Health Insurance is the one insurance most people will use, because everyone needs medical attention occasionally. A good health insurance plan lets you focus on getting better not on how you will pay your medical bills.

The primary purpose of health insurance is to provide protection against the devastating expense of a serious illness or accident.

There are basically four types of health insurance. Health maintenance organizations (HMO), preferred provider organizations (PPO), point-of-service (POS) and traditional indemnity plans. Most plans contain some type of managed care methods to contain costs. Today there are more options than ever before, but it is important to understand which coverage you have.

Individuals who are over 65 or have certain disabilities can get coverage through Medicare, and individuals who qualify due to low income can get Medicaid.

Most people get their health insurance through their employer. Since most employers pay a portion of the premium, this is generally the most affordable way to get coverage for the employee. Some employers even offer their employees more than one plan to choose from.

One of the advantages of purchasing your own policy is that you get to choose which plan best meets your individual needs and budget. It is important to understand your options prior to making your decision.

When choosing a health insurance plan find an agent who will thoroughly explain your options.

Some questions you might consider:

Do I need to get a referral for services?
Are any pre-existing conditions excluded?
What happens when I need medical attention out of town?
What part of my medical expenses am I responsible for?
Are my current doctors part of the network?
What is my maximum out of pocket expense?