A trip on the stairs mean a trip to the ER? A pair of lines on a test mean it's time to prep for a new baby? A mark on an x-ray mean more serious tests are in order?

Unless you have health insurance, those situations could blow a huge hole in your finances. But unless you get coverage through your (or your spouse's) employer or organization, you need to do some legwork to find the kind of insurance that meets your needs (and budget).

If you're under 65, that might mean checking out your state's Affordable Care Act exchange or shopping for individual health insurance on the open market. If you're 65 or older, you might need to supplement the coverage you get from Medicare.

From HMOs to PPOs, HSAs to Medigap, our comprehensive guide to health insurance can help you understand what you should know, what you should ask, and what you should do to get the right coverage for you and your family.

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