Tips to Saving on Health Insurance

Buying insurance isn't like shopping for groceries. Health plans don't come with one-size-fits-all price tags. Your monthly insurance bill, called a premium, will depend on a variety of factors, including your health.

The good news is that there things you can start doing now that will lower your health insurance costs in the long term.

Lower Your Premiums With Smart Health Choices - Insurance companies look at a variety of factors when they decide what to charge you for a policy. This includes you medical history, your lifestyle, and sometimes even where you live. But the biggest factor and the one that you usually have the most control over is your personal health.

Here are a few things you can do to live healthier and save money on your monthly insurance bill.

Eat right. Yes, everyone loves a good cheeseburger with fries. But eating a balanced diet lowers your risk of heart disease, high cholesterol, and even some kinds of cancers. Cut out as much junk food as you can. Eat fruits and vegetables often. And enjoy red meat in moderation.

Exercise. It doesn't matter if you run, walk, lift weights, or do yoga. Being physically active will improve your well-being and overall health. Many health insurance plans include discounts on health club memberships so it's even easier to stay active.

Quit Smoking. Chances are, you fit into one of three categories: you never started, you've already quit, or you're sick of hearing about it. If you're still smoking, give it up. It isn't easy, but it can be done. If you can be tobacco-free for 12 months, most insurance policies will cut you a break on premiums.

Increase Your Deductible. Statistic show the lower your deductible, the more likely you will put in a claim with the health insurance company. The health insurance companies know this and will compensate by drastically increasing the premium on low deductible plans. To save the most and get the lowest health insurance quotes, ask that your deductible to be $1,000 or higher.