Getting a Health and Dental Plan

• 1). Identify an insurance carrier. You can do this by either searching online, using an insurance agent or through the carrier themselves. A good way to narrow the search is by calling the doctor or hospital you prefer and asking what carriers they take.
  
  
• 2). Pick a plan. Once you have a carrier selected, find a plan that best suits your budget and insurance needs. An agent, whether independent or through the insurance company, really helps here because they can at least guide you in the right direction and be there to answer any questions.
  
  
• 3). Fill out an application. Make sure that besides the health plan, you also select a dental plan. Dental will generally add around $16 to $30 to your monthly premium. On a typical health policy, the carrier will offer a couple of general dental plans. When you are finished with the application, mail, fax or email it back to the carrier or agent and send in the first month's premium so the insurance takes effect when approved. If the application is not approved, the insurance carrier will simply send your money back.