Many factors are considered when an insurance company calculates the premiums for a health insurance quote. Some of these factors can be changed but others are out of your control. First of all, an insurance agent will review your financial situation as well as your health insurance needs. An insurance product that is good for one individual may not be beneficial for another. For example, couples with children will require more comprehensive insurance products than single persons.

Factors that cannot be changed and are well out of your control include insurance company administration costs. An insurance agent is in business to make a profit, so it is only natural that he or she will charge clients for certain services as well as mark-up products to make more money. However, these administrative fees are only a small portion of what a policy owner must pay.

The most important factor that is considered by an insurance company is the amount of risk an applicant poses. This means that it takes into consideration the likelihood of a policy holder making a claim. The current health status and family medical history are all reviewed in order to come to a final premium.

A person who smokes will be charged much higher premiums than a non-smoker. This is because smokers are more likely to develop serious health problems that stem from this habit. The good news is that if you stop smoking for a certain period of time, you can return to your insurance company and request a review of the policy. Your premiums may actually be lowered. The same is true for a person's weight. An individual who is overweight or obese is more likely to develop high blood pressure, diabetes or heart problems. A significant weight loss due to exercise and healthy diet can also result in reduced premiums. The medical history of your family can show an insurance company the chances that you may also develop a serious medical condition. If your parents have high blood pressure, there is an increased chance that you will develop it as well later in life.

Another factor that is scrutinized by insurance companies is an individual's occupation and participation in hazardous activities. A person with a steady desk job will likely have less injury claims than a firefighter or law enforcement officer. Additionally, a person who paints as a hobby will pay lower health insurance premiums than a person who regularly rock climbs or skydives.

Shop around and obtain more than one health insurance quote before deciding on a plan. Ultimately, the choice is yours, and you will want to ensure that you have the best coverage available at the most affordable price.