During divorce, some issues are very easy to over look. When in emotional turmoil and worried about immediate needs, often important considerations are overlooked. I have found that one of the very important issues overlooked is Health Insurance.

If you have your own full time job and are currently covered by your company’s health coverage then this probably is not an issue for you. However, if you are a stay at home mother you might be in for a shock in that regard.

Fortunately, due to COBRA laws you may be able to pay for your own coverage even though you no longer qualify as a spouse under your ex-husband’s plan. However, keep in mind that this is a very expensive option. Be sure that you consider that expense when making your financial requests during the divorce. In addition, COBRA only lasts for up to 18 months so you are going to have to find an alternative eventually. Here are a few ideas and options.

Check to see what is available in your state as this varies greatly. The quality of individual coverage often leaves a lot to be desired compared to group coverage offered by a large employer. However, it is better than nothing. If you get very sick, the insurance will be imperative to have.

Make sure to do some research to find out what is available and what the costs would likely be. This can vary greatly depending on your state, your age, weight, and over all health condition. I have seen rates from $250 a month to over $1000 a month for essentially the same coverage underwritten by the very same Insurance Company.

You can do a search on Google, by typing in your state and “Individual Health Insurance.” You can also go to the Blue Cross website as this insurance does offer Individual Coverage however what Individual insurance covers can be very different from your former group coverage even if it shares the same name.

So don’t be fooled into thinking that “Blue Cross” is the same if it’s via your group employer or purchased individually. It’s not the same and it will pay off for you to do your due diligence.

If you are a member of any associations, organizations, or discount purchasing clubs check to see if your membership affords you the right to apply for any sort of insurance coverage whether group or individual. Costco in California is now offering health insurance plans for their Executive Members. Anyone can be an Executive Member just by paying for the Executive Level Memberships package. Don’t forget to check your alumni association, or even your church. Many options exist; you just have to do a little research to find out.

One thing I hate to mention but must is that if you’re going to get a new insurance, even if it’s with the same company your group coverage was with and you have health issues, or you’re overweight you will likely be turned down for coverage. Good time to get healthy and go on a diet, before the divorce and before your COBRA runs out.

You cannot be turned down for group insurance offered by an employer. If you work for a large company that has group insurance the insurance company must cover you although they can tack on preexisting clauses. If you work for a very small company that is essentially paying for your individual coverage, you may be turned down if you are over weight or have health issues. If this happens, you might be able to apply for coverage through your states high-risk insurance plan but you will not be eligible until you have exhausted your COBRA rights.

For more information you can go to the federal government’s website at http://www.usa.gov, linked at the bottom of this page, and do a search on “Health Insurance” there, you can find links to all the states health insurance assistance offices and more.