Looking into health insurance, especially for those who are self employed, can be a daunting task. Without the help of company programs that pay part of your insurance, it can be a more expensive, and even frustrating to get health insurance. There are some basics to understand, however, before you buy.

Get on the net and do your research. There is a dearth of information available online that allows you to assess the different health insurance plans available. Some of the sites rate the plans to help you make a decision. Before choosing one, make sure you have researched it thoroughly. Beware of cheap plans ¡V they may have a much higher deductible or may not have your doctor on their list. Once you have all the facts then you can make an informed choice.

Health insurance for the self employed comes with its own phraseology which you need to understand so that you can know the benefits of each plan before you choose one.

HMO. This is a common phrase that is heard quite often. An HMO is a managed care plan. This does often cost a little bit less than a PPO (more about that next), but they are often more restrictive. Additionally, they are rated lower by most insurance ratings. Most HMOs require that you have a primary care provider and then require that you are referred to specialists by the provider.

PPO. This plan gives you a wider range of choices within a specified network. You can consult any provider listed in the network (most companies have an extensive list). This comes in handy when you are traveling and need to consult a doctor. You may consult a provider not listed on the network but for this, you will be required to pay extra up front. An EPO works along the same lines except that there is no cover outside the network (EPOs are not available to self employed persons).

Co-Pay. This is the money that is paid up front and usually ranges from $15 to $25. A variation on this is to pay 20% of the bill until you reach your deductible. Thereafter you pay nothing or a very nominal co-pay. Many plans have different co-pays depending on whether you make an office visit, an emergency room visit or are buying prescription drugs.

Deductible. The deductible is the amount of money you pay out of pocket. If you have a co-pay, this usually does not go toward your deductible. If you are on a 20% plan, then your office visits do count as part of your deductible. Just as with auto insurance, the higher your deductible, the lower your premium.

And having identified your health insurance needs, make sure the benefits of the plan you choose meets them. Remember to check they include maternity care, consultations with chiropractors, and mental health professionals. And while getting something ideal for your needs may not be possible, you have a good chance of getting a health plan that is almost there, and meets most of your needs.