If you are unemployed, self-employed, a student, or employed by a company that does not offer health insurance, you many need individual health insurance. But before you begin gathering health insurance quotes, you should become aware of all of your options, including the following outlined by the Insurance Information Institute:
- If you become unemployed or self-employed but are married to someone whose employer offers a group plan, ask whether you can become insured under that policy.
- If you leave a job at which you received health benefits for self-employment, inquire whether your company’s insurer can create an individual policy for you. This could save you money over going with an insurance quote for your own policy.
- Are you a member of a professional or trade association? The association may be able to offer you coverage through its group plan.
- If you were employed previously and had health benefits, you may be able to use COBRA benefits to maintain coverage for up to 18 months.
Should none of these options be available to you, it’s time to start requesting quotes from free insurance quote providers. Although individual health insurance plans are generally expensive and may offer only limited coverage, health insurance is an essential to protect you against financial ruin in the event of a serious illness or injury.
