Thousands of people everyday are trying to find the best alternatives to health insurance. This can attributed be to the high premiums paid on a monthly basis. Most people do not have health insurance cover as they earn low incomes and in some cases, the companies they work for do not offer health plans. There is also the exceptional case of young adults who have just turned eighteen.

Accidents and ailments are uncalled for - they can occur at any given time without notice. Treatment is expensive and can drain you of all your savings. Luckily, there is health cover to cushion you. Policy makers in many countries have passed laws that make it obligatory for their citizens to have indemnity cover for their homes, cars, boats, businesses and other property.

The principle behind the working of a health plan is simple. You are the signatory of a contract. The terms and conditions of that contract dictate that you remit monthly premiums to the insurer who in turn settles your medical bills should you be involved in an accident or fall sick. The claim of the medical cost is determined by the type of cover you choose.

In some countries, most of the health insurance cover is provided by the employer be it a government or a corporate organization. However there has emerged a new trend - more and more organizations are venturing into the business of medical cover provision. This is as a result of the high costs incurred in this routine.

There are literally thousands of health insurance plans available on offer online or through banks and brokers. It's easy to get confused. There are factors to be considered when choosing the plan that best suits your needs and does not make you dig deep into your pocket.

There are two types of cover - basic and comprehensive insurance plans. The later is costly and covers routine check-ups, prescription drugs and preventive care. On the other hand, a basic plan is cheaper and covers hospitalization and surgery.

The second factor to be considered is the amount of deductibles. This is the part of the medical bill which you are expected to pay. The rest is footed by the insurer. If the deductibles are high, then you expect to pay less premium.

Other factors you should also consider are doctor access and length of coverage. Economic crises have forced people to come up with smart ideas on saving. This is why the demand for short-term plans has increased. They are cheaper. Contact your insurance provider to check whether your preferred hospital facility or family physician has been included in the company's doctors' network.

If you are not covered, there are ways you can use to minimize medical bills. You can negotiate with the doctor's office, attend free clinics or buy generic prescription drugs over the counter. Friends and kin may also contribute cash to settle your bills.

Those are the alternatives to health insurance. For detailed information, go through online resources. A visit to the local library may also come in handy.