Affordable health insurance: I'll share 7 proven ways to lower your rate. Although you're encouraged to read through, don't forget that that is just the first step in the process: You'd have to implement what you've discovered in order to get more affordable rates. Here are time-tested steps to savings...

1. This is something that may not concern most folks but should be mentioned...

Don't use drugs that have either been banned or have yet to be approved as they will make you attract higher insurance rates if discovered and that is apart from the fact that you are putting your life at risk. Misusing drugs also will make you pay much more in health insurance. Avoid self-medication also and you will certainly get cheaper rates than those who don't.

2. Ask your agent personally about all the discounts possible with your chosen insurance carrier. It's possible that your agent might have overlooked a discount you're eligible for. You'll reduce the probability of this happening to you if you take the pains to ask your agent seriously to tell you about every discount that is obtainable. You might be surprised at discounts you have not taken advantage of.

3. Buy catastrophic health insurance rather than the traditional health insurance policy if you rarely fall take ill and you'll pay far less. This kind of health insurance policy takes care of you if you suddenly fall sick or get involved in an accident.

You'll really love this policy if you ever are compelled to pay huge bills due to unforeseen diseases or accidents. That's why it's protection against catastrophic ailments or accidents. The rate paid for catastrophic health insurance is really cheap.

Nevertheless, the deductibles are usually as high as $2,000 but they are certainly worth it since you rarely fall sick and are getting coverage in case a catastrophic health condition or accident strikes.

4. You may eligible for Medicaid if you are really finding it hard to buy a regular health insurance policy. Various states have different rules for qualification. But the basic criterion is that you must fall within the low-income bracket. You can still be eligible even if you are employed.

Even if you don't qualify another family member might and that will help bring down your family health insurance spend. Therefore, verify from your state's Medicaid program.

5. If you prefer high risk or extreme sports you will attract expensive health insurance rates. Therefore stay off any sport or leisure activity that is either life-threatening or dangerous and you'll get cheaper rates.

6. Being on one health insurance policy will save you a lot if you're married. Notwithstanding that this is true, it's not absolutely the case. So check to see which is best for you.

This is because depending on your details and health needs, you may be better off buying two separate health insurance plans.

7. You can get lower rates on health insurance today by visiting not less than five quotes sites. Each quotes site will require about 5 minutes or less to receive quotes. (Some folks fill in details that are NOT quite true about themselves. That is NOT wise as the quotes you'll get this way will NOT be of any use to you). You'll simply select the best health insurance quote for you from the list of quotes obtained. That's all there is to it. However, you could easily save hundreds of dollars.