If your new employer doesn't offer health benefits to the employees and you still want to have some form of insurance, then getting an individual medical insurance plan is the best thing you can do. Since you are still using COBRA to continue the policy from your previous employer, you should know that paying for your own health insurance is epensive. This is one disadvantage of getting individual medical insurance. As part of Small Business through your former employer, the premiums are relatively lower because you only pay part of it. However, there are advantages to getting individual medical insurance. For one, you have the option to choose whichever plan you want. You can assess the different levels of coverage, premiums, and deductibles of each health insurance policy. If you don't like the plan that you have, you can drop it and choose another policy that fits your medical needs. Under a group plan through your employer, you might be locked into one specific plan. Having the freedom to choose your own health insurance provider, your deductible, premiums, and coverage is good since you can be sure you're getting your money's worth. However, it's going to be confusing if you're going to choose among several individual medical insurance plans. You can consult with an independent insurance agent to help you decide which plan suits your budget and medical needs. - June 26, 2009 @ 2:28 pm