bargain a disability policy with a longer ready and waiting(p) period in front benefits begin.

If you need a lot of health insurance, be sure to include major medical in your insurance coverage instead of limiting coverage to hospitalization.

gain your major medical deductible.

Buy a major medical plan that pays a certain percentage of the "usual and customary fees" or else of a plan that pays benefits of frozen amounts.

Avoid duplicate coverage. Very seldom will you be able to collect from two sources, so it's not worth the extra cost in premiums.

Shop around. Compare companies, policies and premium prices. Just be sure you're comparing the same types of coverage from each company.

Buy insurance that cannot be cancelled. Pay premiums annually if you pay the premiums straight.

Buy from a reputable insurance company or a reliable non- profit organization (is the company licensed in your state?

Compare benefits of different policies. Understand the limitations in policies

Consider your situation. What types of medical needs are likely to occur? What types of medical expenses are you likely to have?

Determine how much of your income can equal allocated to health insurance, considering protection needed, against all other insurable risks, such as damage to the home, death of income earner, and hazards to others for which you are liable.

Plan your health insurance program. Most people have a circumscribed number of dollars to spend for insurance. The problem then becomes one of deciding how to use these insurance dollars to good advantage.

Figure the protection you have from Medicare or Medicaid if you are over 65.

Take your time. On the other hand, don't put off an important decision that would provide protection for your family. Make sure you fully understand any policy you are considering, and that you are comfortable with the company, agent, and product.

When you purchase a policy, make your check payable to the insurance caller, not to the agent. Be sure to get a receipt.

If you have a charge about your insurance agent or company, contact the customer service division of your insurance company. If you are still dissatisfied, contact your state insurance section. Most departments have a consumer affairs division that can offer up help, and some have a toll-free number to respond to consumer requests.

Review your policy periodically or when your situation changes to be sure your coverage is adequate.