My work doesn’t offer health insurance. What types of individual coverage is available?

Personal health insurance policies are available in the same types as you would get through group health insurance. The two most popular types are Health Maintenance Organizations, called HMO, and a Preferred Provider Organization, or PPO. You can also choose to self-insure, using a special type of tax-deferred savings account. But before you purchase an individual plan, you may be interested in knowing that group health insurance is available from sources other than your employer.

Most people think of employer sponsored health insurance when they hear of group health insurance, but there are many organizations which offer access to group health coverage. AAA, AARP, and consumer clubs like Sam's Club all provide access to members, usually at lower rates than you'd pay for private health insurance.

To find the best private health insurance, you could start on this website. By filling in a simple form, you can get a free online health insurance quote that provides you with multiple choices. The advantage of shopping for health insurance on this website is that you are not limited to a single insurance provider and can choose the provider that suits your personal needs.

A Health Savings Account, or HSA, is a savings account that is set up expressly to cover medical expenses. An HSA allows you to contribute to the account in a tax-deferred manner, and you will only pay tax on the money if you use it for any purpose other than medical expenses. By using an HSA, you can either make high contributions and fund your own healthcare, or combine the HSA with another health insurance plan with high deductibles, so the HSA pays you're out of pocket expenses and the health insurance covers the rest.