The average cost of family health insurance has risen by 5 percent from 2008 to 2009, according to "USA Today." Whether health insurance is offered by your employer or you're purchasing a private policy, finding the right policy is important. Also, people with medical issues that make purchasing insurance very expensive (or even impossible) have a few options. Before purchasing an insurance policy, it helps to have a few tips.

Private Health Plans

Private health plans are offered by employers or can be purchased by individuals. When purchasing private health insurance through your employer, they have negotiated lower premiums at a group rate (making insurance more affordable). Qualifying for these plans is usually easy. However, make sure to ask about preexisting conditions. Some employer-sponsored plans exclude conditions that existed before starting their policy. Shopping for individual insurance is easier when you have your current needs sorted. For example, if you love your current doctors, make sure your current health care providers are covered under the new plan. Also, decide if you want a plan that requires referrals to specialists (usually less expensive) or a plan that doesn't require referrals. Most plans have deductibles and co-payments. When comparing insurance plans, make sure to consider these costs.

Using an Health Insurance Broker

According to MSNBC Money Matters, using an insurance broker can make purchasing health insurance easier. An insurance broker shops for the best policy, based on your needs, and finds the best price. When looking for an insurance broker, contact the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (see Resources). They can help you find a reputable broker in your area.

Government Funded Health Care

If private plans are too expensive, or if you're having difficulty qualifying, check out government-funded health care. Medicaid is a program funded by the United States government that provides medical assistance to families who meet income criteria. This usually includes families who are living below the poverty level. Medicare is another option. Medicare typically covers Americans ages 65 years and older.

Health Insurance Risk Pools

If you're struggling with a health condition that makes getting health insurance difficult, check out your state's health insurance pool. Currently, 34 states have health insurance pools. These pools were created for people who have been deemed "uninsurable" by heath insurance companies because of medical issues. When applying, you'll need to prove current health premiums are too expensive or you've been rejected by at least one company for insurance.

Source:

American Cancer Society: Health Pool Information

American Speech Language Hearing Association: About Health Insurance

MSNBC: Money Matters

More Information:

USA Today: Average Family Health Insurance Policy

National Association of Insurance Commissioners