Where should I get private health insurance?

I am 31 years old, wanting to start having children in the next year, and mine and hubbie's jobs don't provide health insurance. I looked online, but not sure who to go with. Does anyone have a provider and plan they are happy with that isn't too expensive?

I don't have any serious pre-existing conditions.

I'm over 40 and going through the same process since my healthcare information employer won't cover me because I want to work part-time. Since cost is based on age, state, health status and other factors, what works for one may not work for you so the best thing is to do a little homework.

A good place to start is your State's website (usually WWW.statenamehere.GOV) Every State has an agency that governs/polices health insurance coverage. It should have a document or a page listing insurance companies providing nonemployer coverage for individuals, families, and the self-employed. It should also provide information on how to choose insurance.

Also, check out the consumer portal of America's Health Insurance Plans, a national insurance trade association.

Ivy,

Starting a family is exciting, but making sure everyone has good health insurance is pretty challenging in today's world.

There's a very good article at eHow that discusses how to get health insurance for you and your family when you don't have a job that covers you:

http://www.ehow.com/how_2367563_keep-hea...
How to Get Health Insurance

Take a look at it, as it covers all the major possibilities for getting insurance, and gives some great resources you can use.

All the best.

Your options are going to vary depending on where you live, so it鈥檚 hard to make any specific recommendations without knowing more about your situation. However, there are a few things you should be aware of. Frankly, buying a health plan on your own that covers maternity care can be expensive and a little complicated. In some states, individually-purchased plans may require that you be enrolled for up to 12 months before maternity benefits are available to you. And if you get pregnant before you鈥檙e covered, then in many states you can be turned down when you apply for health insurance 鈥?since pregnancy may be considered a 鈥減re-existing condition.鈥?

That may sound depressing, I know. But it isn鈥檛 true in every state. If you definitely don鈥檛 have the option of getting coverage through an employer (you can鈥檛 be turned down for coverage with employer-sponsored plans), then you should talk with a licensed agent who knows the market in your area. You can also visit an online agency like eHealthInsurance, where I work. Through our site, for instance, you can get quotes from a broad selection of insurance companies and plans in your area and compare plan details to see which ones offer maternity benefits or any other benefits you value. You can also talk with one of our licensed agents at 1-800-977-8860.

Good luck!

Amir M, licensed agent

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