You absolutely have to have health insurance, and the sooner you get it the better. If you find out you are pregnant or have a serious medical condition before you get insurance, it will qualify as a "pre-existing" condition and raise your premiums. With all the choices available, it may seem overwhelming to first time health insurance buyers. This article gives you the basics so that you can make an informed choice about what is best for you.

Health Insurance From Work

Remember when you went through training at your job and they gave you that packet with all those confusing charts and things? You probably should dig those out and have a good look. Most people get health insurance coverage from their companies.

Companies are not required to offer health care. It is a common misconception that they must offer you health insurance. The truth is that they do not, but most companies do. A company that doesn't offer health insurance isn't going to attract many applicants, and it's not going to keep its employees over the years, so to remain competitive, most businesses offer health insurance.

Going Independent

Increasingly, many people choose to get their own independent health insurance. This is especially ideal for those who are self-employed. The only problem is that the premiums are much higher.

When you get health insurance through work, they company has paid for a group plan. This is kind of like buying insurance wholesale.

If you decide to get your own health insurance, they will take your individual factors and medical history into account. This means they'll look at your age, lifestyle, hobbies, gender and practically everything else, and your premium will reflect the company's risk of covering you.

What Is A Pre-existing Condition

If you get your own health insurance, you'll be asked about "pre-existing conditions." This means any serious health problem that you have been treated for in the last five years. It's basically a health condition that you know about, and that you will likely need medical attention for in the future.

This is one reason why it's important to get covered as soon as possible. If you wait until after you develop a medical condition to get insured, you will pay much more on your premiums.

Rates Will Go Up

Unfortunately, your insurance company can raise rates on you whenever they feel like it. Some states have regulations about how much they can raise the rates, and some have to ask for your permission first.

Health insurance companies raise rates not just out of greed, but because it is costing them more to cover you. This is one disadvantage of group plans; if you never go to a doctor, but somebody else needs medical attention, it will push up your rates as well as theirs.

One thing that keeps these price raises in check is that you always have the option of switching to another company. Although companies will raise their rates, they don't want to lose you, so you can expect it to be gradual.

The group plan from work is the easiest way to go. Have a look at all the information they give you, and select a plan that meets your needs. However, many people are going for independent coverage even when they have the group plan option. Consider your needs and choose the health insurance plan that's best for you.