The good news is that there things you can start doing now that will lower your health insurance costs in the long term. But where to start can be overwhelming. There are so many choices and the novice consumer struggles to understand all in health insurance terms.

Lower Your Premiums With Smart Health Choices. Insurance companies look at a variety of factors when they decide what to charge you for a policy. This includes you medical history, your lifestyle, and sometimes even where you live. But the biggest factor and the one that you usually have the most control over is your personal health.

Here are a few things you can do to live healthier and save money on your monthly insurance bill.

Eat right. Yes, everyone loves a good cheeseburger with fries. But eating a balanced diet lowers your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and even some kinds of cancers. Cut out as much junk food as you can. Eat fruits and vegetables often. And enjoy red meat in moderation.

Exercise. It doesn't matter if you run, walk, lift weights, or do yoga. Being physically active will improve your well-being and overall health. Many health insurance plans include discounts on health club memberships so it's even easier to stay active.

Quit Smoking. Chances are, you fit into one of three categories: you never started, you've already quit, or you're sick of hearing about it. If you're still smoking, give it up. It isn't easy, but it can be done. If you can be tobacco-free for 12 months, most insurance policies will cut you a break on premiums.

Increase Your Deductible. Statistic show the lower your deductible, the more likely you will put in a claim with the health insurance company. The health insurance companies know this and will compensate by drastically increasing the premium on low deductible plans. To save the most and get the lowest health insurance quotes, ask that your deductible to be $1,000 or higher.

Compare Plans With A Pro. It also pays to work with a professional agent to find the right health plan and get the most affordable health insurance quotes. There are many plans on the market, and not every one will be a good fit for you. Some plans cost more and offer less coverage than others. Choosing the right one can be challenging. But with our expert help, you can make sense of your options and make the right choice.

Have An Agent Help You Apply. Your health history is much like your credit history. When you apply for health insurance, the insurance company reports their decision to a bureau much like how a credit company reports their decision to the credit bureau. One oversight on the application could effect what is reported to the health bureau and effect your premium for years to come. Agents can help you eliminate these costly mistake.