There's a lot of talk in the news about the governments health insurance plan, so needless to say, health insurance is on everyone's mind whether they want it to be or not.
If you or your spouse's place of employment provides insurance, then you're set.
Most likely you won't find cheaper coverage anywhere else, so sticking with your current plan is probably the best option for you.
But, if you are one of the 46 million Americans that don't have health insurance, you might be looking into purchasing some soon.
Well, here are some tips about what you need to know to make the best purchase for you and your family.

1. Know the cost.
   Yes, insurance is usually very expensive, but sometimes not having it will cost you a lot more.
   When you take into consideration doctor's office visits, ER visits, lab fees, and the cost of prescriptions, you will find that the cost really starts to add up! So, comparing that number to what it would cost you monthly is a good way to see how much you and your family will benefit from it.
   
2. Know what you need.
   If you don't go to the doctor's office unless you sick, then maybe you just need a major medical policy that covers ER visits and test they would run in the hospital should you be admitted.
   There is no need to purchase more coverage than what you need.
   
3. Momma always told me to shop around! This is great advice, especially when you are looking into health insurance.
   There is NO reason to go with the first policy and price you are quoted with the first company you've decided to call.
   Don't be afraid to call around, and get lots of quotes.
   You may even want to see if they can email you the quotes, so that you can have them all in place to make them easier to compare.
   
4. The cheapest policy isn't always the best policy.
   Just because you like the price, doesn't mean you need to look closer at the policy to see what might be missing.
   For instance, you may think your getting a great deal until you realize that they only cover 30% of the ER visit after you've met your $5,000 deductible.
   Then you realize, that just because it's a great price doesn't mean it's saving you money in the long run.
   
5. Know the networks.
   You want to be sure that your doctor and hospital are covered by your insurance.
   You may be surprised by how many insurance companies want you to drive over 100 miles just to see a physician that is in their network.
   This is not acceptable and does not save you any money.
   
6. Get familiar with the terminology.
   You need to know what terms like "annual coverage", "lifetime benefit limits", "deductibles", and "co-pay" mean and how they apply to you and your specific health insurance plan.
   By being familiar with these terms it will help you not to be taken advantage of or left in the dark when it comes to what your health insurance will and will not cover.