Stay on Starting Over and covered

Stay on Starting Over and covered -

I am 41 years old. I'm at the end of the tail of what was an out if particular litigation amicable divorce and undrawn. And I'm scared.
You see, all my life, I had health insurance. I've never had to think about it much, to be honest, because it's just always been there, always been available to me. During my life I have been covered by the policies of my parents, and health insurance provided by my assistant graduate school, my work for the last 10 years by the work of my husband. I've never had to worry about going to the doctor, pay for a prescription or to undergo tests. And now I see how extremely privileged and lucky I was that I should not address these concerns.
But before the end of summer, in a month or two, that will be true. And no, it would not be an exaggeration to say that terrifies me.
My daughter will always be covered by the policy of my ex, which is certainly a relief and blessing. And my health is good, which should help to qualify for lower rates. But in this aspect of my life, as with many others, I am now faced with a lot of uncertainty, and no strong sense of what my options are and what the future would reserve.
What kind of health insurance can afford even I as an independent single mother? Will I be able to go to the doctor regularly, or only disaster? What type of prescription coverage someone with my income can get, and where will that leave me if I become seriously ill? How will I be able to bear the additional expenses?
Friends suggested that I consider COBRA, but from what I heard, the rates are generally higher than if I tried to write off and get the assurance of my own, since I am healthy. My first plan of attack is to approach the family insurance provider used those 10 years or more, and basically ask what they can offer me, and at what cost per month.
I found a few websites that appear to be information centers health care plans where you can purchase plans online, but I worry about going through a Web site for coverage. My biggest fear, however, is to have any real sense of the reasonable cost are the different types of coverage, I could get stuck with a plan that is not what I need.
How have those who 'have been in my position has found reasonable health insurance that meets your needs?
I also realize that I have to look at other types of insurance. Life insurance, for one, is something I've never had.
Where do you begin to approach these issues? I would love to hear your experiences, your ideas and suggestions on these subjects believe me, I can use them.