All of your favorite doctors and hospitals are part of varying networks that are typically covered by one plan or another. The "in-network" physicians and hospitals are the ones your plan covers. Be sure to ask if your favorite doctor or the hospital where specialist care or excellent service exists is a part of the network included in your health plan’s coverage. Nothing could be more disappointing than to sign up for what seems to be a reasonable plan, only to find out that you cannot use it for the doctor you’ve seen for years or the best hospital in town.

Can you use your health care plan’s coverage in another state, or for that matter, in another region altogether? You’re bound to travel at some point. If something happens, are you covered while you’re away? Find out if the plan’s coverage includes out-of-state care as well as international doctors visits, hospital visits, prescriptions and the like.

Are your current prescriptions covered by the health care plan? It’s a good rule of thumb to find out what kind of prescriptions are included in your plan. Maybe there is a nice discount on generic drugs, or you might be able to receive your prescriptions by mail. Will your plan require you to join a specific sort of prescription plan? Find out just how complicated or reasonable your prescription coverage is so that the next visit to the pharmacist isn't a confusing, frustrating – and expensive – experience.

If babies are in the future, you’ll certainly want maternity coverage. An excellent plan will have you covered for all your doctor and hospital visits, exams, and procedures throughout the birth of your newborn baby. Be sure to ask the hard questions of your potential plan to ensure each step of your pregnancy is reasonably covered (i.e. scans, tests, hospital stay, therapies) and that your insurance plan is compliant with your birth plan. It's a good idea to ask about fertility treatment coverage as well if you feel it may be a factor.