There are so many challenges and costs with being self employed, whether you are an individual or have a company with 2 -10 employees health insurance can be a real worry. If you get sick and are unable to generate income problems may arise. Loss of income can affect customers, family and possibly employees rely on you. Down time and medical costs can easily put heavy burden on a business and even put it at risk of closure. Seeking affordable health insurance as a self employed individual is critical.

Fortunately, self employed individuals and small business owners have a few options in obtaining affordable health insurance. If the individual and/or employees are in good health writing a private policy may be in order. By surfing the internet, and talking to other self employed people you may find companies and policies that are specifically designed for individuals in business.

A frequently over-looked option for individuals is to extend health care coverage from their previous employer. Recent legislation allows employees to extend their health care for up to 18 months after leaving their job. The only complication here is that once you leave employment you will be required to contribute both the employer and employee portion of the premium.

Self employed individuals who are married have a very affordable option of getting health care coverage under a spousal or family plan. Under this option the self employed individual is often able to access excellent health and full medical benefits for a very small fee.

Some states have health insurance high risk pools and co operatives that allow individuals with a pre existing health problem to access state sponsored health care plans with costs often offset with insurance carriers. Another option is to explore if your state offers guarantee-issue policies which means that even if you have less than perfect health you have the right to obtain health insurance.

A very popular option with self employed individuals is to join an association endorsed health insurance plan. These plans often offer lower premiums, deductibles, pharmacy and life insurance benefits as well. A cautionary word, many stick to the larger and well-known associations. Many of these associations and groups are being investigated by the federal government for being set up as a sole purpose of marketing health insurance.

As a self employed individual health insurance is a critical and necessary expense. Affordable health insurance is achievable. Remember too, the cost of health insurance premiums can be deducted from your federal taxable income. This in itself makes your premiums health insurance a reasonable expense.