Health insurance is one of the hottest topics around. It seems everyone is talking about health insurance...but no one is doing very much about it.

Until the situation changes, it will be up to each individual here in South Carolina to find ways of controlling the cost of their health insurance themselves. Fortunately there are several things you can do that should help keep costs in line.

If you are truly sincere about finding the best rates on health insurance then you cannot smoke or use any tobacco products, including chew. If you purchased a health policy at a time when you were a smoker but you have since quit, be sure that your agent is informed of this change as it should drastically reduce your monthly health insurance payment.

Being overweight also affects how much you pay for health insurance. Your BMI (Body Mass Index) helps determine how much you pay every month. On the plus side, even if you can only shed a few pounds it just might drop you into a lower BMI category and if that happens you could save money each and every month. Every pound counts!

Participating in extreme sports and/or dangerous hobbies will also increase your monthly health insurance premium. Driving a hot sports car or muscle car will also increase your monthly premium.

Ask around at any clubs, organizations or associations you belong to and see if they offer a low-cost group health insurance. Even religious organizations are getting into the act, so be sure to check everywhere.

Joining an HMO or a PPO can save you a bundle in health insurance. However, especially when it comes to HMOs you must see an approved plan doctor to get any discount on your medical care, and that might mean that you will not be able to see your long-time doctor any longer. Ask your doctor if he or she is a member of an HMO.

Exercising and maintaining a healthy lifestyle - which includes only moderate alcohol and no illegal drug use - can also go a long way toward reducing your cost of health care.

How much can you afford to pay as a co-payment each time you visit your doctor? If you can afford a 50% co-payment you can reduce the cost of your monthly health insurance bill. This is an especially good idea for people who do not see their doctor on a regular basis.

Can you afford to increase your deductible? This is certainly a quick and easy way to lower your cost of health insurance but consider the amount of your deductible carefully because this is money that you have to come up with out of your own purse or pocket every year before your insurance company even begins to help out. Do not make the mistake of promising to pay more money than you can actually afford.

Finally, get online and locate at least 3 different health insurance price-comparison websites. Now, using the information in this article you need to fill out the form on at least 3 of these websites - making sure to include the exact same information on each site. This will insure that you are comparing the same policy on all 3 sites and by utilizing 3 different sites you will insure that you are seeing quotes from as many different insurance companies as possible.

That's it. That's all you have to do. Just choose the lowest-priced company and rest assured that you have gotten the best rates on health insurance in South Carolina.