Health insurance has become an absolute necessity. With inflation and rise in health care prices, one cannot afford to pay for medical aid out of their pockets. This is where health insurance comes handy.

Make a list of services you and your family may need. Consider your age, gender, and family medical history. Do you have any ongoing health conditions? Do you use any medications on a regular basis? At a very minimum, plan to buy a high deductible health plan, which is also referred to as catastrophic coverage. In a nutshell, a high deductible plan offers a lower premium, and you pay most routine expenses out of pocket. If you have a serious accident or become seriously ill, your insurance coverage will kick in once you reach your deductible.

Compare health insurance policy for optimal coverage at an affordable rate. With many companies competing for customers, it is easy to get an affordable quote for a health plan that suits your needs.

Tips for comparing health insurance policies

You must be aware of:

Companies authorized to sell health insurance where you live and which of those companies sell individual policies.

Warnings about recent scams or companies that have been generating consumer complaints.

Comparison shop

You can contact an agent or get online quotes. Be aware that working with an agent may not give you the full picture. Agents generally work with a subset of the available insurance companies. Using an online site will generally show you more options to consider. Also, be aware that each company offers a variety of policies. You need to compare the individual health insurance policies, not just the companies.

Dont forget out-of-pocket costs

Consider the health insurance premium and cost-sharing requirements, like deductibles, copayments or coinsurance. If the policy doesnt cover the services youre most likely to need, its not a bargain. On the flip side, you may end up paying more than you have to if the policy includes things you dont need.

Consider what the policy includes

Here are some common health care services to consider when evaluating health insurance coverage:

Hospital care

Surgery (inpatient and outpatient)

Office visits to your doctor

Emergency room visits

Maternity care

Immunizations

Medical tests

X-rays

Mental health care

Dental care and braces

Vision care and glasses

Prescription drugs

Facilities and Doctors

Medications

Health insurance policies may have a list of services that are specifically excluded. When evaluating a plan, look for limitations, exclusions, and restrictions. When you think you have a health insurance plans that suits your needs, READ the policy. Read all of it. Look up any terms you dont understand. The details matter.