Smart Tips for Buying Health Insurance

It can be difficult to get health care coverage in the United States if you do not have insurance. Health insurance can be a big expense, and many people forgo it because they don't see a way to fit it into their budget. You can save money on health insurance if you approach the issue consciously and think about what you really need in terms of health coverage.

Consider Your Options

• "U.S. News and World Reports" notes that you may severely limit your options if you look only at one health insurance provider. You can get around this problem, either by comparison shopping on your own or using a licensed agent. Licensed agents represent a variety of health insurance companies and can give you comparative rates from several companies for the type of coverage you want. If you do not use a licensed agent, get quotes from at least three different companies for the same coverage.

Buy Based on Need

• Many health insurance companies offer lower priced plans that give you less coverage. For example, some plans may not cover hospital stays or prescription drug coverage. Consider your health needs when deciding which type of coverage to buy. If you do not have pre-existing conditions or poor health habits, you may need less coverage, especially if you are relatively young. Older people often need more preventative care as well as medication due to conditions that occur more often as people age. In addition, you can lower your premiums by purchasing a policy with a higher deductible, meaning that you must pay more out-of-pocket before your insurance covers your health care.

Engage in Self-care

• You may be able to lower your health costs by taking better care of yourself. Many medical conditions, such as diabetes or Poly-cystic Ovary Syndrome, improve as a person loses weight, so you may need to see the doctor less often if you eat healthy, shed excess weight and eliminate poor health habits, such as smoking or excessive drinking. Once you have done these things, consider lowering your coverage amount to meet your new health care needs.

Contact Government Agencies

• Many states offer health care assistance to low-income residents, especially people who have children. If you cannot afford health insurance for yourself or your children, contact your local department of social services and ask about health care assistance programs. You may qualify to get some or all of your health care needs subsidized so that you can take care of your health despite your financial situation.