Im 19 and wondering whether health insurance is necessary?

Question

I pretty much never get sick and hardly ever go to the doctors, is health insurance really going to be cost effective for my situation?

Answer 1

95% of the time, no. But, the problem is, you don't know if you're going to need it until it's too late.

Most of the bankruptcy filings in the US are due to uninsured major health expenses. So, it's a gamble. On the one side, you're not likely to have major expenses - so that's why the rates are so low ($200 a month). On the other hand, if you DO have a major calamity, with $100,000 of medical bills, you're completely scr*wed. If it's NOT an accident, ie, it's a health issue (like, becoming diabetic - yes! It happens to healthy 20 year olds!), it will haunt you for the rest of your life, as NO ONE will then insure that condition.

For me, the down side is WAY TOO RISKY for me to go uninsured. I have ALWAYS carried health insurance.

Answer 2

In your situation you might want to consider a so called "catastrophe plan" which would cover you in case something major happened like you fell off your roof and had extensive injuries (or you became involved in an at fault auto accident where the car insurance wouldn't come into play).

Either that or a higher deductible plan, that you have insurance of some sort when you need it (even if you don't have the insurance pay for it) than not have it when you need it. The main point being you don't want to have something happen and not have ANY insurance, so that when you go to GET insurance the injury won't be excluded as a prior condition for whatever length of time. Trust me thats a big thing.

One idea you may wish to really look at is a Health Savings Account. It's similar to a catastrophe plan but it creates a savings account which you can add money to over time to help with medical costs later on.

Which if you start this kind of plan while young and healthy can really add up over the ears until hit old age (say 30, j/k).

Try Blue Cross Blue Shield, they typically are everywhere and have a wide wide range of health plans to choose from.

Good luck.

Answer 3

I have NEVER gotten sick in my life, except for a day stomach ache.

I didn't think I needed health insurance when I turned 18 and moved out of my parent's house.... Sadly mistaken.

I had to go to the ER once and now I have over four grand in health insurance bills to the hospitals, doctors, and the ambulance.

I would suggest getting a policy that is for emergencies only. I don't know where to get one, but I know they are out there.

Or, find a job that will offer you health insurance. That's what I've done and I'm so glad I did!

Answer 4

health insurance is for everyone regardless of age. you may be healthy, but it is the "unknown" which is what you need to worry about.
health insurance is a small price to pay if something catastrophic were to happen. in that situation w/out insurance, you could be out thousands. if you have the opportunity to obtain coverage then i reccommend you do.
plus what about your preventive visits. at age 19 you should be going for yearly exams.

Answer 5

you wont need it unless you drive, then you have to think about a auto accident that could leave you in the hospital for weeks with months of rehab. the auto PIP coverage is limited and you need more than just that if a serious injury will occur. or you wont need it unless you like to play sports, then you might get injured and need it. my suggestion, stay in school if you are in school and stay on your parents ins plan if that is possible. if you go uninsured between plans more than 63 days then you are will be subjected to pre-existing for many employee sponsored Plans. I am not sure what the guidelines are for self pay plans anymore, but i assume not as leniant as employee sponsored.

Answer 6

Yes, it is very necessary. When I was in college my back went out & it cost me $30,000. It is much better to find a cheap policy than to gamble. You may want to try a website that compares multiple companies at once to get you the best price. I am paying less than ½ after I did.

Go to: http://www.insureme.com/landing.aspx?Refby=616163&Type=health

Take care,
Casey

Answer 7

Can you cover you expenses if you get hit by a car? Pay for emergency sugery for a problem that you never knew you had.

This is not an area that you ever want to gamble in.

Answer 8

Heres http://xrl.us/vkat an article i found about choosing health insurance etc, hope it helps.

Answer 9

Yes it is necessary. It makes you secure and nobody can predict about their health. You can make some yahoo search or
To know more visit
http://newinsurancetips.blogspot.com