Manhattan Life Health Insurance: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

Getting health insurance can be a daunting process. With so many options to choose from, it can be hard to know which company is the right fit for your needs and budget. Manhattan Life is one such provider that offers a range of health insurance products. But are they right for you?

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll provide an in-depth look at Manhattan Life health insurance based on customer reviews and expert analysis. You’ll learn about the pros and cons of their plans, what real customers have to say, and whether Manhattan Life is ultimately worth considering for your health coverage needs.

Overview of Manhattan Life Health Insurance

Manhattan Life is a subsidiary of the Manhattan Life Group, an insurance company founded in 1850 and headquartered in Houston, Texas. They offer a range of insurance products including life, health, dental and other supplemental insurance policies.

Some of their most popular health insurance offerings include:

• Major medical plans
• Short term limited duration plans
• Fixed indemnity plans
• Accident and critical illness plans

Manhattan Life sells policies directly to individuals as well as through brokers and agents nationwide. They have an A- (Excellent) financial strength rating from A.M. Best.

Manhattan Life Health Insurance Pros

Here are some of the positives frequently highlighted in Manhattan Life health insurance reviews:

• Affordable rates: Many customers mention lower premium costs compared to major medical plans. Their short term and fixed indemnity plans tend to offer cheaper rates for basic coverage.

• No denials for pre-existing conditions: Their short term plans will cover pre-existing conditions after the initial policy term unlike some competitor’s plans.

• Quick and easy enrollment: Applying for coverage is simple with short health questionnaires. No medical exams are required.

• Access to nationwide provider networks: Most plans utilize large provider networks like Aetna and Cigna for in-network coverage.

• Covers a range of services: Plans cover doctor visits, hospitalization, ER services, prescriptions, basic preventive care and more.

• Member discounts: Some plans offer discounted rates for vision, hearing, prescription drugs and alternative health services.

Manhattan Life Health Insurance Cons

Here are some of the common downsides mentioned in reviews:

• Limited benefits: Many fixed indemnity and short term plans have low annual maximum benefits and caps on specific services. Critical illness plans only cover very specific diseases.

• No out-of-network coverage: Most plans only cover in-network providers. Going out-of-network results in high out-of-pocket costs.

• Limitations with pre-existing conditions: While short term plans cover pre-existing conditions after the initial term, coverage is still limited compared to major medical insurance.

• Lack of prescription drug coverage: Many plans have little to no prescription medication coverage. Those that do often cap drug benefits.

• Difficulty getting claims paid: Some customers report issues getting claims approved and frequent requests for additional paperwork.

• Poor customer service: Long wait times and unhelpful staff are common complaints in reviews. Difficult to get answers from the claims department.

Manhattan Life Health Insurance Customer Reviews

Now that we’ve covered the basics, let’s take a look at first-hand Manhattan Life health insurance reviews from actual customers:

“I have been paying for health insurance with Manhattan Life for years. Recently diagnosed with cancer and they are refusing to cover treatment costs even though it’s covered under my plan. Despite paying premiums on time, they continue to make getting claims paid difficult.”

“My experience dealing with Manhattan Life’s claims department has been terrible. Constant delays and denials despite providing requested paperwork numerous times. Seems their goal is to avoid paying out at all costs. Would not recommend for major medical coverage.”

“We have a Manhattan Life critical illness policy. When I filed a claim for my stage 1 breast cancer diagnosis, they refused to pay out saying it had to be more advanced. Seems even their supplemental plans look for reasons to deny covering illnesses that should clearly be included.”

“We signed up for one of Manhattan Life’s fixed indemnity plans due to the lower premiums. The plan has been fine for basic doctor visits but coverage is very limited. The annual maximum benefit is only $10,000 which would fall far short for a major hospital stay.”

“I like the ease of applying for Manhattan Life’s short term health insurance plans online. The rates are affordable and the process is simple. Just make sure you know these types of plans come with limits on coverage before enrolling.”

While reviews are mixed, they highlight some of the common limitations and frustrations experienced with Manhattan Life health insurance plans. Many customers faced obstacles getting claims paid properly and found benefits lacking for significant medical needs.

Expert Review of Manhattan Life Health Insurance

Reviews from industry experts also provide valuable insight into a provider’s strengths and weaknesses.

Health insurance rating company AM Best awarded Manhattan Life an A- (Excellent) Financial Strength Rating. Positive factors noted include a strong balance sheet, conservative business operating strategy, and adequate liquidity. However, Manhattan Life was also listed on AM Best’s Weak Market Segment list due to its focus on supplemental health products.

Consumer analysts have a less favorable view of Manhattan Life health plans:

• Consumer Affairs: 1 out of 5 stars based on 29 reviews. Customers highlight useless plans, ongoing claim denials and unresponsive staff.

• Better Business Bureau: 1 out of 5 stars based on 24 reviews. Many complaints related to misleading sales tactics and refusal to pay claims.

• Trustpilot: 2 out of 5 stars based on 15 reviews. Multiple reports of poor customer service and unfair claim denials. Some positive reviews for affordable rates.

Is Manhattan Life Health Insurance Right For You?

Manhattan Life can offer affordable health insurance options for healthy individuals looking for temporary or basic coverage. But based on customer feedback and expert assessment, they may not be the best choice for comprehensive medical insurance to cover major health needs and pre-existing conditions.

Here are some key questions to consider when weighing Manhattan Life health insurance:

• Do you need robust insurance that covers pre-existing conditions with no limitations? If so, a major medical plan may be better.

• Will you primarily see in-network providers? Out-of-network care is very limited with their plans.

• Do you take any expensive prescription medications? Drug coverage is often minimal.

• Do you have any upcoming medical procedures or chronic illnesses? Look closely at coverage caps and exclusions.

• Will you need insurance for more than 3-6 months? Short term plans have duration limits.

• How important is having top-notch customer service? Manhattan Life gets low marks for support.

Taking the time to understand your specific health and financial situation can help determine if Manhattan Life insurancealigns with your needs or if you may be better served by alternative providers.

The Bottom Line: Is Manhattan Life Health Insurance Worth It?

Manhattan Life health insurance can provide affordable temporary coverage or basic benefits for healthy individuals on a tight budget. But reviews suggest their plans come up short for those with significant medical needs. Limitations abound for pre-existing conditions, prescription medications, out-of-network care and more. And getting claims properly paid can be a major headache.

While they may seem like an attractive option due to lower pricing, make sure to read the fine print carefully and understand the restrictions before signing up. For many customers, shopping around may reveal better health insurance alternatives without all the headaches.