Buying Health Insurance: It’s a Good Idea

You may be thinking that you never go to the doctor, so you don’t need health insurance. Think again. Having health insurance protects your physical and financial wellbeing.

Why buying health insurance is a good idea

Let’s see what might happen if you don’t have insurance and due to a minor accident, you have to take your kid to the ER. Kids being kids, rushing them to the ER is something that can happen more often than we’d like.

Your son is outside playing with friends when you hear a scream. You run out and see him sitting on the sidewalk holding his ankle. Worried that his ankle is broken, you decide to take him to the ER.  Let’s look at what this accident might cost you, according to Healthcare.gov: 

• An average ER visit is about $700. That doesn’t cover any tests, x-rays or cast for your son’s foot, which will raise the bill.
• If it’s a broken leg, the cost could jump to $7,500.
• A 3-day hospital stay averages $30,000

Can you afford to pay for that visit to the ER? There’s a good chance the answer is no.  The right health insurance plan can protect you from most of these and other types of medical bills. Without insurance, you could wipe out your savings and even go into debt.

There’s more help

Most health plans cover preventive care (such as cancer screenings and shots) and yearly wellness exams with no out-of-pocket costs, as long as you go to a doctor in your health plan's network. You don’t need to put off going to the doctor in fear of the bill. And, your doctor is more likely to catch health problems earlier.

With health insurance you can get the care you need. You’ll have a network of doctors and hospitals to go to. No need to ignore signs that something might be wrong or hope it will go away.

By investing in a health care plan, you also get to take advantage of lower health care costs year-round. 

With access to affordable health insurance you get preventive care and a network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals too. Search our health plans to get started!

Sources: Why Health Insurance is Important,  Healthcare.gov.

Originally published 5/11/2014; Revised 2018; 2021