Getting older presents a number of obstacles, but arguably the most important thing you've got to think about as you age is how you can protect your health. You may know that you're eligible for a Medicare plan, but you might not yet realize that a supplemental plan may be a smart idea too. These plans, sometimes called Medigap plans, seek to fill any so-called "gaps" in your coverage so that you're able to get the best healthcare available. It's important to know the following when shopping for supplement plans.

Don't Be Fooled by Low Monthly Prices

Because you'll have to pay for your supplemental plan, your first concern may be staying within your budget. You might start looking at low-cost plans so that you're getting some coverage, but low costs month to month may end up costing you more money overall.

For instance, do you see your doctor a lot? If so, your low cost supplement plan may be requiring you to pay a high co-pay for every single visit. Those costs can add up over time, which will end up taking a larger chunk out of your finances than if you had opted to pay a higher monthly premium. For that reason, make sure that you're paying attention to all the costs involved so that you can choose the plan that makes the most sense.

Think About Your Traveling Habits

People like to think about traveling as a way to escape their everyday lives and enjoy themselves. You might not think that you'll break your hip or catch pneumonia while you're traveling. That's why you need to pay attention to how much coverage a supplemental plan can provide for you if you are away from home and have to see a doctor that may not be in your network or visit a hospital or a facility in another location.

This is especially important if you are someone who travels a lot to see family or enjoys cruises throughout the year. You are going to need to ensure that the supplemental plan you select will cover some of the costs incurred if something happens.

If your attention is on the information covered here as you shop for different supplemental plans, you can feel better about your final decision. Be sure to consult an insurance agent like those at Senior Care Insurance Services who has experience in this area so that you can get all the guidance you need.