Individual Health Insurance For most people, group health insurance is a better choice than individual health insurance. Group insurance usually costs less and offers more benefits.

However, some people can't get group health insurance because they are self-employed, work for a small company, have run out of COBRA benefits, or for some other reason. They must turn to individual health insurance plans - insurance they buy themselves.

Many insurance companies offer health insurance plans to individuals. However, if you're over 50 years old, there can be problems:

• It might be harder to find a company that will sell you a health insurance policy, especially if you have a serious medical problem.
• You might have to get a medical exam to prove you are insurable, meaning you don't have a serious medical problem.
• Individual insurance usually costs more than group insurance.
• You might get fewer benefits than with group insurance.

• Fee-for-Service Insurance
• Managed Care Plans
• Open Enrollment in Managed Care Plans
• Association-Based Health Insurance
• High-Risk Pools