There is no such thing as a perfect health insurance plan for you, but there is a better choice out there if you know what your priorities are. If you are getting your health insurance because your company pays for it, you are temporarily and partly spared from the dilemma of making a selection. However, if you want to take a proactive stance in choosing the right plan to fit your needs, you have come to the right page. In this checklist, examine some of the factors you should be considering when selecting a health insurance plan.

• INSURANCE PROVIDER. Check out the background of your insurance provider. Well-established ones are good, but do not underestimate what small ones have to offer too. What is important is that the insurance company is legit and documented, is prompt in delivering the insurance benefits and premiums, is reachable and receptive to customer complaints and requests, and is financially stable. You may want to take a hint from rankings as well as the feedback of existing and former clients.

• HEALTHCARE PROVIDER. Examine the tie-up healthcare professionals and healthcare providers enlisted with the insurance company you are considering. Go a step further by digging into the credibility and reputation of these institutions and professionals, their customer service skills, their flexibility and openness to appointments and scheduling, as well as claims and proofs of their expertise. Remember that you will be entrusting your health and physical well-being to these people. You may want to do a background check on the rigidity of the selection process of their healthcare personnel as well. Do not forget to consider the location and accessibility of the sites.

• EXCLUSIONS. Exclusions are a staple in every health insurance plan. Make sure to read the fine print before closing any deal. There are some plans which will not cover your family members. There are those that refuse to pay for services entailing health preconditions. If you have not been diagnosed but have a propensity for a certain disease, include this consideration in your search for the right health insurance plan. Exclusions can make or break your day at the ER. Understand what you need and what you must steer clear off in order to stay covered in the plan.

• PRICES AND PREMIUMS. Do not avail of a health insurance plan that you can barely afford. If you are gainfully and legally employed by a company, consider yourself lucky. In most cases, your employer will shoulder a huge bulk, if not all, of the costs for your health insurance. However, if you are a freelancer, choose more cost-effective options.

• PRODUCTS, SERVICES AND OTHER BENEFITS. In choosing a health insurance plan, do not expect all your wants and needs to be given to you. You will have to sort through a whole barrage of options to get those that will benefit you the most. In addition to basic services such as hospice care, physical check-ups and laboratory tests, most insurance consumers look for plans that offer some form of security against the diagnosis of cancer, stroke and other conditions.