With the economy the way it is, people are finding themselves with out health insurance due to either losing their job or their employer is discontinuing to provide group health insurance.  Few people realize that they can obtain individual health insurance for themself and/or family substantially cheaper than opting for Cobra benefits.  In some scenarios, the premiums are a quarter of what the Cobra premiums are and the benefits are broader.  Another advantage to opting for the individual plan is the portability of it.  The coverage will stay with you as long as you pay the premiums regardless of where you work.  This is advantageous in the event you or a family member is later diagnosed with a condition that would render you ineligible to apply for coverage later on.