| If you don't have health insurance through your | | | | insurance wisely: |
| employer, you may have assumed that a health | | | | * Consider a PPO or HMO plan. You will need to |
| care plan will cost more than you can afford. | | | | choose your doctors and hospitals from a list |
| However, there are many ways you can save on | | | | approved by the insurance company, but your |
| health insurance. Follow these tips to get the best | | | | premium costs will be lower. |
| rate for your family. | | | | * Choose a plan with high deductibles. The higher |
| Consider Your Options | | | | your deductibles, the lower your premiums. |
| You have more options for health insurance than | | | | * Consider insurance that will just cover major |
| you think. For example, most states offer | | | | medical illnesses, such as cancer and heart |
| low-cost or no-cost insurance for children and | | | | disease, and plan to pay for smaller expenses |
| seniors, as well as for low-income or unemployed | | | | yourself. |
| adults. Check with your state's department of | | | | Shop Around |
| insurance to see if you qualify for such a health | | | | As with any major purchase, you should |
| care plan. | | | | comparison shop when you shop for insurance. |
| Follow a Healthy Lifestyle | | | | Fortunately, the Internet makes it easy for you |
| You will pay less for your health insurance if you | | | | to compare insurance rates. You can go to an |
| can show the insurance company that you have | | | | insurance comparison website and get fast quotes |
| healthy habits. So quit smoking and start | | | | from multiple A-rated health insurance companies. |
| exercising and losing weight to save on your | | | | The best websites even let you talk with |
| health insurance costs. You'll also feel better and | | | | insurance professionals so you can ask questions |
| add years to your life. | | | | and make sure you choose the best health |
| Types of Private Health Insurance | | | | insurance company with the best rate (see link |
| Another alternative is private health insurance. | | | | below). |
| You can keep your rates down by choosing your | | | | |