Living without health insurance is a big risk – we all know it, yet some of us do it anyways. So what happens when reality hits, and you get sick? Many people think that being sick locks them out of the health insurance market. And while it is true that many health insurance plans won’t cover your “pre-existing conditions,” there are a few practical ways you can find a good-qualify, affordable health insurance plan even if you’re already sick.

Find a job that offers group health insurance. Yes, we know that “find a job” is a lot easier said than done in this economy – but it’s still one of your best options. Once you’ve been accepted into a group health insurance plan, the insurer is required to provide you with the same exact coverage as the other employees. Your pre-existing conditions cannot be excluded, and all of your relevant medical expenses should be covered. Keep in mind that many group health plans do have a standard waiting period, during which time you will not be eligible for any type of health coverage. Unfortunately, this plan is not viable for people whose illness prevents them from working.

Consider your spouse’s group health insurance plan. If your spouse works for a company that offers group health insurance, you can be added on to their health plan as a dependent. Again, the insurer must offer you the same coverage as everyone else, so your pre-existing conditions will not exclude you from the plan. Some people have even been know to marry into a health insurance plan. And although that seems a little drastic to us, we suppose it’s always an option!

Start your own business. There are two potential ways this may be able to help you. First: your local Chamber of Commerce may offer group health insurance benefits to its members. If you start a viable business and join the Chamber, you might be able to buy into their group health plan. Check with your local Chamber of Commerce for more information.  Second: Some states require insurers to offer “guaranteed issue” group health plans to small groups – which means that the group cannot be turned down for coverage, even if the group has unhealthy members. Now, some states require that those plans be offered to groups as small as one, such as a self-employed individual. So, depending on your state’s insurance mandates, you may be able to start your own business & obtain a guaranteed issue group health plan. Check with your State’s Department of Insurance for more detailed information.

Purchase an Individual Health Insurance plan. Unfortunately, you’ll be hard-pressed to find an individual health plan that covers your pre-existing condition. However, you should be able to find a health insurance plan that will cover medical care unrelated to the pre-existing illness. Although this option isn’t ideal, it’s better than having no health insurance at all.

Do you live in any of the following states: California, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Washington, or West Virginia? If so, health insurance providers in your state are probably required to offer “guaranteed issue” health plans to all individuals, regardless of their current health status. Although your pre-existing condition will probably not be covered, the insurer is not allowed to refuse you coverage because of it. And we’ll say it again: some coverage is better than no coverage at all.

Join a High Risk Pool. You must meet certain requirements to be eligible for a high risk insurance pool. Although the requirements vary by state, you typically have to prove at least one of the following: you’ve either been turned down for an individual health insurance plan or you’ve only been offered plans with “elimination riders” or very high premiums. Many high risk pools have a waiting list and/or a waiting period, but it may still be a good option for you.

Are you turning 65 soon? Once you reach the age of 65 and become eligible for Medicare, your health costs will be completely covered. Medicare cannot exclude your pre-existing conditions from coverage.

Check with your Alumni or Professional group. Some alumni or professional associations offer a group health insurance plan to their members. Just like with an employer health insurance plan, you cannot be turned down for coverage because of your pre-existing condition. However, there is one main disadvantage of these plans. Typically, they only attract sick individuals – and as more and more sick individuals join the group plan, the insurance rates continue to increase. Health insurance premiums with this type of group plan may be too expensive for most people.

Consider low-income programs, if you qualify. Individuals and families with low incomes may qualify for their state’s Medicaid program. See the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for additional information. Children from low-income families may also qualify for the Children’s Health Insurance Plan (CHIP, formerly SCHIP).

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