Health insurance determines the care that we receive should our health take a wrong turn, but it can be the wild card in your financial plan. Roughly half of all bankruptcies filed in the United States are caused by illness and medical bills.
Choosing the right health care plan remains one of your most important decisions. There are around 46.6 million uninsured Americans who are trying to put at least some coverage in place.

Here's how you can keep costs for premiums, co-pays and prescriptions from draining your bank account:
1. Insurance plans vary widely by state, so look out for a site which lists companies available in your area, prices for both individual and family plans, and any lower-cost options your state offers if you meet certain income requirements.
2. Always make a list of the top five things important to you, and bring them up to the broker or insurance company, this way you can really start to narrow things down by your needs, whether that means low premiums, customer service or the doctor you've been seeing since college.
3. Don't be afraid to use a broker, for a reputed broker check credentials with nahu.org or naic.org
4. Ask for a free look i.e you can get your money back if you're unsatisfied within a set period of time. Restrictions vary by company and plan, but you could have anywhere from one to six weeks to ask for a refund.
5. A Health Savings Account is a wonderful option for people who whip out their insurance card once or twice a year. The money you save on premiums each month can be deposited into the HSA pre-tax, where it grows tax-deferred.
6. Always negotiate with doctor, for writing out a prescription for a longer period of time. The co-pay will be the same. In a recent Harris Interactive poll, three out of five people who did so received a discount. With the cost of a single visit often tallying over $200