How to Shop for Individual Health Insurance

If you find yourself in the position of shopping for an individual health insurance policy, there are certain things you'll want to keep in mind. Whether you are coming out of a job that covered you before, or are at the end of your COBRA benefits, or simply have never had coverage before there are things you can do to get coverage on yourself and your loved ones.

The basic thing to know is that if you have a shot a group health insurance, whether through a job or an association you're a member of, that is usually much more affordable than buying individual health insurance on your own. First you need to figure out your health insurance goals; in other words, what are you after? If you're young, healthy as a horse, no dependents and not attempting Mt. Everest next week, you may want to opt for a policy that covers only the catastrophes, and cover the rest out-of-pocket. On the flip side of that, if you're the sole bread winner with a family to support, the scenario is different.

The basic choices you'll have are Fee-for-Service, Managed Care Plans, and Association-based health insurance. Fee-for- service is the traditional indemnity plan, harder to acquire, more expensive, but usually great coverage. Managed care plans include most HMO's and PPO's. These offer lower costs but your choices are somewhat limited. Another way to get insured is through a group or association you may already be a member of, such as professional, religious or trade organizations. Often they may offer health insurance. It's worth checking out, as sometimes you can strike gold in this vein.

Things to consider when you're looking for any policy are what's covered on this plan, how much are the monthly premiums, what is the yearly out-of-pocket, what is the deductible, how much are office visits, does it cover preventative medicine, vision, dental? And I'm sure you can come up with many of your own. Sit down before you go shopping and make a list of your needs and wants, and decide in advance what you're willing to give to get. Be aware that once you start getting quotes they can vary as much as 50% for the same person! Remember, you're shopping, and nobody's making you do anything. If one insurer isn't cutting it, move on to another. If you're coming at this cold and have no good recommendations it may be wise to use a broker who represents several companies, as he or she wil be more likely to find the best policy for you, as opposed to selling the company they work for.

Shopping for individual health insurance can be frustrating and time-consuming, but if you come armed with facts you'll be able to navigate this highly competitive and ever-changing field.

Keith Thompson is the webmaster at health Insurance Plans, a site geared toward helping you find great individual health insurance!

---

Guide to Life Insurance

Here is a useful guide to life insurance. Simply put,... Read More

Will Online Automobile Insurance Quotes Really Save Me Money?

If you're looking to save money on your auto insurance... Read More

Life Insurance Whole Life or Term Life - Find Affordable Life Insurance

Life insurance, whether you need term or whole life, can... Read More

If You Rent A Home, Protect It By Buying Renters Insurance

Renters insurance is often overlooked by people who are renting... Read More

Discount Car Insurance Brokers - Get Amazing Comparisons

To get the cheapest possible quote for your car insurance,... Read More

Insurance Claim: Collecting Your Lost Wages

A couple months ago you were toolin' on down the... Read More

Private Health Insurance: A Sense of Dissatisfaction

The three C's, customization, consumerization and customer-satisfaction, seem to be... Read More

Origin Of Long Term Care Insurance

In the early 1980's Medicare started using a system called... Read More

Taking The Mystery Out Of Long-Term Care Insurance

Here's the good news: with improvements in medical technology and... Read More

How To Save Money On Your Homeowners Insurance?

In order to save money on your homeowners insurance you... Read More

The Need For Life Insurance

A person needs to reexamine their life insurance needs every... Read More

Sisters Are Insuring Themselves: Finance is the New Feminism

According to a study by LifeSearch, the number of women... Read More

Auto Insurance Basics

Most people only think that insurance is something they need... Read More

Facts About Renters Insurance

If you rent an apartment or house, you might consider... Read More

A Free Term Life Insurance Quote Is Only Easy To Obtain

By searching online for life insurance, you can get a... Read More

Car Insurance Quotes Online ? Why You Should Use the Internet to Find a New Insurance Company

Before the internet, you picked a neighborhood car insurance agent,... Read More

Health Insurance 101 for Individuals and Families

The changing healthcare and health insurance landscape in the United... Read More

Individual or Family Health Insurance Options

As more and more individuals working at home with or... Read More

Private Medical Insurance- Finding The Right Policy for You

Why Private Medical Insurance Is Becoming So PopularRecent research indicates... Read More

Health Savings Account (HSA): Helpful for Older People?

The Health Savings Account (HSA) is an amazing tool that... Read More

Filing Auto Insurance Claims: The Basic Steps to Take

An automobile accident can be a terrifying event for anyone,... Read More

Long Term Care Insurance

Long Term Care Insurance is needed in the event that... Read More

Term Or Whole Life Insurance - Which Is Right For You?

One of the most important things you will ever do... Read More

Buy Life Insurance Online and Save

There are many ways to research and buy a life... Read More

Health Insurance for the Beginner

When it comes to your family, selecting the right health... Read More

Keys To Controlling The Future of Health Care

Several key changes are necessary to get control of the... Read More

Auto Insurance Rates

Auto insurance rates will vary depending on the insurance agency,... Read More

Medical Insurance Overseas

Thousands of people have work related commitments and in order... Read More

The Awful Truth about Annuity and Insurance Leads

You see the websites, you see the ads: exclusive, never... Read More

Motor Vehicle Accident Insurance Claim Guide

This is a FREE Insurance Claim GuideYour "Motor Vehicle" can... Read More

5 Strategies To Reduce Your Car Insurance Premiums

Your latest car insurance bill has arrived and it is... Read More

Insurance for Those Who Run Bed and Breakfast Properties

A Bed and Breakfast, often referred to as a B&B,... Read More

Why Boat Insurance Doesnt Help A Lousy Sailor

For thousands of years men have sailed the seas. From... Read More