Individual health policies are for those who are responsible for their own health insurance expenses. It is important to note that all health plans are not equal, so great care is to be taken when making you selection to ensure it serves you and your family well.

My best recommendation is that you have a Health Insurance Broker licensed in your state assist you make the best decision. One more key point is that one should make sure that the plan you consider has an "Out Of Pocket Maximum"; this will serve to limit your financial exposure in case of prolonged hospitalization or a very expensive medical experience.

The coverage you should choose is determined by your particular needs and those of your family.

Examples of specific considerations:

-Maternity

If your family is young and growing, you will want to consider a policy that includes maternity care from the onset.

-Prescription Plans

Some plans have prescription plans that only cover generic drugs while most do cover preferred brands. It is just good to know what you are going to get.

-Doctor Networks

Check and see if your doctor is included. Typically PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans provide the most freedom of choice and greater flexibility as compare to HMO (Health Maintenance Organization)

-Preventative Care Packages

If you can opt for a plan that includes a preventative plan without having to first meet a deductible. Preventative Care usually includes Annual Physical, OB/GYN Exams, Mammograms, PSA screening and well child care.

-Dental and Vision are pretty important but do not allow these to disproportionately affect your Major Medical plan decision. If need be get them separately and focus on a health plan that is solid and that meets your needs.

UNDERWRITING

Individual (and Family) health plans are underwritten in Maryland, DC and Virginia the applicant is to expect medical questions and the wait for the application to undergo the process (it can take 4-6 weeks but it normally takes shorter). The key here is that you want to submit your application as early as possible so as to avoid any possible lapses in coverage.

VALUE NOT PRICE

Be diligent, compare plans and comb through the outlines of coverage. My little rule is that the better insurance companies have simple and easy to understand plans as opposed to those that present you volumes of literature and very little coverage.
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VALUE NOT PRICE

Be diligent, compare plans and comb through the outlines of coverage. My little rule is that the better insurance companies have simple and easy to understand plans as opposed to those that present you volumes of literature and very little coverage. Work with a Broker and get the benefit of making a more educated comparison. Brokers normally represent more than one company and are in a better position, than a captive agent, to guide you to a product that is more fitting.

REGIONS

DC- DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA PLANS

Care First Blue Cross Blue Shield probably offers the most coverage for the best price in DC. The savings are pretty substantial.

NORTHERN VIRGINIA PLANS

Care First Blue Cross Blue Shield and Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield both serve Northern Virginia but their territories do not overlap. They both offer very comprehensive and competitively priced plans. Most Plans include a nice preventative package - Contact your broker to determine which side of the fence you are on. (HMO & PPO) Blue Cross Blue Shield boasts the biggest PPO network in the DC metro area.

Kaiser Permanente (HMO) offer very inclusive and competitive plans in this area too. This company's plans almost always include maternity for no extra cost.

Golden Rule (United Healthcare) also offers Health Plans in some Northern VA zip codes. Great PPO and HSA plans offered.

MARYLAND PLANS

Care First Blue Cross Blue Shield offers very comprehensive and competitively priced plans. The majority of the Plans include the important preventative package. (HMO & PPO) Blue Cross Blue Shield boasts the biggest PPO network in the DC metro area. Do Consider the Blue Preferred Plan.

Kaiser Permanente (HMO) offer very inclusive and competitive plans in this area too. This company's plans almost always include maternity for no extra cost. This is indeed a popular company in this state.

Golden Rule (United Healthcare) also offers Health Plans in Maryland. These plans are very competitive and the Network is large. Great PPO and HSA plans offered.

Tips

-Blue Cross Blue Shield Families may realize substantial savings by submitting separate applications for each individual as opposed to a family application. The savings seem to be greatest for a two parent (adult)-one child family especially when there is a notable age difference between the parents (adult)

-Blue Cross will accept domestic partner family applic