What you don't know about health-insurance costs and coverage can put your budget in intensive care.  So knowing how to spot hidden costs and coverage limitations can spare you a world of financial hurt.

That is all the more important as the cost of healthcare in America continues to rise markedly. Currently, one out of every five dollars the government spends goes toward Medicare or Medicaid. In 2008, the U.S. spent more than $2 trillion on healthcare, and some experts say that number will nearly double in eight to 10 years.

As a result, many Americans find themselves in stressful financial situations when unexpected challenges such as a serious accident, illness or disease occur. Most of these circumstances can be avoided if customers know the right questions to ask and traps to avoid when choosing individual or family health insurance.

"Avoiding hidden costs and coverage limitations is key to choosing the right health-insurance provider and a plan that won't leave you in a financial predicament," says Jerri McDonald, Executive Director of Insurance Services at TSCRA Insurance Services.

To assist its members in making smart insurance choices, TSCRA Insurance Services identified the 10 most important issues customers should be aware of to avoid hidden traps:

1. Preventative care. Most plans do cover preventative care, which typically entails routine doctor visits, immunizations and screenings. Routine checkups and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can prevent common health problems. Check to see whether the plan places limits on preventative care.

2. Rate increases. Some service providers can raise rates two or three times a year. Look for plans that evaluate premiums only annually, leaving no unexpected midyear surprises.

3. Caps on benefits. Insurance plans have caps on the amount of coverage they will provide in a year and in a lifetime. Look for plans that will cover at least $2 million.

4. Caps on prescription drugs. Many Americans spend more money on prescription drugs than on any other medical treatment. Prescription-drugs costs are rising in the midst of a weak economy. Make sure that the plan covers the majority of the cost. This is especially important for the elderly, children and those with health complications.

5. Premiums. Be sure to understand how the premium relates to total healthcare spending. Make sure to know how it affects the deductible, co-pay and lifetime-benefit caps. It is important to look at the overall amount that will be spent on healthcare rather than just the cost of premiums.

6. Deductibles. High deductibles mean that people will pay more out of their pockets before the plan kicks in to cover the healthcare charges. In the event of an unexpected medical condition, a high deductible can often leave people in financial distress.

7. Out-of-pocket maximum. Make sure to look for a company that doesn't require paying over-the-top costs for your medical coverage. This will ensure that the insurance company is paying for the bulk of the coverage and that there will not be unexpected costs should there be a health issue.

8. Co-pay. Doctor visits can add up, especially when least expected. Make sure to know how much the co-pay will be and compare it with the deductible. Does the plan limit the number of co-pays available each year?

9. Co-insurance. Make sure to be aware of what percentage the insurance company will pay toward coverage. A standard amount is for the plan to cover 80% and members to cover 20%.

10. Network providers. Check to be sure that the network chosen is widespread and has a comprehensive list of doctors.