Smart Shopping: The Secret to Finding Affordable Health Insurance Compare, Compare, Compare, is the secret to finding affordable health insurance that meets your needs, and the needs of your family. Because health insurance is state regulated, you pay the same amount for a health insurance policy whether you buy it online, through a health insurance agent, or directly from the health insurance provider.  Anyone who claims that they can find a specific policy for you "for less" is misleading you.  No one can sell you a specific policy for less: Every policy is available to everyone who qualifies at the exact same price. If you are looking for health insurance, for yourself or a member of your family, this knowledge is valuable. First, it means that there is only one way you can ensure that you save money on any health insurance plan you purchase: You need to compare as many different options as possible and determine which combination of costs and coverage is best for you. Second, it means that promises by agents or online sites to save you 40% or 50% on health insurance policies are misleading: For a specific policy offered by any company, all of the people who can make it available to you, including the company, an online site or a health insurance agent, must offer it to you at the same price. So, you always receive the best available price. We believe the best way to compare as many policies as possible is to examine offers from online sources as well as knowledgeable agents in your local area.  That's why we suggest a two step approach, that ensures you receive a wide variety of quotes: Click Here for instant online quotes from eHealthinsurance.  This service compares over 4,000 plans from more than 150 leading providers. (To the best of my knowledge, it is the largest single database of health plans, with coverage and prices, available in the nation.) As noted above, all of these policies are necessarily offered at the best prices available anywhere, and you can apply with no obligation to buy.   Next, we recommend that you invesitgate a free service from Quote Financial that provides you with up to 5 quotes from knowledgeable agents in your local area. You will receive these quotes within 48 hours and often the same day.  these agents will only offer policies that meet your particular needs, and all of the policies offered here are similarly quoted at the best rates available anywhere.  The reason for using this service, in addition to eHealthinsurance, is simple: Not every health insurance provider is affiliated with ehealthinsurance. If you did not find a policy that meets your special needs through eHealthinsurance, you still have a good chance of finding a policy, through other insurance companies, from these local agents.