A recent on-line study found fully half of individual health policyholders pay less than $130 a month.

Other interesting findings in the study:  

• The nationwide average monthly premium for an individual was $158; the average family premium was $366. 
• Nationwide average deductible for individuals was $1,720 for individuals and $2,610 for families.
• The study also revealed women pay on average 18 percent more than men. 
• Premiums varied from an average low of $83 for North Dakota, to a high of $388 for New York.

The average deductible in 2009 was $1,000; up from $500 two years before that. Higher deductibles lower monthly premiums.

Colorado leads the country with 2009 premium increases of 13.7 percent. The study indicated this was due to the predominately smaller employers, who have less bargaining power than larger employers in other states.

Doug Gulleson loves to scuba dive overseas and makes sure he always takes his Amex card AND international travel insurance. Visit Good Neighbor Insurance at  http://healthinsuranceinternational.biz/sky.asp  for your next overseas trip health coverage and get a FREE quote.

Posted by Doug Gulleson at www.gntravelinsurance.com