• With 47 million uninsured Americans, it's clear that buying individual health insurance is more and more difficult. While finding coverage on your own is relatively easy if you're young and healthy, many people who try to buy individual health insurance either can't find coverage or can't afford the coverage they're offered. This guide offers information and advice on dealing with an important necessity of life.

• Rights and restrictions on buying health insurance vary from state to state. Some states allow insurers to deny coverage to people with pre-existing conditions, while others require insurers to offer plans to high-risk individuals (though insurers usually charge higher premiums for such plans). Always research your individual situation before making any decisions about insurance.

1. Research the health insurance options and regulations in your state. Check NAHU's Healthy Access Database for information on your state's policies.
2. You can protect yourself by not going without coverage for more than 63 days.
   • Keeping coverage gaps under 63 days means you minimize the exclusions you could face for pre-existing conditions.
3. If you have access to COBRA (continuation of benefits from previous employment), paying for your old job's health insurance can offer better and more complete coverage than individual plans.
4. If you only need temporary coverage, a short-term plan can be easier and cheaper to get than a regular policy.
   • You can get short-term insurance directly from companies such as Assurant Health, or you can search for plans on sites like eHealthInsurance.

1. To get a list of brokers who work with multiple carriers, so you can get an overview of what's available in your area, check out eHealthInsurance.
2. Insure.com also has a national database of carriers.
3. Or contact the National Association of Health Underwriters for a list of local brokers.
4. Try to find a broker who works with multiple companies, so he can find the right insurer for you.

1. How many doctor visits are you allowed?
2. How many emergency room visits are covered?
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3. Can you see any doctors, or only practitioners within a certain network?
4. What prescription drug benefits are offered?
   • Some plans may deny coverage of medications and expenses related to pre-existing medical conditions.
5. If you have children, check if shots and regular check-ups are covered.
6. If you may become pregnant, see if your potential plan has maternity benefits.
7. Do you want to forgo dental and vision coverage to find a more affordable plan?
8. What co-pays and deductibles will you be responsible for?
   • Most lower-cost plans have higher deductibles. Don't make the mistake of choosing a plan for its affordable premiums if you can't pay the deductible.
   • Be cautious with affordable plans that restrict coverage. If the plan only covers a portion of hospital stays or drug costs, it isn't worth buying.
9. Some high-deductible policies let you meet IRS requirements to open Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), thus making you eligible for a tax break.
   • Check HSA Insider to find such policies.

TIP: CNNMoney's Health Plan Navigator lets you rate the importance of different health care variables. You can then compare up to three plans with the navigator.

• Please note that this tool requires you to enter in plan details for comparison.

• There are other options, some more appealing and accessible than others, for individuals who have been rejected from, or cannot afford, individual insurance plans.

1. Check if any group you're a member of offers access to health insurance. Group rates are usually lower, so if you're a member of a union or trade association, you may have access to affordable coverage.
   • For example, membership in Media Bistro, available to writers and media professionals, provides access to insurance plans.
   • Freelancers Union offers plans in New York.
   • Fractured Atlas, an artists' group, also has insurance options for its members.
   • Or you may be able to access group plans via your college alumni association.
2. See if you can form your own group.
   • In some states, a business with just two employees can qualify for group plans and their lower rates.

1. High-Risk Pools: Some states offer high-risk insurance pools, where people who have been denied coverage can apply for state-subsidized insurance.
   • There are disadvantages to these pools, including waitlists and higher premiums.
   • Click here for a list of states with high-risk pools.
2. Medicaid: A government program to provide care for people with limited incomes.
   • For more information, visit the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
3. State Children's Health Insurance Program (SCHIP): A program for families not eligible for Medicaid who cannot afford private insurance. This program can possibly provide coverage for your children.
   • For more information, visit Insure Kids Now!.

• Although buying your own health insurance can be a trial, it would be even worse to be in a medical emergency and not have coverage. Keep trying until you find a policy you can live with.

• Consumer Reports: Health Care on Your Own (January 2008)
  
• Forbes: How to Find the Best Deal on Health Insurance
  
• WebMD: Buying Health Insurance on Your Own
  
• MSN Money: Your 5-minute guide to health insurance
  
• CNNMoney.com: Money 101 Lesson 16: Health Insurance
  
• Consumer Reports: Are You Really Covered? (September 2007)
  
• HSA Insider: Shop and Compare HSA Plans
  
• Federal Trade Commission: Medical Discount Plans: They're Not Health Insurance
  
• National Association of State Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans: States That Have Risk Pools
  
• SmartMoney: Buying Private Health Insurance
  
• American Legislative Exchange Council: 2009 State Legislator's Guide to Health Insurance Solutions
  
• CobraHealth.com: State high risk pools or funds
  
• MSN Money: Medical coverage with a tax break
  
• National Association of State Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans: National Association of State Comprehensive Health Insurance Plans
  
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: Questions and Answers about Health Insurance
  
• U.S. Department of Labor: Questions about Portability of Health Coverage and HIPAA
  
• U.S. Department of the Treasury: Health Savings Accounts (HSAs)
  
• WebMD: Managing Your Own Benefits
  
• WebMD: 47 Million Lack Health Insurance
  
• WebMD: Filling a Health-Coverage Gap
  

• eHealthInsurance: Home Page (Sponsored)
• InsureMe: Shop and compare multiple Health Insurance quotes (Sponsored)
• NetQuote: Compare health insurance plans (Sponsored)