Do I Really Need Health Insurance?

Buying individual health insurance may be one of the smartest choices you make in your lifetime. Regardless of how healthy you are, you can never plan for an accident. A trip and fall can result in a broken bone. You may be a safe driver, but there are thousands of drivers on the road everyday who are distracted or impaired. It only takes a split second for one of them to plow into your vehicle and land you in the hospital. Even if you aren't seriously injured and you're lucky enough to be released from the emergency room the same day, you're looking at thousands of dollars in medical bills. The ambulance ride alone can cost several hundred dollars.

If you have children, the need for health insurance increases. Immunizations and childhood illnesses can be costly without coverage. It's not unusual for kids to break a bone or incur some other type of injury during play, especially if they're involved in organized sports.

Without health insurance coverage, people are reluctant to seek medical care when they are sick or injured. They feel they can get better on their own without paying to see a doctor. Eventually, their condition worsens and by they time they eventually seek medical help, they are much sicker than they would have been had they gone earlier. This can be especially dangerous for infants and children because their young systems can't fight off illnesses as well.

You don't have to spend a fortune when buying individual health insurance. Do your research and find a plan that suits the needs of you and your family.