Affordable Individual & Family Health Insurance in Texas, TX

Even if you think that affordable health insurance is not available in Texas, you owe it to yourself to check out the newest insurance plans and prices being offered online. Major insurance companies are offering plans to fit just about any budget. From the basic to most comprehensive, you can get low cost health insurance online.

Catastrophic Health Insurance or HDHPs

If you're looking for low insurance premiums but want coverage that picks up the slack when it comes to major medical concerns, a catastrophic health insurance policy might be just what you need. Read on for more information about this cost-saving health insurance strategy.

Also known as "high deductible" or "major medical" insurance, catastrophic health insurance is designed to protect you from ruinous medical costs while encouraging you to shop wisely for routine health care.

Here's how it works:

• You choose a higher-than-normal deductible, usually between $1000 and $2,000, depending on your insurer.
• You agree to cover your own medical costs up to that deductible amount.
• Once you spend up to your deductible, your insurance company covers 80% to 100 percent of your medical costs (with certain restrictions).

HDHPs or catastrophic health insurance plans are popular with people who are generally healthy and do not require regular medical attention but want a safety net in case of emergency.

Who are ideal candidates for this? Young adults in their 20s and older adults between the ages 50-65, usually consider catastrophic health insurance. Why? Because young people are often self employed, in college or employed but under-insured. Older adults want to protect themselves and limit their financial liability in case they suffer a heart attack, stroke, or are diagnosed with cancer.

Health Savings Account (HSA)

To help with the high out of pocket expense of deductibles, you can open an Health Savings Account. This is a savings account designed to cover medical expenses. It is funded with pretax dollars and give you tax saving advantages. HSAs are used to pay for eligible medical expenses until the amount of the annual deductible is met.

Annual contribution limits for an HSA are set by the government. The limit for 2010 is $3,050 for an individual and $6,150 for family coverage. HSA account holder 55 years of age or older can contribute an additional $1,000 to their HSA each year

As you can see, catastrophic health insurance leaves the choice in your hands. You make the choices that fit you and/or your family best; your insurance company rewards you for taking on a measure of additional financial risk.

More options for Texas Residents

If your health is poor or you have preexisting conditions you may have a difficult time finding affordable health insurance or any insurance for that matter. The Texas Health Insurance Risk Pool may be your only option for getting coverage. Also, the Texas’ CHIP Perinatal Coverage or Nurse-Family Partnership programs may be helpful for expectant mothers. The Texas legislature is working hard to provide new legislation to help the uninsured or under- insured with new choice programs and health cooperatives. For more information on these, contact the Texas Department of Insurance.

Low Cost Health Insurance Quotes in Texas

One of the best ways to find affordable Texas health insurance is to go to an insurance quote website and request quotes. Immediately after you complete their short form, you'll get several low cost quotes while still online. After you have your quotes, you can compare the different policies and see if one will work for you. It's that easy!

Just click on the following link to get immediate health insurance quotes and more health plan information. It's fast, it's free, and you're under no obligation. You'll get 4 to 5 competitive quotes for health insurance in Texas.