Choosing a healthcare plan is one of those tasks in life that many of us dread. The process is often unfamiliar and daunting, especially for young people, which may be why so many wish they could avoid it altogether.

But understanding your healthcare options and how to choose them is important, because going without insurance or choosing the wrong plan—one that doesn’t meet your medical needs--could lead to severe, unexpected and expensive consequences.

While navigating the health insurance system can be complicated, the first step to choosing the right plan is getting informed.