Learning how to choose the best health insurance company is almost more of an art than a science. That being said, there are certainly a number of concrete things to keep in mind as you search for the best health insurance provider. Here are some tips for comparing companies:

#1 Nationwide Networks

If you encounter a provider that you have never heard of before then that may be a red flag warning you not to go any further. One of the huge advantages to choosing a large and trusted health insurance provider with a nationwide network (aka United Healthcare, Humana, Aetna, etc.) is that they have the purchasing power of many different policyholders behind them and they are able to negotiate great rates on everything from prescriptions to x-rays to surgeries.

#2 Major Medical Coverage

If someone tries to sell you a medical discount card instead of a real major medical health insurance plan then the best plan of action is to turn around and run in the other direction. Discounts can be nice but if you develop a major illness like cancer then a discount card is no substitute for real health insurance benefits.

#3 Local Agents

Every insurance company has an 800 number that you can call for assistance but often the best service comes from the personal attention that a local health insurance agent can provide. If your only option for contacting a company is purely an impersonal 800 number then you may want to look a little harder until you find a local agent that can represent that company and offer your personalized service.