by: Ron King

Are you thinking about buying health insurance? With so many
different alternatives, it is difficult to know which to choose.

When choosing a health insurance plan, never base your decision
solely on the monthly premium. There are many other cost factors --
deductibles, co-payments, and the like -- that will determine the
true price tag of your insurance. You'll need to read the fine print
of the health insurance plan, including what it does and does not
cover, the in-network versus out-of-network coverage and costs,
claims processing procedures, and the coverage limits.


Know Your Health Care Needs

The first step is to review the scope of your needs: coverage just
for yourself, for a large family, or something in between?

Next assess the health needs for all you intend to include in your
health insurance plan. Are there any pre-existing conditions to
consider? Does someone need to have access to certain medical
specialists or medical institutions?


Research and Compare Your Options

The answers to the above questions will give you a good starting
point in your search for the right health insurance plan.

Next, you need to explore your options. If you're getting group
insurance through your employer, your options will be limited to
what the company offers. Otherwise, you'll need to more research and
comparison shopping. At a minimum, you have to understand the
difference between the 2 basic types of health insurance plans
offered today: the Indemnity Plan, and the Managed Care Plan with
its variants.


Indemnity Plans and Managed Care

An Indemnity Plan offers the freedom to choose when and where you
will seek medical assistance. Along with this freedom usually comes
higher out-of-pocket costs. For many this is a fair trade-off.

Managed Care Plans are more restrictive, and require you to utilize
the medical professionals and institutions that are part of the
plan's "network." Participants often need pre-approval for medical
services that are beyond basic preventive care. The costs for this
type of plan are usually lower than Indemnity Plans. For those who
are basically healthy, don't mind who provides their medical
services, and who need to control medical costs, Managed Care Plans
are usually the better choice.

This is a very basic comparison of the types of health insurance
plans available. It is a first step in your own data gathering and
analysis process.


Select The Right Company

Once you've done your homework and know what you want, you need to
choose the right health insurance company. Many companies offer
health insurance, from well-known corporate giants to small
independent outlets. As with any major purchase, you'll want to
research these companies before making a final decision.

Also, find out which state or federal agency regulates the type of
health insurance you're considering, in case you have questions or
experience problems.

Each type of health care plan has advantages and disadvantages. It
is in your best interest to research thoroughly, so that the health
plan you choose will be the right one for you and your family. For
today and for years to come.



About the author:
Ron King is a full-time researcher, writer, and web developer. Visit
http://www.healthinsuring.comto learn more about this subject.

Copyright 2005 Ron King. This article may be reprinted only if the
resource box is left intact.