Individual coverage.

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Recent college grads, early retirees without employer coverage, independent contractors and the growing legions of unemployed who may have exhausted their COBRA benefits are among the people now looking for individual health insurance plans. Shopping can be tricky, since :coverage and premiums vary widely, even within markets. If you don't have group insurance from a previous employer or through COBRA, you may also be subject to underwriting, which means that your premiums will vary based on your age and health.

BOTTOM LINE The odds are stacked against you, as the individual market is not a popular one with most insurance companies. Most individual policies are sold through insurance agents, so that's a good place to start. Contact at least five agents for quotes and information about the type of coverage in your area and the likelihood of being underwritten. Blue Cross plans and HMOs tend to have the best rates, so ask about those first. If you are a member of a union or association, be sure to find out whether they offer insurance to members: chances are the rates will be better than what you can find in the individual market. Caveat: Some fraudulent plans are sold as union plans, so if you get an offer that seems too good to be true, it probably is, (See "Ripped Off" on page 91.)

RESOURCES Your best ally is your state insurance board. "They can tell you what plans are legitimate, and if you have rights you don't know about," explains Paula DeWitt of HealthLeaders, a health-care analysis and publishing firm. If you've been turned down for insurance, 30 states have a high-risk pool for health coverage. For links to all state insurance commission websites, go to naic.org/state_contacts/sid_websites.htm. Also on the Web, EHealthinsurance.com allows you to compare quotes from licensed insurers.

MONTHLY PREMIUM
    Individual or family, as appropriate

DECUCTIBLE (individual or family)
   In network
   Out of network
   Separate hospital deductible

CO-PAYMENT RATE
   In network
   Out of network

SPECIAL CO-PAYMENT
   M.D. office visit
   Emergency-room visit
   Mental-health treatment
   Brand-name drugs
   Generics
   Other[1]

ANNUAL LIMITS
   Days in hospital
   Spending per beneficiary
   Number of visits or service[2]

MAXIMUM OUT OF POCKET

LIFETIME LIMIT