In general, a Small Business plan is the cheapest way to get health insurance coverage. But if you are unable to get group insurance coverage, then you may have to compare various policies available in the market to get the best individual health plan that fits your medical needs and preferences. A Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plan is the cheapest individual health plan available in the market. This type of plan includes coverage for hospital stays, doctors’ visits, surgery, emergency care, laboratory tests, therapy, and -rays. You only need to pay a monthly premium to receive these medical services. HMO plans also cover preventive medical care such as immunizations, physicals, well-baby checkups, office visits, and mammograms among others. You will have to pay a small copayment amount of $5 to $15 per treatment. Your medical epenses under this plan would usually turn out cheaper than traditional fee-for-service insurance policies. However, you may have to deal with a limited choice for in-network doctors and hospitals under an HMO plan. Also, you usually need a referral from your doctor before you consult a specialist. To get the best and cheapest individual health plan, you should compare several types of policies from various providers. You should be able to compare policies based on your medical needs and preferences, the terms of coverage, and their associated costs. -- June 26, 2009 @ 1:33 pm