Health insurance can help you access the care you need, when you need it. Insurance helps eliminate a lot of financial worry around getting healthcare, and without health insurance, you could face substantial out-of-pocket costs. While there are many benefits to health insurance, it’s expensive to buy, so many individuals may go without coverage. But what happens if you don’t have health insurance, especially if you experience a medical emergency?
Being uninsured comes at a risk. You’ll save money on your health insurance premiums, but you could face steep out-of-pocket costs for care.
Those costs can become overwhelming if you have a medical emergency, like a broken bone, a severe illness, or the need for emergency surgery. A single trip to the emergency room could include an ambulance room, diagnostic tests, surgery, medicine, and more. Without health insurance, you’re responsible for paying for the care you receive, and your bills could be tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars. In many cases, individuals eventually declare bankruptcy because of overwhelming medical debt.
Going without health insurance can also limit your access to care. Hospitals usually aren’t required to provide care to non-insured patients if they aren’t experiencing a medical emergency, so your inability to pay for care might limit the services you can receive. Additionally, medications can be cost-prohibitive, so without health insurance you may not be able to buy the medications you’ve been prescribed.
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There’s a substantial risk of not having health insurance, and wondering how you would cope with a medical emergency can be stressful. Getting coverage for yourself and your family can give you peace of mind and help ensure that you’ll be able to get the care you need.
If you have a limited income, you may qualify for free or low-cost health insurance through Medicaid, but the program’s income requirements vary by state. Additionally, the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP) offers health insurance coverage to children whose families earn too much to qualify for their state Medicaid program.
You can also shop around for your own health insurance policy. Compare quotes from multiple providers to find the best deal on the health insurance policy that works for you and your family. You can get free health insurance quotes online today to start exploring available plans. Health insurance may be an investment, but it can be well worth the cost if it helps you get medical care and protects you from potential bankruptcy.
