Applying for health insurance is not a hit-or-miss venture. Health insurance networks take many factors into account when devising quotes. Not all variables have the same weight in the quote-making process -there are a handful that tower above the rest. Four of the most important factors affecting any health insurance quote include personal health and lifestyle, location and job environment, term, and deductible versus out-of-pocket costs.

The biggest factor affecting any health insurance quote is personal health. If an applicant has preexisting conditions, smokes, or is in any way unhealthy, his or her quote will be higher. Older applicants tend to receive higher quotes, since there is a greater chance of illness and overall health declination with age. Additionally, if an applicant is genetically predisposed to certain diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, or depression, his or her quotes will reflect this as well. Individuals with active lifestyles who participate in risky sports like bungee jumping will also be saddled with higher quotes, since these activities imply a greater risk of injury.

The quality of an applicant’s work and home environment also makes a difference in the cost of health insurance coverage. If an applicant’s job is highly hazardous, or exposes them to chemicals or other potentially debilitating health risks, their quotes will be significantly higher. The same applies to an individual’s living situation, in terms of physical location and environmental risk. Another important factor when applying for health insurance is the number of dependents on a policy and the length of its term. The greater the number of dependents on a particular policy, the higher the cost will be. The type of policy an applicant requests also has a notable effect on its cost – permanent policies are four to five times more expensive than term life insurance.

Out-of pocket costs versus deductibles are yet another factor with a significant effect on the price of health insurance coverage. Different plans have different out-of-pocket costs, and correspondingly various risks associated with these figures. Increased out-of pocket costs with high deductibles can reduce health insurance premiums. Benefit maximums and co-insurances can also be factored into the cost of health insurance. Personal health and family health history make a significant difference in the cost of health insurance coverage, as does the quality of an applicant’s home and work environment. The number of dependents on a policy, as well as the length of its term, can also affect the cost of coverage. Finally, out-of-pocket versus deductible costs can make a huge difference in terms of overall cost. These factors are by no means the only variables health insurance networks take into account when coming up with quotes, but they have the most weight.