There are a lot of things in life which you can never put a price tag on. Among these are personal security and good health.

Having a healthy lifestyle is a must, but you can never tell what medical emergency might come up with you or an immediate family member. Thus, it is important for you to take steps to insure that you have a reliable health insurance plan.

With health insurance premiums soaring through the roof these days, it is important to get a health insurance plan that will give you your money's worth, while insuring that you and your dependents have an ample coverage.

There are several government-sponsored health insurance premiums that you can take advantage of like Medicare and Medicaid. For private health insurance plans, you can use the one provided by your employer or health plans from certified health care providers that you can get for your self.

'Blue Cross and Blue Shield Health Insurance Plan'

This health insurance plan is provided by the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Their familiar blue cross and blue shield logo is the result of the merging of the National Association of Blue Shield Plans with the Blue Cross Association in the early 1980's.

Since the emergence of the two separate companies more than 70 years ago, it has become a trusted name in American health care.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association is comprised of independent health insurance companies in the country. Now, there are some states where the Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are considered separate entities, while in many other states these two have been combined, resulting to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

Members of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Health Insurance Plans can take advantage of health care available for US citizens within the country, outside of the US and for those who are working abroad or the retirees living outside of the country.

Here are some of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance plans currently available:

1. HMO's or Health Maintenance Organization

This is a type of Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance plan which provides coverage for health care establishments with which the HMO has a contract.

HMO health care plans are used by students, families and travelers who work out of their originating state.

2. Health Care Plans for Blue Cross and Blue Shield Card Holders

Blue Card and Blue Shield card holders can present their Blue Cards to the nearest hospital in case of an emergency. Check with the establishment who issued your Blue Card for you to have an idea of the extent of the coverage of your health insurance plan.

When you are away from home, you can also use the Blue Shield and Blue Cross health insurance plans to receive the health benefits that you are entitled to.

Just visit your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield health insurance company so that you would know about the benefits that you will receive and use the health plans that they offer to provide you with a better health which would lead to a better life.