Through your company.

This is the least expensive way to evolve insurance. If you work for a big organization, it may pay some or all of your monthly premium. Large businesses have the negotiating power to provide lower premiums and more abundant benefits. You probably wouldnt be required to pass a health exam, and your preexisting conditions may be covered. You're also more likely to have a choice of services if you work for a big company.

independantly owned businesses, on the other hand, are at a disfavor in negotiating insurance coverage. They may have difficulty even obtaining coverage based on the health history of one or more employees, and their premiums are likely to be more expensive. Some states have passed laws that command insurers to offer coverage to small groups within a given price.

If you and your better half are both covered by insurance at your jobs, the insurance agencies may coordinate your benefits. That means that whatever is not covered by one plan (your primary carrier) could be paid by the other provider--provided you and your spouse are each taken care of under the other's health plan

. You may never experience more than 100% of the cost of the services provided. Not all insurers have the same rules, so check with your employee benefits advocate to see how benefits will be interconnected.

If you lose or leave your employment, you have the option of extending your existing insurance service for up to 18 months under The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1986 (COBRA). The same law allows an job holders family to continue coverage for up to three years following death or divorce. COBRA permits you to continue your health care coverage at your former employer's group rate, plus a small (maximum of 2%) administrative fee. If you fail to pay the service fees, your coverage will be canceled and you will not be able to reestablish it.

COBRA coverage ends when you start a new job with health benefits. The option to extend coverage under COBRA is critical if you cannot afford the high costs of an individual policy or if you have a preexisting condition.

As an individual.

If you are self-employed or unemployed, and are not covered by another family member's insurance, you should purchase an individual health insurance policy. The premiums for individuals can be costly, even for the most basic services. The best advice is to comparison shop and buy the best coverage you can afford. Group insurance coverage may be available to members of certain trade or professional associations. A few states have 'risk pools,' which provide service to any person regardless of prior medical ailments. check over with your state insurance orgnaization if you are unable to obtain coverage on your own. Note that some preexisting medical conditions may not be covered under your individual health insurance plan. Be sure to determine with your insurance provider what is and is not included.

Medicare and Medigap insurance.

Once you are 65, you can obtain Medicare insurance programs from the federal government's health insurance plan. You also may qualify if you have certain ailments. Medicare does not pay all of your expenses, and there are deductibles. Excluded are most nursing-home care or long-term care in the home base. Medicare Part D provides coverage for prescription drugs. Many people over 65 buy a Medigap policy from a private insurer to supplement Medicare insurance coverage.

There are 12 standard Medigap policies, labeled A through L, which make it easy to comparison shop. Depending on which bundle you choose, Medigap coverage may pay for such things as Medicare deductibles, coinsurance amounts or prescription medication. Medigap insurers must accept you, regardless of preexisting aliments, if you apply within six months of becoming eligible for Medicare. If you wait longer, you may be refused coverage.