If you can't obtain comprehensive individual health insurance, you might be tempted to purchase one of the many lower-cost "affordable" plans, frequently marketed through associations. But experts say stay away because the premiums aren't worth their limited coverage.

If you're looking for a health plan, here's what to check for:

• Make sure it mentions all types of coverage, including hospitalization, in-patient and outpatient surgery, office visits, mental health care, physical therapy, and prescription drugs.
• Avoid plans that set fixed dollar or number limits on visits, such as four visits per year or $500 per hospital day.
• Look for disclaimers such as "This is not major medical coverage." Avoid a plan that calls itself "limited benefit" insurance.

Read our tips for buying individual health insurance, and see our Health-Care Savings Series for more specific ways to save on your health care.