Extra money would be great right now and anytime. Do you want to give up your morning coffee for it? You may not have to. Use your health to save money without giving up the things that matter.

Healthcare is a big topic these days. If you have a healthcare program, use it to its fullest capacity in order to save money in the long run. You probably know that even with health insurance the bills can get pretty high if someone in your family suffers a serious illness.

1. Read the policy carefully. There are many medical exams that are covered and won’t cost you a dime. For example, a yearly physical is paid for by most insurance providers. For children, well-baby exams on a planned schedule are also covered. Don’t miss out on covered care. Even if you feel fine, an annual physical let’s you know how you’re doing just in case.

2. Have your teeth checked. If you pay for a dental policy, use it. Dental bills are just as pricey as medical bills especially if you’re talking about pulling teeth or filling cavities. Get a regular cleaning twice a year. Such maintenance avoids some of the costly expenses that ensue with improper care such as fillings, root canals, gingivitis, etc.

3. Follow doctor’s orders. If a doctor finds that you could lose a little weight or wants you to take supplements, do what he says. Losing weight lowers the risk of obesity-related conditions like heart disease, high cholesterol, stroke, and hypertension. It is much cheaper to prevent illness than to treat it.

4. Go for the generic medication. Many doctors are in the habit of prescribing the name brand but the number of generic formulations on the market has increased. Ask for the generic the next time you get a prescription. With prescription coverage, generic medicines cost much less. In some pharmacies, like at Wal-Mart, hundreds of generics are four dollars or less.

5. Invest in healthcare savings plans. If your job offers a flex spending plan, open an account. You can deposit money for any medical expense you might have during the year so that you don’t have to come out of pocket with the money. This is helpful for yearly deductibles and co-payments.

6. Seek care at the urgent care center. You may be thinking of going to the emergency room for that cut or cold, but urgent care centers are a better choice. The emergency room handles everything and, if you aren’t in immediate danger, you can sit there for hours. Many urgent care centers also double as family practitioners so the co-pay is the same as visiting a doctor’s office instead of the higher emergency room co-pay. There are more physicians available to see you and the wait is generally much shorter.

Want to save money and keep still afford to keep that morning coffee run? Look into your healthcare for a solution.