You might have heard that employees spend more time planning avacation than figuring out their benefit choices during openenrollment.

Well, duh. We'd all rather be wading into an infinity pool inCancun instead of stuck in the suburbs, wading through openenrollment options.

But paying attention to your benefits choices can help you savemoney, Renee Preslar, communications manager at TransamericaEmployee Benefits said.

“It's important to spend time reviewing your company's voluntarybenefits options,” she said. “With high deductible health plans onthe rise, supplemental insurance can add value to your benefitsportfolio and help you save money on your annual medicalexpenses.”

So how are employees supposed to know what kinds of insurance toconsider and what benefit levels to select? These 10 questions fromTransamerica are a good place to start.

1.What's my share of medical costs?

Deductibles, copays and coinsurance amounts are on the rise, sobe sure to find out what they are before looking at policiesdesigned to help with these and other expenses.

An important part of financial planning is understanding whatyou would have to pay for a costly medical event such as anaccident or critical illness.

2. What are myout-of-pocket non-medical expenses?

Many expenses such as transportation, child care, and lostincome due to missing work are not covered by your major medicalinsurance.

These non-medical costs can add up quickly.

3. Do I want touse my savings for these expenses?

Even if there's enough money in the bank to handle them,wouldn't you rather use your savings for your next vacation?

Supplemental insurance is an option some consider.

For example, according to Transamerica, purchasinga critical illness policy would pay a lump sum cashbenefit after a heart attack, and that money could be used fortravel to see a specialist or to cover child care while you focuson recovery.

4. Howwould I make up for lost income if I became disabled?

Many employers offer some sort of coverage for long-termdisability.

Consider what could happen if you can't work for three to sixmonths due to a back injury. Short-term disability insuranceprovides a percentage of your pay for a specified period oftime.

5.What's my health history?

Past problems could indicate a predisposition to other problemsand recurrences of similar issues. Is there a chance you might needhospitalization? Hospital indemnity insurance pays benefits forhospital stays.

6. What's my familymedical history?

Has anyone in your family had cancer, heart disease, or highblood pressure? Consider how cancer insurance or critical illnessinsurance can help if you've inherited certain familyillnesses.

7. What does myfamily like to do in our spare time?

Playing sports, hiking, or spending time at the lake? Someactivities carry more risk for injury. Accidentinsurance pays benefits you can use for medical bills andother out-of-pocket expenses.

8. Do I go infor routine eye exams and dental cleanings?

Your eyes may be a window to your soul but they can also helpdetect potential health issues. Plus, protecting your oral healthrepresents a crucial disease-prevention strategy.

Vision and dental insurance can be helpful.

Consider what you'd spend without one or both of these types ofpolicies and balance that amount against the cost of coverage.

9. How does my ageaffect my health risk factors?

Getting older can make insurance even more important.

At younger ages, the risk is lower so some types of insuranceare more affordable. Take a look at your employer's grouprates—they may be lower than you think.

10. Does anyoneneed my income in the event of my death?

Do I have life insurance? Do I have enough life insurance? Grouplife insurance is competitively priced and offers certain levels ofcoverage on a guaranteed issue basis.

Asking these questions and checking with your employer aboutthese benefits can help create a clearer picture of your life soyou can select the right policies to help protect yourself and yourfamily from life's curve balls.