If you get into a position where you have lost your job you will find that a lot of your financial security will be gone, too. An unfortunate side effect of losing one’s job is that your health can suffer badly from all the additional stresses involved. This is why it is so important to make sure you have health insurance for unemployed.

You may feel like it will be impossible to locate health insurance for unemployed that you can afford but if you have a little determination and focus you can find some decent plans. People who are self-employed are often in the same boat and these tips can help them, too.

If you had health insurance through your employer, you may be able to continue benefits through COBRA. COBRA, or Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985, caused everyone who was terminated, laid off, or transferred their jobs to keep their health insurance benefits for a temporary period after leaving that employer. Look into COBRA and see if you’re eligible to continue these benefits. If you haven’t received notification from your employer about it, call them and find out – they don’t always follow through with the requirement.

If you aren’t eligible to continue a health insurance plan under COBRA then consider looking for a short term health insurance for unemployed instead. A short term policy is made to cater to those who are jobless for short bouts and as such the rates are usually fairly reasonable. You can get a short term policy for 6 to 12 months and as long as you’re actively seeking employment it should more than adequately cover your needs in that short period of time.

There is a third option you can consider as well. All you need to do is contact your state’s health department and request information about health care options for the unemployed. It’s possible that you could be eligible for a state subsidized health insurance for unemployed that is low cost or if you meet the low income requirements you could be looking at free health care for the duration of your unemployment. Many of these plans will assist you with pre-existing conditions, as well as regular health check-ups.

You don’t need to let your health suffer if you find yourself unemployed. There are options available to you and you just need to do some research to find them. You will wind up being quite surprised at just how easy it will be to find options.