An health insurance indemnity plan allows you to choose your own doctors and pays for your medical expenses - totally, in part, or up to a specified amount per day for a specified number of days.

Managed care health insurance plans generally provide broader coverage, but they all involve an arrangement between the insurer and a selected network of health-care providers (doctors, hospitals, etc.). This arrangement provides a strong incentive for you to stay in-network, usually by covering less for services received outside the network.

No matter which type of health insurance you buy, you'll need to make sure it offers the right kinds of coverage.

What should be covered?
A good and cheap health insurance policy contains several types of coverage.

Hospital expense coverage pays your room, board, and incidental services costs if you're hospitalized
Surgical expense coverage covers surgeons' fees and related costs associated with surgery
Physicians' expense coverage pays for visits to a doctor's office or for a doctor's hospital visits
Lab coverage pays for laboratory services like X-Rays and other diagnostic lab tests

What might be covered?
When comparing health insurance quotes or plans, check to see if they provide additional benefits that you may need, including:

Prescription drugs
Preventive care
Mental health benefits
Maternity care
Vision care
Dental care
Chiropractic coverage