiking and camping.

SquareMouth came back with 16 policies offering varying levels of coverage. Among the six we chose as the best, the average cost totaled $147.18 — though you’ll find significantly lower and higher on this list. Here are our picks.

Basic coverage cost

Recommended for

Battleface: Discovery Plan

Discounted but comprehensive medical coverage.

Travelex: Travel Select

Trip protections and medical insurance.

Tin Leg: Adventure

Extreme adventure sports.

IMG: iTravelInsured Travel SE

Lower-than-average cost with full travel protections.

John Hancock: Silver

Superior trip coverage such as change fee and missed connection reimbursement.

HTH Worldwide: TripProtector Preferred

Huge limits for primary medical coverage.

Top adventure travel insurance options

Let’s take a closer look at our top six recommendations for adventure travel insurance.

Battleface

What makes Battleface adventure insurance great:

  • Much lower cost than other options.

  • Provides primary health insurance. 

  • Includes six customizing options. 

Battleface is known for its adventure sports travel insurance, which makes it much more compelling than other products. Even at less than half the cost for other options, Battleface is providing you $100,000 in primary health insurance, $500,000 for medical evacuation and even coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Although its basic plan lacks features like lost luggage reimbursement, you’ll still get standard trip protections such as trip cancellation and employment layoff coverage. The extremely low cost may make this an enticing option for backpacker travel insurance or anyone wishing to save money on their travels.

Travelex

What makes Travelex great:

  • Strong travel protections.

  • $50,000 in primary medical insurance. 

  • Coverage for medical quarantine included. 

“Travelex’s primary goal is to provide travel insurance protection personalized to the type of trip you’re taking and the style of traveler you are. And regardless of which plan you choose, you’ll always have 24/7 access to travel assistance.”

Tin Leg

What makes Tin Leg great:

  • Coverage for activities such as bungee jumping and skydiving. 

  • No medical deductible.

  • Strong trip protections.

“The Adventure Plan … features primary medical coverage and work-related cancellations, plus more lost luggage insurance than the Luxury plan, coverage for accidental death and dismemberment during the trip (excluding flights) and extra coverage for delayed sports equipment. It’s also the only plan that offers medical coverage for adventure activities like mountain biking.”

IMG

What makes IMG great:

  • Up to $300 in reimbursed kennel fees for delays in returning home. 

  • Comprehensive trip protections, including trip delay and trip interruption reimbursement. 

  • Lower-than-average cost. 

“Some policies provide emergency medical evacuation coverage, while others skip this benefit entirely. This benefit may be more important if you travel to a remote location or engage in physical activity such as trekking.

“More comprehensive plans may include other benefits such as assistance with acquiring a new passport, reimbursing reward mile redeposit fees or coverage for pre-existing conditions. If these are something you’re interested in, be sure to check that your policy includes these options.”

John Hancock

What makes John Hancock great:

  • Trip delay reimbursement after three hours.

  • No medical deductible. 

  • $750 reimbursement for missed connections.

“The Gold plan provides the greatest benefits, including a much higher limit for emergency medical and lost baggage reimbursement. Other than that, however, the Silver level is fairly similar, enjoying the same 150% reimbursement rate for trip interruption and a three-hour window for trip delay to kick in.

“The Bronze level is the least expensive, but it’s not all that far off from the cost of the Silver level. At this rate, you’ll be looking at far less coverage for emergency medical and trip delay, though you’ll still have $200 in coverage for change fees and 100% of costs incurred for trip cancellation.”

HTH Travel Insurance

What makes HTH Travel Insurance great:

  • $500,000 in primary medical coverage. 

  • $1 million in medical evacuation. 

  • High-limit travel protections. 

“HTH offers several types of travel medical insurance, as well as trip protection plans that include coverage for trip cancellation or interruption, baggage delays, and accident or sickness. … The cheapest plan … included 100% of the trip cost in case of cancellation, up to 150% of the trip cost in case of trip interruption and a variety of other benefits, including medical insurance coverage.”

What does travel insurance cover?

You’ll find a wide variety of coverage types offered by travel insurance policies. This is true whether you’re purchasing a single-trip or annual travel insurance plan.

How to choose the best adventure travel insurance policy

Travel insurance can be good to have while you’re away from home and can provide coverage when your plans go awry. Standard plans will generally include coverage for trip interruption, lost luggage and emergency medical situations.

However, they also usually include a provision excluding adventure sports from their policies, so it’s important to read over your plan documents thoroughly. Companies like SquareMouth also allow you to filter travel insurance plans by the types of activities you’re doing, which may make it simpler to find one that fits your needs.

If you want to buy adventure sports travel insurance

Participating in adventure sports or extreme activities can be thrilling but also riskier than the average traveler’s trip. Because of this, if you’re interested in purchasing travel insurance, you’ll want to be sure it provides coverage for your planned activities — whether you’re camping or cliff diving.

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2023, including those best for:

Source: nerdwallet.com