Plan ahead for emergencies.

Midnight, when your baby has developed serious croup, is not the time to educate yourself about which nearby hospitals belong to your health plan's network of providers. Learn this information ahead of time, write it down, and keep it someplace handy. If you can't find this information during an emergency, call the 24-hour help line number listed on the back of your membership card.

Additionally, you should know before an emergency:

• · If any of your family's doctors' offices are open on nights or weekends, their hours, and the co-payment for an after-hours visit. Although an after-hours visit may cost you more than a visit during regular business hours, it is probably cheaper — not to mention less stressful — than a trip to the emergency room. An emergency room visit can cost you a $50 to $100 co-payment.
• · Which ambulance services are covered by the plan and under what circumstances?