Our good health is one of the most important possessions we have - and with thecost of health care rising, health insurance is one of those things that justmakes sense.
The possibility of you or a loved one being affected by seriousillness isn't something you like to dwell on, but it definitely pays to thinkabout the consequences of such an event before it actually happens.
Chronic or serious illnesses are expensive, and without healthinsurance, getting the medical treatment you need may be difficult if notimpossible.
A comprehensive health insurance plan can take some of the worry outof life with the reassurance of knowing that if the worst happens, your medicalexpenses are covered.
When you're shopping for a health insurance plan,there are several things you'll want to consider when deciding what type of planis best for you and your circumstances.

• Your lifestyle will affect thecost of your insurance coverage - if you smoke, are overweight, or have anotherwise unhealthy lifestyle, your insurance costs will be higher.
  Pre-existingmedical conditions will also increase the cost of your insurance coverage.
  
• Most plans cover normal medical expenses - but before signing anything, thinkabout what other services you and your family are likely to need, and if theplans you're considering cover those needs.
  This is where it pays to know aboutthe medical history of your relatives, so that you can make decisions based uponwhat types of medical conditions might run in the family.
  
• If you requirespecialist care, make sure your plan covers it.
  
• Emergency care - usually areferral from your doctor is a prerequisite of emergency medical care.
  Somehealth insurance policies won't pay for weekend hospital visits unless you arereferred by your doctor, and some will require that you wait until a weekday ifit's not a matter of life and death.
  Check out these types of details beforemaking a commitment.
  
• Prescriptions - think about what prescriptions youcurrently need and what you may require in the future.
  Insurance plans vary asto the percentage you are required to pay on prescriptions, and some charge aflat fee rather than a percentage.
  
• Supplemental insurance - dentalinsurance and chronic or acute illnesses such as cancer are not usually coveredby normal health insurance.
  Dental insurance is usually covered by an entirelyseparate policy.
  Diseases such as cancer, or critical conditions such as heartattack or stroke, can quickly become expensive, and supplemental insurance isdesigned to kick in when regular health coverage is exhausted.
  

Before youcommit to an insurance plan, make sure you're absolutely clear on what is andisn't covered.
Your policy will list services that are covered, and will alsolist those that aren't covered.
Bear in mind that your insurance company decideswhat expenses they will pay for, not your doctor.
Your doctor may decideyou need a specific medical procedure, but that won't make your insurancecompany change their mind about covering it if it's not included in yourinsurance plan.
It's a good idea to be very familiar with the terms of yourpolicy, so that you can let your doctor know what you're covered for - whenpossible, your doctor can then recommend medical care and services that youinsurance policy will pay for.