InsureMeOnline.com offers so many options to health insurance shoppers that at first it may seem overwhelming. But we also provide the tools you need to quickly pare down your choices, allowing you to compare only those plans that are right for you.  Your job, then, is to first determine what it is you need from a plan.  If you take a moment and do this right, purchasing an individual health plan will be neither time-consuming nor frustrating.

Here are a few things that you should consider before investing in individual health insurance:

Only pay for what you will need
Do you go to the doctor every time you have a cold? If you are the type of person who is comforted by seeing a doctor every time you don't feel well, consider a health plan with a low deductible. You will pay more in premiums but will not have to face the burden of paying the first $1,000 to $5,000 of medical expenses every year.   If you’re the type that forgoes visits to the doctor until things turn more serious, you’re likely to view health insurance more like homeowners insurance or car insurance. You may want your health insurance to protect you from the financial setback that comes with injuries and serious illness, in which case a health plan with a higher deductible might be a better choice. Higher deductibles and lower monthly payments go hand in hand.

Consider your options if you qualify for group coverage
Traditionally, employers offer health insurance to employees and their family members. An increasing number of family members are opting out of employer coverage in favor of less expensive individual plans that they can take with them when they change jobs. It's not uncommon for employees to have hundreds of dollars deducted from their paycheck to cover the cost of medical insurance. Take the time to add up those weekly deductions and you might be in for a surprise. If you suffer from chronic medical conditions, employer-sponsored coverage may be your best option, since group insurance allows the higher cost of your care to be distributed over a greater number of policyholders. But if you’re in good health, you owe it to yourself to shop around.

Always comparison shop
As with any important financial decision, you need to comparison shop! It may not be “fun shopping” but you can reap the rewards if you periodically check your current health plan against others available. Like car insurance, you may find that you're not getting the most from your health care dollars. Consider plans from a variety of carriers. You could find a plan that works with your preferred hospital or medical group for less than you're currently paying. You might also find a plan with a lower deductible at your current monthly premium level.

Explore tax-saving opportunities
Shouldn't health care be tax-free? It can be if you're a savvy shopper. Many self-employed individuals can deduct their premiums from their income to reduce their taxable income. Thanks to Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) you can purchase a low -cost health plan linked to a tax-advantaged savings account. These plans can be less expensive because they have a higher deductible and they allow you to save pre-tax money in a special account similar to an IRA. The best part is, you can spend money from the account on medical expenses without any penalty and the money you don't spend rolls over from year to year until you reach retirement age. As with any financial decision, you should consult your tax advisor to be sure to utilize this new tax savings tool to your fullest benefit.

Finally, it’s a good idea to diary yourself every year or two to do some comparison shopping. If you periodically compare prices and benefits from other health plans, you’ll be sure to know if you’re getting the best deal for your hard earned cash.