How does Pesonal Health Insurance work?

It might seem like an odd question, but I really don't know. Growing up, my family was rather poor and money was always a major obstacle. [Only my dad worked: 40 hours X $10/hr isn't much for a family of 5]. We never had individual health insurance, regular checkups, or anything of that nature. I only went to a doctor twice in my life, once at 8 & again at 10 yrs -both for no major reason. Anyway, I'm now 20 years old (in good health - I think), just graduated from college, and I'm about to start working at a large financial firm. Needless to say, I will have more than enough money to afford Health insurance and all the other necessities. But how exactly do I go about attaining this? Do I inquire at my work place to see if they have some type of employee health plan? Do I go to an independent insurance company? Any good Ones? Once I have that covered, do I simply walk/call into the hospital and request a physical/check-up or etc? Will I have a personal Physician/Doctor?
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