Make Sure You Are Insured

If you are like most self employed people out there, you are going to need insurance coverage at some point. Most people will have coverage through their employer. However, for the self employed, finding affordable coverage can be next to impossible.

If you're self employed and need insurance you've probably looked at all kinds of health care and health insurance options like discount card programs or ala carte coverage but sometimes even those options are too expensive for people that are self employed and need insurance. So what is a self employed person who needs insurance supposed to do? You may be able to find a buying group of self employed people to join for coverage. To negotiate a better price for health care, some groups of self employed will form a loose union. This can be a great way to get coverage when you leave your employer. However, if someone in the family has a serious medical condition or pre-existing condition, rates for COBRA can be more expensive. In that case or if you have no major health conditions or problems you might be able to save money by getting insurance from a company that specializes in helping the self employed who need insurance get coverage.

The rates you might pay for these private companies can sometimes be high, but overall more affordable than you may think. Health insurance shouldn't become a luxury when you become self employed. See if your employers health insurance coverage can be extended (COBRA) to you for a while if you plan to leave your current job.

Check to see how long after your insurance will continue once you terminate your employment insurance will continue. Usually when you leave on good terms (COBRA) is extended to you and your family. Although it may be somewhat expensive since you'll have to pay for the first three to six months, it might be worth it in the long run. Ask your employer if it is available when you leave. Being self employed and needing insurance can be scary because you know that if something happens and you get sick or hurt you could rack up huge hospital bills so you should make finding insurance for the self employed a priority.

Bill Drapcho is owner of http://sweethealthy.com and writes on many other subjects. Visit his blog http://sweethealthy.blogspot.com to read other articles.