This is the fourth of five consecutive columns about health insurance at divorce. If you missed any installment, you can find it at www.flyingsolo.com.

• If you are depending on COBRA, it may be wise to try to negotiate for additional support to offset the increases in premiums and/or reductions in benefits that will surely come in the years to come. The last thing you need is to be without coverage when you most need it because you cannot afford to pay the premium or the non-covered costs.
  

  
  

• If you are looking at individual health coverage, remember to compare deductibles and first dollar co-insurance. And make sure you have the funds to pay the premiums and the non-covered costs of health care, both now and should your spouse die unexpectedly.
  

  
  

• Low-cost, short-term health policies are very limited. They are meant to cover a predictable period of time when you are between prior coverage and future on-going coverage.
  

  
  

• Because "bare bones individual policies" are limited in benefits, they cost 25% and 40% less than traditional coverage, but may leave you in the lurch if you become ill.
  

  
  

• Even if your spouse’s employment coverage is not subject to COBRA, there may be a law in your state that allows continuation coverage, regardless.
  

  
  

• If you are the spouse of a governmental employee, you are probably entitled to a COBRA look-alike.
  

  
  

• Individual coverage in lieu of COBRA usually makes sense and saves money for someone who is in good health. But if there is any chance that your health might prevent you from obtaining new coverage, you should probably elect COBRA continuation coverage to solve your immediate needs and then begin to explore you options.
  

  
  

• And remember: If you find individual coverage, there may be both medical underwriting and a waiting period for preexisting conditions. You can apply for the new insurance to start the clock running while keeping coverage under COBRA. Although this is an additional expense, depending on the circumstances, it may be a wise investment.
  

  
  

• If you apply for individual coverage, your medical records will be sent to the Medical Information Bureau. This means that if you have a condition that might be an obstacle, you may be prejudiced if you file an application and get turned down before you can try to rectify the situation. That’s why you should secure and review your medical records with a knowledgeable insurance agent before an application is made.
  

  
  

• Continued children's health coverage under COBRA is important for all the same reasons, and should continue without lapse, especially if any child has pre-existing health problems. So find out what coverage has been available, what coverage will continue, and who will pay for it.
  

  
  

• Be sure to find out for how long, and under what circumstances, a child can continue to be covered as a dependent so that, when necessary, either a separate policy can be purchased or, as a new adult, the child can exercise his or her COBRA election.
  

  
  

• If a child has a disability, then it is essential to try to continue all coverage. If the parent who pays for the coverage dies, there are options through which the child's coverage can continue to be paid.