If you are taking steps to find health insurance for yourself and your family, it may not be as easy as it once was. But, it doesn't have to be as complicated as it is sometimes made to seem. Today, there are more options available and a wide variety of tools and resources to help you.

By following 9 key steps, you're much more likely to find a plan you'll be happy with.

1. Know Your Needs. Everyone has different healthcare concerns and needs. Your needs, and those of your family, will determine the type of coverage you will require. If you are young and healthy, you may not want or need extensive healthcare coverage. On the other hand, if you have a chronic condition or someone in the family requires frequent medical visits, higher levels of coverage could save you money in the end.
   
   
2. Evaluate Your Options. Every area has different providers and types of plans available. Find out what your options are and compare the rates and coverage they offer. Talk to friends, family and co-workers to get feedback on different health insurers. You can also check online message boards.
   
   
3. Understand the Plan. Insurance plans are changing fast to keep up with the rising costs of healthcare. Be sure you understand how the plan works and the coverage it offers, prior to enrolling. Don't base your decisions on the type of plan. HMOs and Indemnity (FFS) continue to grow closer in their similarities. Rather, base your decision on the quality of service offered. If you have questions about a plan, call the provider directly and ask for an explanation. If you are having trouble understanding the different types of plans available, read this guide thoroughly. If that doesn't help, consider working with an insurance broker.
   
   
4. Use a Savings Plan. HSA plans are becoming more popular among younger, healthy workers. If you are using a more traditional type of insurance, set up an FSA for the tax advantages.
   
   
5. Special Needs. If you know you will be requiring vision, dental or maternity care, be sure to take these things into account.
   
   
6. Location. Be sure to check the locations where services are offered. If hospitals or doctors are too far away, you might be better off with different plan. Also, if you are a frequent traveler, find out how coverage works when you are away from home.
   
   
7. Choice. If you require the care of a specific physician or hospital, find out if they will be covered by the plan. HMO plans will offer you the least amount of choice, while indemnity (FFS) will offer you the most.
   
   
8. Cost. With the price of premiums today, this is often the main factor. But, there's a lot more to health care plans than just the monthly premium. Depending on how much health care you expect to use, a higher monthly premium might save you money by lowering your deductible, co-insurance and co-payments.
   
   
9. Stay Educated. Take the time to educate yourself on diet, exercise and proper nutrition. Also, once you enroll in a plan, be sure to check your yearly updates to make sure your coverage hasn't changed.