1. What's the real bottom line?

Annual premiums aren't the whole story. If there's a deductible before benefits kick in, make sure you understand how it works, says Mila Kofman, associate research professor at Georgetown University Health Policy Institute in Washington, D .C. "I'm starting to see policies where the deductible isn't just annual, but per instance. So if your child is hospitalized three times in 12 months, you'll be responsible for deductible each time." Also weigh co-payment for lab tests, ER or hospital care, as well as doctor's visit, which can add up fast. And check the annual out-of-pocket maximum: the most you'd have to spend on covered expenses before the plan pays 100%, Adds Gray Claxton, a vice president of Kaiser Family Foundation. "The amount can vary widely, so consider how much risk you can afford before picking up the policy."

2. How well-protected are you from catastrophic costs?

Find out how much the plan will pay for your care annually or over a life time. A low cap, like $100,000, can leave you dangerously underinsured, cautions Kofman. " Your medical bills could be $1 million or more if you are in a car accident that leaves you disabled, or if you have premature twins who spend six months in the new born intensive care unit." The higher the maximums the safer you'll be. Also check your restrictions on services you may need after your illness or injury, such as skilled nursing care, physical and occupational therapy, or a stay at a rehabilitation hospital.

3. Will you be able to use your regular doctors?

Check the plans that you are considering for a list of participating providers, or ask your employers benefit manager for a list or go to the carrier's website to check the in-network providers. Since many MDs accept a range of plans, you may be able to continue with your current doctors at no extra costs. If you need to find new ones, see if the insurance company has referral system to help your identity doctors who are right for you. Also make sure that you can change doctors if you're not satisfied with the first one you try. To keep it simple please call your doctor or the hospital to make sure that they are part of your plan.

4. How complicated is it to see a specialist?

In an HMO-usually you'll need to work through a primary care physician. That doctor's act as a medical gatekeeper, and decides a referral to specialist, such as dermatologist or ophthalmologist, is medically necessary. In a PPO (preferred provider organization) you are normally free to consult any specialist in the plan without getting authorization. You may also be partially covered if you see an out-of-net work doctor. This flexibility could be your best choice if you have chronic medical condition.

5. Do you have a choice of Hospitals?

Consider whether the plans cover the hospital your doctors are affiliated with, as well as a nearby community hospital where you might be treated in an emergency, and at least some of the well respected medical centers, where the best specialist are likely to found. Also find out how to get medical care if you were sick or hurt while traveling. Most plans will pay for treatment at a non participating hospital only in the event of true medical emergency.

6. Are your prescriptions covered?

If the plan includes pharmacy benefits, ask for its "formulary," the list prescription drugs it covers. Many plans have "tiered" cost-sharing, where medications are grouped in two or more price categories, says Claxton. "you might have small co- payment like$10 or $15, for drugs in the lowest, which are typically generic products, a larger one for preferred brand name drugs and an even bigger one for brand name drugs that aren't on the preferred list. "Some drugs won't be covered at all, particularly if the plan considers them experimental.

7. What other benefits are included?

Some policies may cover dental and vision care, hearing aids, well-child care or adult physicals, cancer detection tests like mammograms, acupuncture and others alternative therapies-even services to help keep you healthy, including weight loss or smoking cessation.