When it comes to purchasing health insurance, most people are not quite sure where to start. For those who are not able to purchase health insurance through their employer, going out on their own and finding a plan is a task that seems overwhelming. But, it does not have to be. There are actually a few rules that everyone can stick to when it comes to purchasing a health insurance plan that can save both time and money. Here are the top ten rules that everyone should follow when it comes to purchasing health insurance on their own:



1. Always check the Financial Rating of the health insurance carrier. While there are many different insurance companies out there to choose from, some are better than others. A Financial Rating can tell consumers which health insurance companies will be able to serve them best, and those with an "A" rating or higher should be the insurance companies that consumers choose to purchase from.

2. Check to see if the health insurance carrier is committed to the health insurance market where you live. For example, you should find out how long they have been providing health insurance in your state, how large their network is in your state, and find out what would happen if they decide to stop writing insurance in your state so you know what type of plan they have for their customers.

3. Check to see if your current family physician accepts the new health insurance that you are considering. Remember that any health insurance plan will actually penalize you for using a doctor that is out-of-network, so you want to make sure that the doctor you currently use is in their network, or you are comfortable switching to another physician.

4. Research all of the in, and out-of-network, benefits that the health insurance company offers to customers. This way, you will know exactly what is, and is not, covered when you need to use those services.

5. Does the health insurance carrier limit the number of visits that your co-payment will cover in a calendar year? You will be surprised at the number of insurance companies that actually limit how many times you can use your co-payment benefit in a given calendar year. You should always make sure that you check and are aware of any limitations on your number of visits.

6. Make sure that you disclose all health information about you and any family members that are applying for coverage on the health insurance application. Any failure to "disclose" health information can cause some serious problems for you and family members down the road and the insurance carrier can deny your claims.

7. Make sure that you read all the policy exclusions and limitations before you purchase a health insurance policy. If you are aware of what benefits are and are not covered, then you will have a better grasp on out-of-pocket expenses.

8. Research the health insurance company's prescription drug benefits before you purchase a plan with them. Find out what the maximum benefit they offer is and what drugs are covered, and at what rates. This way, you will already know what your current medications will cost you.

9. If the health insurance plan seems too expensive, then consider raising your deductible and your co-payments to make your premiums more affordable. Most carriers will offer great reductions for higher deductible plans and offer consumers a better and more consistent rate on their premiums.

10. Use an insurance agent. An agent is an expert helping hand when shopping for insurance.