Not available in New York?

A: I do not know what insurance you are referring to specifically, but suspect that you are asking about health insurance. Most specific insurance products (known as "policy forms") that are commonly available in other states are not available in New York. New York state is generally regarded as having the most restrictive and conservative insurance regulations in the U.S. Some may consider this to be a blessing designed to protect NY residents, but it reduces the choices available and increases the average price of all types of insurance. Some insurance companies make one policy form for distribution throughout the rest of the states and then design a unique policy form to meet New York regulations. The restrictions might be easing a bit with New York health insurance. With an increasing number of New York residents unable to afford the cost of fully-loaded major medical insurance, a growing number of limited benefit health insurance plans (sometimes called "mini-med policies") that are available as low cost options to New York residents. The recently introduced "Value Health" and "Value Hospitalization" are extremely popular simply because of the long term perception of lack of affordable choices. Other options are available at the New York Insurance Department Web site.