5️⃣ Health Insurance: Because Medical Bills Are Scarier Than Illness

Let’s get real for a second: getting sick or injured is scary enough. But do you know what’s even scarier? Getting slapped with a five-figure hospital bill for a sprained ankle because you don’t have health insurance.

When I first started freelancing, I thought I was being slick by skipping health insurance to “save money.” Then a friend broke her arm and was billed $12,000 for a basic emergency room visit and a cast. Suddenly, that “saving money” idea felt like the dumbest financial move ever.

Why Health Insurance Isn’t Optional

Health insurance is like a financial shield for your body. It helps cover:

🏥 Doctor Visits: From routine check-ups to specialist care.

💊 Prescription Medications: Reduces out-of-pocket costs on the meds you need.

🚑 Emergency Services: Accidents happen, and ambulance rides + ER visits are expensive.

🩺 Preventive Care: Vaccinations, screenings, and annual check-ups are often covered with no copay.

👩‍⚕️ Chronic Conditions: Helps manage ongoing issues like diabetes or asthma without draining your bank account.

Without insurance, a minor medical issue can spiral into a financial nightmare that takes years to pay off.

“But I’m Healthy, So I Don’t Need It!”

I get it. If you’re young and feel invincible, paying for health insurance feels unnecessary. But accidents and illnesses don’t care if you go to the gym five times a week. A broken wrist, a burst appendix, or a sudden illness can happen to anyone—and medical debt is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in the U.S.

Having health insurance means you can get the care you need without fearing the bill that follows.

It Might Be More Affordable Than You Think

Many people skip health insurance because they assume it’s too expensive. But with marketplace subsidies, employer-sponsored plans, and Medicaid eligibility depending on your income, you might pay less than you think.

In many cases, plans can cost under $100/month if you qualify for assistance—often less than what you spend on takeout.

How to Get the Best Health Insurance Quote

✅ Check Your Options: Look at your employer’s plans, the ACA marketplace, or Medicaid/CHIP if you qualify.

✅ Understand Your Needs: If you visit doctors frequently, a higher premium with lower copays might save you money. If you’re generally healthy, a lower premium with a higher deductible could be better.

✅ Compare Networks: Make sure your preferred doctors and hospitals are covered.

✅ Look for Subsidies: Depending on your income, you might qualify for marketplace subsidies that significantly lower your monthly premium.

✅ Review Annually: Health plans and your needs change yearly. Check during open enrollment to adjust your coverage and avoid overpaying.

Final Thoughts

Health insurance is one of those “adulting” necessities that you don’t appreciate until you really, really need it. It’s not about expecting to get sick; it’s about protecting yourself financially if you do.

Take the time to research your options and get covered. Future you will be grateful, especially when you can focus on getting better instead of panicking over medical bills if something unexpected happens.