Are you trying to find the health insurance plan that is right for you but are just not sure what questions to ask to get the answers you need?

Focusing on the seven topics below might help you get a clearer picture of what to look for. What choices do I have when it comes to picking a doctor?

First of all, if you've already found the doctor of your dreams, make sure that the plan you choose will cover your visits (that he or she is part of the plan's network of doctors). If you chose a new doctor consider researching his or her credentials and make sure that he or she is compatible with your needs as far as office hours, office location and general availability go.

Will I be able to be cared for by certain specialists?

If you currently use a specialist or think you might need one in the future, find out if those services are covered by the plan you are choosing and, if you are with a specialist already, if he or she is an in-network physician that will be covered.

Will my pre-existing condition be covered?

This is a very important question to consider as depending on the plan, pre-existing conditions might be excluded from coverage, may only be covered after a certain amount of time of being insured or might be fully covered right from the beginning.

Which hospitals can I go to and what emergency care am I entitled to?

Find out which hospitals your insurance plan covers and make sure you understand what, in the eyes of your insurance provider, constitutes an emergency. If your plan provides you with a primary care physician, it is also good to know if you have to contact him or her before receiving emergency care.

Will well-patient care be included in my plan?

If you are insured under a managed care plan, chances are good yearly checkups are covered, but some independent insurance plans might not pay for them at all. If you want to include children in your plan, finding out whether their checkups and immunizations are covered is important also.

Will prescription drugs I need be covered?

Some plans do not cover prescription drugs at all, some cover them completely, yet others require you to make co-payments depending on the type of drug. Find out if your plan covers what suits your needs.

What OB/GYN services are covered?

The most important points to consider here, apart from what is mentioned about picking a doctor (see above), is the kind of coverage your plan offers concerning pregnancy and fertility treatments should you consider either of those in the future.