Options for Buying Health Insurance

As you know, the best way to get health insurance is through your employer. You'll pay less and will oftentimes have broader coverage options. Some health plans now consider people who are self-employed to be a "group" of one, and will offer you group coverage.

However, if you don't have access to an employer-sponsored health plan, see if you can get a group policy through some other channel. Often, local chambers of commerce or professional organizations offer group health insurance to their members. If you can't get group coverage anywhere, you can still buy individual coverage, but the rates will be more expensive and you risk being turned down for coverage if you have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Before you start shopping for a health plan, you should make sure you understand the way different types of plans work . Once you know your options, you should do some research about the companies in your area. Find out which health plans offer insurance to individuals (some of them will only work with groups). Often, health plans will have "open enrollment" periods, an annual window period when individuals can join. If you missed open enrollment, you may have to wait until next year. See if your state's insurance department has a health insurance shopper's brochure that lists health plans and their costs.

Next, do your homework on these companies. 

Find out coverage specifics about the plans you're considering. Get more from your health plan has questions you should ask.

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