Is it possible to get cheaper health insurance if you decide to keep your favorite doctor? The answer is “Yes” provided you take some tested steps. So let’s take a look at them…

First you need to bear in mind that to keep the doctor of your choice you need traditional health insurance (Indemnity health insurance plans). Others won’t simply give you that flexibility. This plan is more expensive than others but you can reduce your rates by considering the following…

1. Quit any hazardous job.
2. Make sure your BMI (Body Mass Index) is just right. Lose weight if you’re overweight.
3. Don’t file claims for minor issues. Handle them yourself.
4. Quit dangerous recreational activities like sky-diving
5. Quit smoking.

The above are generally known steps to reducing your risk factor and, therefore, your health insurance rates. But let’s look at those that are NOT well-known…

The pharmaceutical industry has big brand names. If you buy name brand drugs, your rates will be more. But did you know that every generic drug has the same active ingredients as its big brand name counterpart? Where they are free to have any variation is in the inactive ingredients.

This simply suggests that what you receive in brand name drugs is also what you get from generic drugs of the same specification. Discuss with your doctor about this.

As you do the above, also take advantage of free clinics if you want to reduce your rate.  Such free clinics will take care of simple things like giving you medical advice, blood pressure checks etc. These clinics could be operated by a community or as a form of community service by an organization.

Don’t forget that it pays to check through your policy at least once a year or as often as you think changes have occurred in your health or that of a member of your family. Although you may not really save anything by doing this, you’ll ensure you have enough coverage this way. While doing this regular check you can also find out you have coverage you no longer need.

You’ll then lower your rate by dropping such unrequired coverage. A good case is a family health insurance policy that still covers your wedded daughter who is now on another policy with her husband. It may only come to your notice when you get your yearly payment notice. And you could be so happy with the fact that your child is now in college or married that the last thing you’ll even consider is which insurance coverage you have to drop.

Finally…

Get and compare health insurance quotes from a wide range of insurers. The more thoroughly you comparison shop, the more you’ll likely save. Therefore, compare quotes from at least five reputable quotes sites.