1. An excellent credit rating will reflect favorably on your health insurance rate. A poor credit history will cost in higher health insurance rates.

This is because insurers see people who miss payments as irresponsible and a high risk to them. The truth is that they believe that the likelihood of you defaulting in your premiums is very high. Once you're seen as a higher risk you'll attract higher health insurance rates.

2. A loyalty discount is another thing that will lower your health insurance rate. Staying with the same insurance company for at least three years will get you special discounts from many insurers. The longer you stick with the same insurer, the more the discount you're likely to get.

But although this is a good way to save, you may save much more if you forget about this discount and go over to another insurer. Let us say, for example, that you will get a 5% (or $125) discount after your third year with an insurer where you current health insurance rate is $2,500. But also bear in mind that your rates may be changed to reflect the rising cost of health care and more. But while you're at it, an insurer somewhere may be ready to give you a rate of $2,000 or less at the moment.

If this is true about you then you know it's wise for you to go for the better offer right away and not wait for years to qualify for a discount that won't even save you as much. But believe it or not, most people can pay far less with another insurer if they'll only take the time to shop extensively.

To be sure you're not simply missing out a better deal, get and compare health insurance quotes from up to five insurance quotes sites.