In a world where health is often deemed one’s greatest wealth, the question of whether it’s worth getting health insurance if you are healthy has gained significant attention. As individuals strive to make informed decisions about their financial and health-related matters, it’s crucial to weigh the pros and cons of health insurance in light of one’s current health status. This article aims to provide a detailed exploration of the topic, shedding light on the various aspects that individuals should consider when contemplating health insurance coverage while maintaining good health.
Is It Worth Getting Health Insurance if You Are Healthy?
In a nutshell, YES. Even if you are in the pink of health, health insurance offers an array of benefits that can be valuable in the long run. While you might not be facing frequent medical expenses at the moment, unforeseen events can arise, leading to unexpected healthcare costs. Insurance serves as a safety net that shields you from the financial burden of sudden medical emergencies.
Here are five good reasons to have insurance, even if you’re healthy today (or think you are). And coverage now could be less expensive than a surprise bill later.
1. You’ll be prepared for the unexpected
No one plans to get sick or hurt (and no one plans on a pandemic). Just like car insurance, health insurance protects you and your wallet from the unexpected. Your situation could change quickly with an injury, accident, or major illness.
2. You could end up paying more without coverage
While insurance is an expense, the cost of getting care without it could be much more than you expect. Going to the emergency room, seeing a doctor, having tests run and/or medical procedures (even if minor), can all add up quickly.
For example:*
$7,500 – what fixing a broken leg could cost
$30,000 – average cost of a three-day hospital stay
Hundreds of thousands of dollars – what comprehensive cancer care can cost
3. Keeping healthy with health insurance now may help you avoid expensive health issues later
People with insurance are more likely to visit the doctor regularly for services like annual checkups, flu shots, and routine blood work. The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires health insurance companies, like ConnectiCare, to cover many preventive services at no cost to you.
We can’t stress enough the importance of routine preventive care. Checkups and screenings may uncover health problems before you know you have them, potentially heading off an expensive, major illness – and major expense – down the road.
4. You can!
If you’re employed, even by a small business, it’s likely you have options to get health coverage. And, if you’re age 26 or younger and your parents have health insurance, you may be able to be added to their plan.
Those over age 26 may be able to buy individual plans on or off state-run health exchanges. In Oregon, the exchange is called Health Insurance Marketplace. It may be able to help you find a plan that fits your needs and your budget. You may qualify for financial help. People under 30 or those who can prove financial hardship may also be able to buy lower-cost catastrophic plans through the Oregon Health Plan if they meet eligibility requirements.
5. Young people DO care about staying healthy. (H3)
A 2018 survey of Millennials (people born between 1980 and 1997) by the Transamerica Center for Health Studies found that cost was a barrier to getting insurance – but staying healthy was a priority.
Of those surveyed, 55% listed “staying healthy and covering basic preventive healthcare expenses” as their top health-related priority. And that is a priority that health insurance can help you achieve.
The bottom line: Don’t let today’s good health keep you from securing the benefits and future protections that health insurance provides.
Need help? Call Health Plans in Oregon: 503-928-6918. Our assistance is at no cost to you.
