Four Things That Can Make Personal Health Insurance More Affordable

If you are an individual in need of a personal health insurance policy you have a few options to choose from. If you're on a budget or currently have no health insurance coverage at all because you're unable to afford it, there may be ways that you can slash your costs in order to get a modified plan into your budget also. Let's take a look at a few options that are available to you, both paid and free.

#1. Your Employer - If you have health insurance available through your work you should do your best to take advantage of it. The reason for this is because your employer has bought what's called a "group" plan and there are several people buying into it, which means that the rates are going to be much lower than usual because you're being given a substantial group discount. There's almost no way that you'll find a bargain like this buying health insurance through a private agent.

#2. Private Insurance Agency - As mentioned above, you're definitely better off buying coverage through your employer if it's available. However, if you don't have that option or if you're self employed, you'll likely be paying more. There are ways that you can lower these costs to where they're more manageable. Make sure to get several free health insurance quotes so you can compare costs. You can do this easily online.

2A. Raise your annual deductible - By doing this it's likely that you'll end up paying most or all of your routine doctor visits out of your own pocket. The thing that most people don't realize is that, on average, you'll only see a doctor 1-2 times per year anyway. This means that you'll likely only spend $200-$300.00 so you'd have to pay that out of pocket anyway.

2B. Consider cutting or reducing coverage from the policy - This isn't the most desirable scenario, however, I'd rather have a policy with reduced coverage than no personal health insurance at all. The idea is to make sure that there's coverage for any long term care, but you must make sure that you've set aside a few hundred dollars so you can see a doctor when you need to.

#3. Seek Government assistance - There's absolutely no shame in this. If you are a tax paying American citizen that is in need of medical treatment then don't be afraid to ask for help. There is a welfare system that, as long as it's not abused, is there to help needy individuals. There are free or low cost clinics in most larger cities. There are Veteran's Administration hospitals for those that have served in the armed forces. Do not go without medical treatment because of your personal pride. That's just plain silly!

The bottom line - There are personal health insurance options available for most people that have a steady income. You'll have to look around and decide which option is best for you.