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Health Insurance Tips for Smart Parents

One of the most important things you can do to protect the health and well-being of your children and family is to ensure that everyone has adequate health insurance. Sure, in today's market that might seem impossible. But the truth is that by shopping smart, you're more likely to find coverage that can protect you and your loved ones at an affordable price.

First and foremost, even if your insurance isn't what you'd like it to be, you absolutely must have health insurance for your kids. Whether it's an earache (or two), a nasty respiratory infection, or a stomach bug that leads to dehydration, children are simply more vulnerable to illnesses than we are, and are more likely to suffer long-term ramifications when a serious sickness goes untreated.

And then there's the usual damages that occur with kids, including falls, scrapes, cuts and bruises that may also require emergency medical attention. Without health insurance, you can end up in medical debt, and even worse, your child can suffer needlessly from an illness or injury.

If you can't afford adding your child to your group health insurance at work, shop for an individual health plan for the child, especially if the child is over age 1. (Individual policies for babies are generally double because babies require so many doctor visits, checkups and immunizations).

But before you go with such a plan, make sure you know what benefits the policy provides and compare them to the benefits the child would receive under a group health plan, if one is available to you. The cheapest plan will not always provide the child with the best value for your health insurance dollars.

And always make sure wellness appointments are covered in your health plans. These will include regular checkups and vaccinations, to make sure that a healthy child will stay that way.

Finally, don't be afraid to shop around online, and everywhere else you can think of. Be direct and tell agents you're comparison shopping for the best medical insurance you can find. Some insurance agencies will offer similar plans for lower prices if they know they have to compete for your business.