When consumers are searching for affordable health insurance quotes, they may end up selecting a policy with a high deductible. Such coverage tends to be less expensive in terms of monthly premiums because the deductible is high.

According to a report from the UCLA Center for Health Policy Research, Californians on such plans are more likely to delay care. In some cases, a deductible can be as high as $5,000. However, when the health insurance exchanges are in place, a cap of $2,000 for individual plans and $4,000 will apply to family insurance plans.

Health Policy Research Center scientist Dylan Roby says in some cases, a plan that requires higher monthly payments may yield savings in the long-run.

"Many Californians can't afford higher-premium plans, especially in the current economic climate," says Roby. "But the alternative - high-deductible plans - may cost less initially, but can cost thousands of dollars when you need health care. When that much money is on the line, a health emergency can also become a financial emergency."

Another way consumers can save on medical expenses is with a health savings account. The program allows consumers to deposit funds without a tax penalty.