Unless you chop an arm off, you can have a hard time finding medical coverage as a freelance writer or editor. Rates are high, deductibles are even higher, and coverage is low.

There's no easy solution for finding insurance as a freelancer, but there are some resources that can help you find some semi-decent rates. Here's a list of options that might help you when you're undertaking the onerous task of insuring yourself.

• Group Rates. Check into professional organizations (National Writers Union, National Association for the Self Employed, or the Chamber of Commerce) for lower rates. These outfits can sometimes use large numbers of insured to offer cheaper prices. A few online companies offer similar deals: HealthAxis.com, eHealthInsurance.com, InsWeb.com.
  
• Direct from the company. Cutting out the middleman can pay off with insurance. Buying insurance through a membership organization may be more expensive if that organization adds on an administrative fee.
  
• "Key person" life insurance. This is inexpensive insurance but doesn't cover much. It's a good option when a crucial employee is seriously injured or dies and you want to make sure your family has some money.
  
• Department and wholesale stores. Stores such as Costco and BJ's offer insurance to small business owners, as do some big-name department stores.
  
• Your Doctor. Since their business is health, doctors can have good insight into local carriers that provide good rates. You can also assume that any recommendations your doctor gives you will cover his or her services as well.
  
• Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs). These are becoming a popular way to squirrel away cash for medical expenses. The benefit is they're tax-exempt, so you can save even more for emergencies.

Do you have more tips? Leave a comment.