Many people in the United States take medical insurance for granted...until they are forced to find and buy it on their own.

Shopping for medical insurance can be a confusing, time-consuming and often daunting task. Many people find the medical health insurance purchasing process so difficult they simply give up and live without any. Going without proper medical coverage is unwise and can put you at great physical and financial risk.

So what is the best way to get through the medical insurance purchasing process? We suggest the following:

1. Get educated—So far so good . . . you've found this Web site! InsureMe is designed to be a resource for insurance consumers just like you. This site includes medical health insurance quotes from the most competitive companies in your area; a frequently asked question section; an insurance glossary; and other resources that will help you research prospective insurance companies and their medical insurance plans. Bookmark this page, and come back to it as you educate yourself in the major medical insurance purchasing process.
   
   
2. Get medical insurance quotes—Now that you understand some of the information regarding medical insurance, the next step is to get some medical insurance quotes from several different companies and agents. InsureMe.com provides you with an easy way to do this by using our quoting service. Our insurance referral service is free for your use. We take your information and give it to one or more insurance agents who want to help you with your insurance needs. The forms take from five to 15 minutes to complete, and ask detailed personal questions. Answer these questions honestly and accurately, and give as much information as you can. The easier it is for the insurance agents to contact you, the faster you will have your medical insurance quotes.
   
   
3. Meet with medical insurance agents and get a copy of the policy—Many insurance agents will want to meet with you face to face to discuss what their insurance policy will do for you. Keep in mind, when meeting with an insurance agent, that it is his or her job to sell you a policy. Many agents try to make their policy sound the most comprehensive and/or affordable because that is how they convince people to buy policies impulsively. Do not let the agent pressure you into buying right away. After the agent has presented you with the policy, ask for a copy and tell him or her you would like to review it. Also ask if the policy contains anything unexpected or surprising. This technique may get you a little more information than you may get otherwise.
   
   
4. Read medical insurance policies—This step is a necessary evil if you want to become a smart insurance shopper. Read the policy and make notes for the insurance agent. Watch for exclusions, policy maximums and other riders and inclusions requiring high out-of-pocket expense.
   
   
5. You are armed with knowledge—now fire back! Call the insurance agents with whom you have spoken, and ask them tough questions about their insurance policies. Find out the details of each policy's coverage. Insist that the agent answer all your questions. Do not be afraid to tell him or her that you will not buy a policy without concrete answers. Once you have spoken with agents and feel satisfied that you understand their policies, move on to the last step.
   
   
6. Buy medical insurance—It is now time to buy insurance! Review all the policies you have been offered, weigh their strong and weak points, compare prices, and make an educated medical insurance purchase.