If you are uninsured, you are not alone. Last year’s estimate for uninsured Americans had grown to over forty-six million. While the government stews over what to do about the ongoing health care crisis, people everywhere are finding themselves in hospitals and doctor’s offices with no help. Adding insult to injury, during most of these visits these same people are discovering conditions that may prevent them from getting insurance in the future.

You should also know that being broke is not a good enough excuse when it comes to health care. The average emergency room visit costs between 300 and 1100 dollars, and that’s without any major procedures being done. Medical bills can be reported on your credit, and you will at least need enough cash to purchase any medications prescribed for you. And I know when I visited the doc without insurance, each visit was about fifty bucks. When times are tough, these bills can add up quickly. If you have a family, you may get burned as siblings and parents pass illnesses back and forth.

And now here is some good news. Insuring yourself and your family may be less expensive than you thought. Using an online broker like Insur me or Ehealthinsurance could reveal coverage options you didn’t know were available. These online insurance brokers are affiliated with over 100 providers across the nation, and literally provide over ten thousand different plans across the country. The services are fast, free, and allow you to compare plans for yourself, with no sales pitch and no obligation. Should you decide to purchase, you can do so right online, avoiding the hassle of signing up over the phone.

Another way to help yourself is to live a healthy, active lifestyle. Exercising three to five times a week can work wonders for your body. If you already exercise, try incorporating a better diet into your life. Drinking six to eight glasses of water a day can improve the body by keeping it hydrated, and detoxifying it. And while bottled water is fine, it doesn’t have to meet the same requirements as tap water, and tap water is FREE. Take a trip to the grocery store and purchase a multivitamin. It’s cheaper than insurance, and will keep your body energetic and healthy.

You should also know a couple of reassuring things. No emergency room can refuse you, period. Even if you have outstanding balances, it is your right to be treated. Don’t worry about how expensive it is in an emergency, just go. If you do rack up a huge bill, just know that hospitals come across this type of stuff all the time, and are more than willing to work with you on payment arrangements. Also, even though medical bills can be put on your credit, they don’t always hurt your chances of getting loans or approvals.