More than 50 million* Americans are now without health insurance. These 6 tips can help you find an affordable health insurance policy that fits your needs.

#1: Find Out What’s Covered

Before you choose a health plan, find out what’s covered. For instance, is your family doctor covered? How about visits to specialists like chiropractors and psychiatrists? You want affordable health insurance that covers all your medical needs, so check the details before you buy.

#2: Find Out What’s Not Covered
After you learn what’s covered, find out what isn’t. For instance, many policies won’t cover acupuncture or in-home nursing care. Others won’t cover treatment for depression, anxiety and other mood disorders. If you have a specific condition that requires a specialist, make sure it’s covered under your health insurance plan before you buy.

#3: HMO vs. PPO

HMOs typically have low deductibles and co-payments, resulting in minimal out-of-pocket costs. However, HMOs also require you to select an in-network doctor to coordinate all of your medical care, and you cannot visit a specialist without being referred by your primary care doctor.
PPOs, on the other hand, offer a much broader range of health care—but at a higher price. Patients can see almost any doctor of their choice, provided they are part of the network. Plus, visits to specialists don’t require referrals.

#4: Low Premium or Cheaper Co-Pays?

What’s more important to you: A low premium or cheap co-payments? Healthy applicants who rarely visit doctors may opt for lower premiums and higher co-pays. However, those with chronic health conditions may save money with cheaper co-pays and higher premiums.

#5: Lifetime Maximum Benefit

A lifetime maximum is a cap on the amount of benefits you can receive, usually $1 million. For most people that amount is adequate. However, if a chronic condition forces you into the hospital every few months, a $1 million cap may not be enough.

#6: Make Sure Your Prescriptions Are Covered

If you take prescription drugs, make sure your medication is covered. Many monthly prescriptions cost hundreds of dollars out-of-pocket, so make sure all your medication is covered before purchasing a policy.

*U.S. Census Bureau, http://www.census.gov/newsroom/releases/archives/income_wealth/cb10-144.html