Insurance Center

If you are young and healthy, saving on health insurance premiums is tough enough. Older people not in the best of health will have great difficulty getting an affordable plan.

If you're buying your own health insurance, you've got to shop around for the best price. As long as you're healthy and under 50, insurers want your business. To avoid attracting applicants they don't want, though, many keep a low profile, so you'll have to seek them out by phoning agents, checking with your state insurance department, or going online.

Older people or those with health problems will have a tougher time finding health insurance. Government protections offer some help but insurers are not always quick to advise you of your health insurance options, so you may have to take the initiative to get the coverage to which you're entitled.

Working couples with health insurance from two employers may be able to get more or pay less than one-income couples. Depending on the premiums and benefits of each available plan, the best deal may be separate coverage for each, double coverage for both, or forgoing one spouse's coverage in favor of the other's. If you have kids, you'll need to compare your options for family coverage. Be warned: The calculations can be mind-boggling and, even with double coverage a couple can't collect more than 100% on the same claim.