To assist with deciding which option of health insurance is best for you, consider these tips for comparing HMO, PPO, and fee-for-service plans.

For each pair of statements, pick which describes best how you feel

1. Having complete freedom to choose doctors and hospitals is the most important thing to me in a health plan, even if it costs more.

2. Holding down my costs is the most important thing to me, even if it means limiting my choices.

1. I travel a lot or have children that live away from me and we may need to see doctors in other parts of the country.

2. I do not travel a lot and almost all care for my family will be needed in local areas.

1. I don't mind a health insurance plan that includes filling out forms or keeping receipts and sending them in for payment.

2. I prefer not to fill out forms or keep receipts. I want most of my care covered without a lot of paperwork.

1. In addition to my premiums, I am willing to pay for the costs of routine and preventative care, such as checkups, office visits, and shots. I also like knowing I can get an appointment for those services when I want.

2. I want a health plan that includes routine and preventative care. I don't mind if I have to wait for those services to be scheduled with an available appointment with my doctor.

1. If I need to see a specialists, I probably will ask my doctor for a recommendation, but I want to decide whom to go to and when. I don't want to have to see my primary doctor each time before I can see a specialist.

2. I don't mind if my primary doctor must refer me to specialists. If my doctor doesn't think I need the services, that is fine with me.

If you answer all 1's then a Fee-For-Service plan may be best for you. If you answer all 2's a Health Maintenance Organization or HMO may be best for you. If you have a mixture of 1's and 2's a Preferred Provider Organization or PPO may be best for you.

Source: AHRQ

Tips for safely shopping for insurance online:

• Preserve your privacy as you pursue.

• Make sure your considered insurance companies are financially sound.

• Choose a company with a good background of paying insurance claims.

• Always consider convenience and price.

• Ask for discounts.

• Get quotes from several insurance companies.