I also have a high-deductible health insurance plan and an HSA. I love having the HSA, especially because my contributions rollover from one year to the next, so I don't have to worry about over-contributing.

My HSA will actually allow me to send checks directly to my providers, and I also have debit card that I can use in the office or online.

At the beginning of each year, I try to estimate how much I'll spend on healthcare and adjust my HSA contributions accordingly. I have a little buffer in my budget where I can adjust for an unexpected office visit. If I suddenly had a major expense, I would use my emergency savings. The nice thing about my plan is that I have an out-of-pocket maximum that is truly a maximum - my plan has no co-pays, so after I hit that number, I should be covered 100%. If I wanted to be really conservative, I could contribute that amount into my HSA and know that I would have enough there to pay for any medical emergency that popped up.

To save money, be realistic about what type of insurance plan you need (if you have options). If you get insurance through your company and need help deciding on a plan, talk to your HR/benefits department. Then, make conscious decisions about where you get your care. If you have an emergency, consider where is the most appropriate place to get treated. You might be able to go to an urgent care facility and avoid more expensive ER costs. Shop around on prescription costs and use generic when you can to save.