The availability of several types of health insurance plans in the market suggests the need to compare them before buying one. There are several steps and processes that could be done to compare health insurance plans. These processes will allow you to understand and identify the type of insurance plan that you want and need. First, you have to ask your employer about the type and etent of health insurance coverage offered by the company wherein you are employed. Your employer will usually provide you with a comprehensive and inepensive health insurance plan. Knowledge of insurance coverage through your employer will allow you to compare it with other health insurance plans that are available to you. Net, you may eamine the Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act or COBRA coverage. This is usually the best coverage that you can use if you are recently unemployed or have been laid off. You have the option of etending your COBRA coverage from 18 to 36 months under the same group insurance offered through your employer. You may, however, be required to pay for the premium either to the insurance company or to your employer. You can ask for information from a health insurance agent about different health insurance plans. You can then compare among various types of plans ranging from the plans offered by the Preferred Provider Organizations, Fee-for-service, Point of Service, and Health Maintenance Organization. You may also compare the coverage of the insurance plans on drug prescriptions. You can do this by searching for a medication that you would normally buy for a pre-eisting condition. Then, you can search and compare the insurance plans that offer such medication without additional cost. You could also check for a renewal clause in several plans. The ideal plan is one that should pre-qualify you for an automatic renewal at the eisting premiums regardless of your health and medical history. A plan with a no-dropping clause is also best for you. Consider also the efficiency of the plans in providing you with healthcare coverage. Find out whether the plan will be able to cover and attend to your medical needs without delay. By following these essential steps, you will be able to compare health insurance plans that are available from various insurers. -- June 11, 2009 @ 7:10 pm