August 31, 2023

Why should i buy hearing aid insurance?

Perhaps you dislike spending extra money on insurance that you may not need. However, not all insurance is unnecessary. Below are reasons why insurance is necessary, and if you are significantly affected by these reasons, consider hearing aid insurance as a primary option.

• Cost of Repairs and Replacements: Hearing aids can be expensive to repair or replace if they get damaged, lost, or stolen. Insurance can help cover these costs, ensuring that you're not hit with unexpected expenses.

• Frequency of Use: If you rely heavily on your hearing aids and wear them every day, the chances of wear and tear or accidents increase. Insurance could provide you with peace of mind knowing that you're protected against such situations.

• Manufacturer's Warranty: Many hearing aids come with a manufacturer's warranty that covers repairs and replacements for a limited time. Insurance might be more valuable after the warranty expires.

• Lifestyle and Risk Factors: If you lead an active lifestyle or work in environments where your hearing aids are exposed to more risks (water, dust, etc.), insurance could be a wise investment to protect against these factors.

• Peace of Mind: Having insurance can provide peace of mind, knowing that you're covered in case of unexpected events. This can reduce stress and anxiety about potential damage or loss.

Key Factors You Must Check When Purchasing Hearing Aid Insurance

If you've decided to buy hearing aid insurance, there are certain points you must go over before making your choice. 

Make sure to check the list before purchasing it.

• Coverage Details: Carefully review the insurance policy to understand what is covered and what is not. Check if it covers accidental damage, loss, theft, repairs, and replacements. Make sure the policy aligns with your specific needs and potential risks.

• Cost of Premiums: Compare the cost of the insurance premiums to the potential expenses of repairing or replacing your hearing aids without insurance. Determine if the premiums are affordable and if the coverage justifies the cost.

• Deductibles: Some insurance policies might require you to pay a deductible before they cover the costs. Consider how much the deductible is and whether you're comfortable with that amount.

• Coverage Limits: Check if there are any limits on the amount the insurance will pay for repairs, replacements, or other claims. Ensure that these limits meet your potential expenses.

• Exclusions: Understand the exclusions and situations that the insurance does not cover. This could include specific types of damage or certain circumstances. Knowing the exclusions will help you make an informed decision.

• Claim Process: Research the process for filing a claim. Is it easy and straightforward? Are there specific steps you need to follow? Understand the timeline for getting your claim processed and receiving reimbursement.

• Service Providers: Find out if the insurance restricts you to specific service providers or repair shops. Having flexibility in choosing where to repair or replace your hearing aids can be important.

• Manufacturer's Warranty: Consider if your hearing aids are still under a manufacturer's warranty. If they are, you might not need insurance coverage for certain repairs or replacements during the warranty period.

• Customer Reviews and Reputation: Research the insurance provider's reputation and read customer reviews. Positive feedback and a good track record of serving customers can indicate a reliable insurance company.

• Customer Support: Test the customer support of the insurance company. Are they responsive? Do they provide clear information? Good customer support can be valuable when you need to file a claim.

• Policy Renewal: Understand how the policy renewal process works. Are premiums subject to increase over time? Ensure you're aware of any potential changes in the terms of the policy upon renewal.

• Personal Needs: Consider your own lifestyle, habits, and potential risks. If you're prone to accidents, travel frequently, or work in environments with increased risks, insurance might be more beneficial.

• Alternative Savings: Evaluate whether self-insuring by setting aside money in a savings account for potential repairs or replacements is a more cost-effective option for you.

• Comparison Shopping: Don't settle for the first insurance policy you come across. Compare multiple insurance providers to find the best coverage and value for your needs.

• Consultation: If you're uncertain about which insurance policy to choose, consider consulting with a financial advisor or insurance professional who can provide personalized guidance based on your circumstances.

However, if you're a hearing aid novice who finds it financially challenging to invest in premium hearing aids, you might wonder if it's worth getting hearing aid insurance. Most beginners trying out hearing aids typically have mild to moderate hearing loss, so there's often no urgent need for high-end devices.

Is insurance necessary for hearing aids beginners?

If you require expensive hearing aids due to severe hearing loss, purchasing hearing aid insurance is a wiser choice. This is because the potential burden of expensive hearing aids breaking far outweighs the cost of hearing aid insurance.

However, if you have moderate hearing loss or even severe hearing loss but are considering purchasing affordable budget hearing aids, insurance might not be highly recommended. The likelihood of the cost of replacement being lower than the monthly insurance premiums is higher.

So, for beginners planning to buy budget hearing aids, it's essential to refer to online reviews and consumer reports about the hearing aids.

Determine the actual expected lifespan of the devices, then calculate the insurance cost you would need to pay, and then compare it to the potential burden of replacement costs.

Recommended Budget Hearing Aids for Hearing Aid beginners

For who has moderate hearing loss

For individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss, the Olive Smart Plus is a recommended option.

The refurbished version is currently being sold at $299. Its reasonable price and appearance resembling Bluetooth earphones make it an excellent choice for hearing aid beginners. With the ability to customize settings through an app without the hassle of manual adjustments, users can tailor it to their preferences, or even utilize presettings for different situations.

For who has severe hearing loss

For those with severe hearing loss, the Olive Max is recommended. 

This product is currently being sold on Indiegogo at a crowdfunding price of $399.
Suitable for more severe hearing loss than the Smart Plus, the Olive Max is a fitting choice for individuals who have slightly more significant hearing impairment, are on a limited budget, or prefer not to invest in overly expensive premium hearing aids.

Considering the expenses associated not only with the hearing aid itself but also insurance costs for preparedness against potential risks, opting for Olive Union's affordable hearing aids and making the choice based on the degree of one's hearing loss seems to be a wise decision.