But if you are in your 20s or 30s, have no children and some extra money, you can save a great deal by buying a policy that covers only catastrophic illnesses. But you'll have to pay out of pocket for every doctor's visit or throat culture. Obviously a bare-bones policy is not for everyone. If you are leaning toward a more well-rounded plan, make sure you are getting what you pay for. Read the fine print.
Most consumers seek modest coverage but also want essentials.
Typically, when people start paying out of their own pockets for health insurance, they lean towards higher deductibles to save on their premiums. Since a deductible usually applies for these plans anyway, there's not much sense in paying 10 to 15 percent just to move the money around. The Agency for Health Care Policy and Research offers guidelines for estimating your future healthcare costs and comparing several policies. This should give you a good idea of what your yearly costs will be for each policy. His wife, who is in good health and not needing maternity coverage, could apply for a less-expensive individual plan.