A recent survey found that many consumers think that their friends and family members influence their health habits as much as those in the medical field.

The Edelman Health Barometer 2011 noted that 43 percent of people think their family and friends make the most difference when it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, which can impact their health insurance premiums. Another 36 percent think that these people have the largest impact on their own nutrition habits. Close to one-third of respondents noted that they regularly distanced themselves from those who took part in unhealthy activities.

"Whether we mean to or not, we influence public and personal health in all aspects of our lives," said Nancy Turett, global president of Health for Edelman. "Health - good and bad - is communicable, and it is the responsibility of every citizen, especially those of us with leadership roles in any sector or industry, to act on this."

Consumers who do not have coverage may want to inquire about health insurance, so they can make sure they can attend physicals and other medically-related visits at more affordable rates.