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Today, there are more types of health insurance, and more choices, than ever before. The information presented here will help you choose a plan that is right for you.
You may be buying health insurance for the first time, or you may already have health insurance but want to consider changing plans.
Married or single, children or no children, this information will help you to find out how to choose a health insurance plan that best meets your needs.

Thinking About Health Insurance Choices

Which of these statements best describes your thoughts on health insurance?

"I get health insurance through my job. I have the coverage I need... I think"

Many employers offer a choice of plans. The information provided will help you figure out the plan that's best for you.

"I know I need health insurance, but I'm not sure how to get the best protection at the lowest cost."

You're not alone. Many people have questions about how to select a health insurance plan. The information provided will help you find some answers.

"I can't afford health insurance right now. I have too many bills to pay and other things I need to buy."

Health insurance is one of your most important needs. Without it, one serious illness or accident could wipe you out financially. The information provided will help you decide which is the best plan you can afford.

Why Do I Need Health Insurance?

Today, health care costs are high, and getting higher. Who will pay your bills if you have a serious accident or a major illness? You buy health insurance for the same reason you buy other kinds of insurance, to protect yourself financially. With health insurance, you protect yourself and your family in case you need medical care that could be very expensive. You can't predict what your medical bills will be. In a good year, your costs may be low. But if you become ill, your bills could be very high. If you have health insurance, many of your costs are covered.

Individual Health Insurance

You can buy an individual health insurance policy. You can get fee-for-service, HMO, or PPO protection. But you should compare your options and shop carefully because coverage and costs vary from company to company.

If you get a non cancelable policy (also called a guaranteed renewable policy), then you will receive individual heath insurance under that policy as long as you keep paying the monthly premium. The insurance company can raise the cost, but cannot cancel your coverage. Many companies now offer a conditionally renewable policy. This means that the health insurance company can cancel all policies like yours, not just yours. This protects you from being singled out. But it doesn't protect you from losing coverage.

Before you buy any health insurance policy, make sure you know what it will pay for...and what it won't. To find out about individual health insurance plans, you can call insurance companies, HMOs,and PPOs in your community.

Tips when shopping for individual health insurance:

Shop carefully. Health insurance policies differ widely in coverage and cost. Contact different insurance companies, or ask your agent to show you policies from several insurers so you can compare them.

• Make sure the policy protects you from large medical costs.

• Read and understand the policy. Make sure it provides the kind of coverage that's right for you. You don't want unpleasant surprises when you're sick or in the hospital.

• Check to see that the policy states: the date that the policy will begin paying (some have a waiting period before coverage begins), and what is covered or excluded from coverage.

• Make sure there is a "free look" clause. Most companies give you at least 10 days to look over your policy after you receive it. If you decide it is not for you, you can return it and have your premium refunded.

• Beware of single disease insurance policies. There are some polices that offer protection for only one disease, such as cancer. If you already have health insurance, your regular plan probably already provides all the coverage you need. Check to see what protection you have before buying any more insurance

What Are Your Health Insurance Choices?

There are many different types of health insurance. Each has pros and cons. There is no one "best" plan. The plan that's right for a single person may not be best for a family with small children. And a plan that works for one family may not be right for another.

For example, if your family includes just two adults, it may be less expensive for each of you to have individual coverage than for just one of you to have a family plan. If you have children, or if you might have children soon, you need a family plan. Because your situation may change, review your health insurance regularly to make sure you have the protection you need.

Choosing a health insurance plan is like making any other major purchase: You choose the plan that meets both your needs and your budget. For most people, this means deciding which plan is worth the cost. For example, plans that allow you the most choices