First of all you want to get fully informed. You'll want to learn as much as you can about cheap, affordable, low cost health insurance whether it's for you as an individual or for your family or for short-term or long-term care. Many people are completely in the dark even if they have it. Knowledge is power and the more you know about it and understand it, the more money you will save in the short and long run.

You need to learn all you can about the different types of policies that are available. You'll want to completely research all the health provider companies that are offering low cost health insurance. You want to make sure you know what the insurance policy will pay for and as importantly, what it won't pay for.

Make sure to check out the health insurance agent and the company he or she represents, especially locally. Figure out how you'll be reimbursed for any doctor or emergency room visits, any prescriptions, and any other medical services.

It all seems like common sense but many consumers don't know the facts. What you can learn with a little bit of research can save you a lot of money. Once you truly understand the health insurance coverage you're getting you'll be happy you did the research. If you do become sick or injured you want to know in advance what your plan actually covers.

Now on to a few of the important money-saving tips:

If possible pay your premiums on an annual basis because by doing so you can save money by paying your premium in one lump sum. Check with your agent about how much your savings would be. This can help you avoid any service fees and you could be eligible for a healthy pre-payment discount.

Move to a higher deductible. If you and your family have enjoyed good health for many years, you might think about switching to a higher deductible of $500 or $1000. By doing this you'll notice a big reduction in premiums.

Don't buy any insurance policies that exclude any pre-existing conditions. If at all possible, avoid policies that include clauses regarding pre-existing conditions. If you can't find one without any waiting period, at least get a policy with no more than a six-month waiting period.

Think twice before buying any supplemental medical insurance. Many of these supplementary medical policies are not needed because the items they pay for may already be covered under an existing health insurance plan that you have. Check the limits for hospitalization and treatment on your main health policy that they are high enough and if not get health insurance quotes from other companies.

Consider enrolling in a group plan. Individual insurance can be very expensive for people who are self-employed. By joining a few small business associations, you may be able to enroll in a group health insurance plan and save a lot of money.

Finally make sure to get a lot of free health insurance quotes online. The more quotes you have the better you can compare. Make sure to compare all the features.

If you've already bought insurance then make sure to review your policy annually. And read the very fine print carefully to make sure your policy still matches your needs and/or the needs of your family. As the health care system constantly changes, and your circumstances change, your health insurance policy needs to reflect your needs today. These are just a few tips to help you find low cost health insurance and get the best rates.