How to Get Health Insurance If You're Not Married

Health insurance is very important. It can save you hundreds of thousands of dollars in medical expenses and on prescription drugs. Many people have health insurance through their spouse's policy. But if you are single, there are also several ways to receive health insurance.

Instructions

• 1

  Obtain health insurance through your employer. Many employers offer health insurance plans for their employees. Ask your employer if they offer health insurance benefits. Sometimes these plans are offered free of charge, but more often you will be required to pay a small amount towards your premium each paycheck.

• 2

  Decide what type of health insurance you need. Before you begin your search for health insurance, it is important to decide what you are looking for a policy. Factors to consider are comparing the cost of deductibles and co-pays to the policy's premium rates; the number of doctors in the network or plan; and whether you would prefer a PPO (preferred provider organization) or an HMO (health maintenance organization). Healthinsurance.org is a useful site if you are unsure about health insurance options and how to choose a plan that would be the best fit for you.

• 3

  Purchase individual health insurance online or over the phone. If you are not employed or your employer does not offer health insurance, you can purchase individual health policies. The website eHealthInsurance.com allows consumers to obtain quotes from several different insurance companies and apply for health insurance online. You do not have to be married to purchase many of the health insurance plans and can even purchase short-term or student health insurance.

• 4

  Apply for state-funded health insurance or Medicaid if you cannot afford to pay for health insurance. Health insurance can be very expensive if you are paying for it on your own. If you cannot afford to pay for health insurance, contact your state's health department or welfare services to see if you qualify for a state-funded health insurance or Medicaid.