Health insurance is a vital resource that is extremely important to obtain. It is very tempting to put off getting on a health insurance plan and simply saying, “I won’t get sick.” However, sickness and emergencies cannot be predicted and cause extreme financial cost without insurance. The tips below will help guide you on all your questions about the right health insurance for you.

Because Obamacare hasn’t officially become law yet due to it being tied up in the Supreme Courts here’s a quick health insurance idea. Most employer supplemented policies cost around one hundred dollars a month. This equates to nearly $1200 a year. Are you going to spending that much on health care in one year out of pocket? Are you usually very healthy? If this is the case, it may be better to have no insurance and pay out of pocket the one or two expenses that actually come up and save several hundred dollars.

Take out insurance to protect yourself against financial ruin.

Health insurance should be one of the highest financial priority on your list. Health problems are always a possibility and if health concerns arise, the cost of hospital bills alone could easily bankrupt someone who does not have health insurance.

Learn the differences between HMO’s, PPO’s, and POS plans and determine what will be the best fit for your health needs. They all have benefits and negatives that will affect the way you pay for and use your insurance. HMO’s require provide less flexibility but higher cost, PPO’s give you more options however the fees can be pricey. A POS plan combines aspects of both HMO’s and PPO’s.

Increase your deductible for lower premiums, but prepare to pay more out-of-pocket expenses. If you feel that you cannot afford your premiums, you can consider a deductible increase, but make sure you take all other expenses into account. You may not actually be saving money if you visit the doctor more frequently.

Stay in your health care network, or be prepared for frustration.

Health insurance companies sometimes provide strict limits on which doctors you can see and when. If you go outside of their network, to a doctor they do not have listed, they may refuse to pay for it. If they will pay for it, it may be a fiasco to get them to.

If you use prescription medications and are on a health insurance plan, check with your insurer to see if 90-day prescriptions are available in pharmacies. 90-day refills have long been available by mail, but now they are becoming available in local pharmacies – which means you get the full cost benefit of a 90-day prescription (essentially 90 days’ worth of drugs for a 30-day payment), without having to wait for the medications to come in the mail. It’s a tremendous deal and definitely worth checking out.

Take note of your bills. Even when you have a health insurance plan, you might be surprised at the bills you encounter, especially with prescription medication. Make sure your doctor understands your limitations and is willing to write prescriptions for generic alternatives when the costs are simply too high to maintain. You definitely want to shop around for the best price. The price of the same medication can vary widely at different pharmacies.

Catastrophic health insurance is an excellent choice for anyone who cannot pay for a comprehensive insurance policy but wants at least minimal coverage in case something unexpected happens, such as an injury, accident or life threatening illness. It may also be a good add-on to your overall health care coverage in cases of extreme emergency.

When choosing a health insurance plan or coverage make sure your doctor is included in the network.

You wouldn’t want to sign up for insurance because the cost is low only to find out your doctor isn’t included in the plan. It’s best to check this out before getting the policy.

If your health insurance is about to expire and you do not have a new plan, you should refer to the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act. If you can prove that you have applied for a new policy, this act guarantees you coverage until your new plan becomes effective by extending your previous coverage.

When choosing health insurance, it’s important to be both organized and prepared before you choose your policy. As you begin, be certain to have your paperwork close at hand, be ready to honestly assess your health care priorities, and make sure to review multiple carriers prior to choosing the company best able to provide the services you need.

Don’t procrastinate. Health insurance is a necessity and can save you, and your family, from a great deal of financial stress should you get sick. Act now to protect your future. Health insurance is an investment in your life and your families. The tips above are meant to help you make a health insurance plan for you and/or your loved ones.