It's very important for you to spare some time and make sure your family is properly covered in health insurance. Having a surprise health problem can literally cost you a fortune if you don't have health insurance and you also get much lower quality of medical care without health insurance.

Don't think you can't get an affordable health care insurance program - follow the following 6 steps to help you save up to 30%:

Look In Your Local Area

Start your research by looking at your state's website under the insurance department. Make sure to look at your state specifically because prices/plans and laws are different by state. The site should list the many companies, what types of policies, rough prices and even have information on affordable health care insurance programs.

Write out your priorities

All plans are different and you need to know what your priorities are. Do you have a specific doctor you like seeing? You better make sure that doctor is covered by your insurance.

Don't be afraid to use a broker

It's wise to approach an insurance broker, he can do the running around for you to help you find a well-suited insurance company, help shop for the best rates, and explain the ins and outs of your plan. It is, however, essential to check the reputation and credentials of the broker.

Get something called a *Free Look*

A test-drive of your insurance plan is called a free look, and it basically means that you can get your money back if you're not satisfied within a set period of time. Restrictions vary by company and plan, but you could have anywhere from one to six weeks to ask for a refund - probably in writing.

Consider a Health Savings Account

If you visit a doctor very infrequently, or just 2 times a year, an HSA is a good option for you. An HSA works well with an insurance policy that has high deductibles, but low is a very affodable health care insurance program. Money put into this account goes in pre-tax and grows tax-deferred, you can then use it any time to help pay medical expenses.

"Break A Deal"

You can negotiate with your doctors for their co-payments and for what kinds of medications they give you. Always ask for alternative treatments or the generic brands - let the doctor make the final decision though.

Unlike what many think, it is still very possible to get low cost health insurance in the United States. Especially now with the internet, you can get multiple quotes from many companies right away - this helps you negotiate and get lower prices.