Medical expenses can add up and create enormous financial difficulties if you don't have health insurance. The best way to get health insurance is through an employer as part of a benefits package. Group health plans are more affordable, and most employers pay part of the premiums. If your employer does not offer health insurance or you are self-employed, there are a number of other options to consider.
Step 1
Check with your local state social services office to see if you are eligible for Medicaid, the government-sponsored health insurance plan for low-income families. The eligibility requirements typically are raised each year, and you may find you and your family fall within the earnings guidelines.
Step 2
Tell an insurance company about any medical conditions you have when you apply for insurance on your own. It is better to practice full disclosure up front, report health care consultants at the Health Insurance Resource Center than to go in for an expensive procedure and have it denied by your new insurance company. You may be disqualified from some insurance companies or you may have to pay more to have certain pre-existing conditions covered.
Step 3
Consider your risk when shopping for insurance. If you are young and healthy, you may opt for a policy with higher deductibles so you pay lower premiums. If you have not been diagnosed with a major illness such as cancer or diabetes but suspect you may have problems in the future, look for a plan that has lower deductibles so you can begin receiving benefits as soon as possible.
Step 4
Sign up for health insurance through your school if you are a college student. The Health Insurance Resource Center reports that close to 80 percent of public universities offer student health care plans that usually are more affordable than private insurance.
Step 5
Find an independent insurance broker who has ties to a variety of insurance companies to find the kind of policy that will serve you and your family the best. A good insurance agent will explain the options on the various plans and guide you to the one that will work best for you.
Tips and Warnings
- Learn the lingo used by the insurance industry before you begin shopping for health care coverage. Understand the basics such as deductibles, premiums and co-insurance, and the difference between health care savings plans, managed care and preferred providers so you will be able to navigate the myriad plans and benefits available. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services provides a consumer guide to health care terms that can help you get started.
- Pay the premiums on a timely basis. Most private insurance policies give you 30 days after the due date to pay the monthly premium without dropping your coverage. If you go more than 60 days without health insurance, you may have a more difficult time starting over. An insurance company cannot deny you coverage if you've had continuous health insurance.
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