A general online search of the term "health insurance" comes up with over 216,000,000 results. So, how can you be expected to filter through so many hits and find the relevant and useful health insurance resources on the Internet? And, if you are looking for an online insurance quote, how do you know where to start?

For general health insurance resources, try narrowing your search to "health insurance basics." Here you will find many helpful links to sites that will explain how health insurance works and what you need to know about such aspects of health insurance as coverage, benefits, deductibles and co-pays. Another valuable resource is the website for your state department of insurance. This is the regulatory agency that oversees the insurance industry in your state. Most likely, this site will have a dedicated section just for consumers, and here you will find all kinds of information about how insurance works, including health insurance. The site will also let you know how to file a complaint against an insurance company, and whether there are outstanding complaints against your insurance provider. Many consumer protection agencies also have websites with similar information.

Websites for many of the advocacy organizations are another good source for health insurance information online. Associations that represent groups such as senior citizens, veterans or people with disabilities often have extensive websites, and many of these sites have one or more pages related to health insurance issues. Of course, all major insurance companies have their own websites, and even though these sites are designed to promote each company's own products, the general information sections can be quite useful at times. Always remember to look for "frequently asked questions" (FAQ) on any of these websites. Here you will find the answers to many of the most commonly asked questions about health insurance.

For an online insurance quote, try searching "health insurance quotes." Your search will generally come up with two types of websites. The first type is insurance company websites. On these sites, you can request a quote from an individual company. The second type is marketplace websites. These sites allow you to compare plans and rates from a variety of different companies, and many will allow you to apply for a policy directly through their site. When comparing quotes, remember that there are a number of different types of plans, and price is not the only relevant factor in making a decision about health insurance.

The Internet is a tremendous source of information, but the volume can become overwhelming at times. Knowing how to find the most relevant health insurance resources online will make your task so much easier and hassle-free.