Being your own boss is wonderful. You can enjoy a flexible schedule, free time, and you don't need permission to take a day off. Yet, there is a major downside to self-employed life. If you aren't considered an employee, you can't receive paid health career benefits. As a result, you'll have to purchase individual health coverage.

Today, health insurance is expensive. In fact, the premiums rise a certain percentage every year. Thus, many independent contractors are unable to afford coverage. However, there are ways to find affordable self employed health insurance. Whether you're looking for individual or family coverage, many plans are available. To keep the cost low, it might be wise to remove a few additional riders.

For example, do you plan to have children? If not, you might select self employed health insurance that doesn't feature a maternity rider. Removing this rider can reduce the monthly premium by more than $100. You might remove the dental and prescription drug plan rider. You can look for inexpensive coverage elsewhere, or pay for these items out-of-pocket. Plus, anyone who needs self employed health insurance ought to shop around and compare different plans.