How to Find the Cheapest Health Insurance in South Carolina

Fewer than a dozen companies sell health insurance in South Carolina. These companies offer multiple types of coverage and plans for individuals, families and businesses across the state, according to the South Carolina Alliance of Health Plans. Finding the cheapest health insurance in South Carolina depends on conducting research to compare plan benefits and costs, and you will need to consider variables such as your age, health status and desired amount of coverage as part of that research. Rely on three types of resources to find the cheapest health insurance in South Carolina.

Instructions

• 1

  Check with the South Carolina Department of Insurance. The South Carolina Department of Insurance publishes a consumer portal to help you compare health plans, benefits and costs to find the cheapest health insurance available that will meet the needs of you and your family. Tip sheets, comparison charts, lists of companies that provide insurance in South Carolina and information about state-run insurance programs are available with just a few mouse clicks. Although you will need to evaluate your options carefully given the health needs of you and your family members, the tools available from the state's insurance department will help you find the cheapest health insurance.

• 2

  Shop around by contacting health plans directly and getting quotes. The South Carolina Alliance of Health Plans represents the interests of all of the health insurance companies doing business in the state. View the Alliance's membership directory to produce a list of the companies offering insurance in South Carolina, and contact each company directly for a quote, or visit each company's website. Be prepared to answer some questions about your age, income, number of dependents and health status -- companies will need this information to determine what plans will best fit your needs. Compare the quotes from all of the companies to see which plan offers the cheapest insurance given the benefits you need.

• 3

  Talk to an insurance broker. Health insurance brokers in South Carolina can help you compare health insurance plans and find the cheapest one to meet your family's health needs. Use resources developed by the South Carolina Association of Health Underwriters or the Independent Insurance Agents and Brokers of South Carolina, two trade associations in the state that represent agents and brokers. Search their membership directories or contact local chapters to help produce a list of insurance agents in your community who sell health plans. Make an appointment with one or two agents in your area, and ask for help in comparing plans and prices. An agent or broker will likely ask you a few questions in order to tailor insurance quotes to your needs; she will also help you compare available plans to find the cheapest one that provides the coverage you need.