When you start shopping for health insurance, you can make the process easier by being prepared. If you narrow down your needs and understand your options, you're more likely to find the right plan.

Also, keep in mind, no credible health insurance provider should charge application or enrollment fees. If they do, don't bother with them.

Before You Shop
Here are some questions that you should have answered before you even start shopping:

• How much do you usually spend on health care every year?
  

• Do you have any chronic health conditions that require ongoing care and check-ups? What about other family members that will be on the plan?
  

• Are you expecting any major life changes in the near future, such as having children or retiring?
  

• How comprehensive do you want your coverage to be? Do you just want a safety net to cover major injury or illness?
  

• Would you be able to pay a high-deductible in exchange for lower monthly premiums?
  

• Do you get colds and flus easily? Do you mind paying for office visits in exchange for a lower premium?
  

• Do you mind paying for preventative services and check ups? Or would you prefer to have these services paid for in advance?
  

• Do you take any prescriptions medications on an ongoing basis?
  

• Are you interested in focusing on preventive care?
  

• Do you want to use a specific doctor or hospital?
  

• Do you want to choose your own specialist?
  

• What benefits will you use most frequently?
  

• Are you comfortable filing claims by yourself to get reimbursement?
  

• Will you require elder care in the foreseeable future?
  

• Do you have a pre-existing condition? If so, have you maintained health insurance for over one year, without any breaks in coverage that lasted longer than 63 days?
  

• Do you travel often or split time between multiple homes?
  

Before You Enroll
Once you've identified what you think will be the right plan, ask yourself:

• Can you afford the plan? How much will the premium cost you each month? How much is the deductible?
  

• What are your co-payment amounts for doctor visits, hospitalizations and prescriptions?
  

• Is there a deductible you will have to pay for prescription medications?
  

• If you have to go outside the network for services, what are the fees?
  

• How do plan members rate the plan?
  

• Has the plan been accredited by the National Committee for Quality Assurance?
  

• Do plan members complain of long wait times, complicated administration policies or being denied services?
  

• Is your current doctor or hospital covered by the plan? If not, are there alternatives you will be happy with?
  

• Does the plan provide easy-to-read explanations on policies and literature on staying healthy?
  

• Does the plan provide preventive services like smoking cessation, weight-loss programs, etc?
  

• What kind of reputation do the doctors have?
  

• Are emergency locations convenient?
  

• Does the plan offer the benefits you need?
  

• Do the doctors, pharmacies and other services you plan to use offer convenient times and locations?
  

• What services, treatments or medical conditions are excluded from coverage?
  

If you are able to answer these questions, then you will better understand your health needs as they relate to the health plan you're considering. That way, you'll be much happier with the decision you make.