Affordable Health Insurance - Can You Afford to be Without It?

Affordable health insurance is crucial. Has anyone ever said to you, "I plan on getting appendicitis next week"? Of course not! Nobody plans on getting sick. But unfortunately, our personal health is often beyond our control, and that's why everyone needs affordable health insurance. A bacterial infection, a nasty car wreck, broken ankles during a soccer match, an emergency appendectomy--the world is a dangerous, unpredictable place. And without affordable health insurance, a major illness or accident could result in serious financial losses.

Don't roll the dice with your health. Investing in an affordable health insurance policy is a crucial step toward protecting yourself and your finances in the event of a major illness or accident. Affordable health insurance that provides the coverage you need is possible.

Millions of Americans Lack Affordable Health Insurance

The reality is harsh: according to the U.S. Census, 47 million Americans were without health insurance in 2006. That's almost one sixth of the population. Even worse, AARP.org reports that 78 percent of the uninsured are employed.

In all, almost 90 million citizens--roughly one-third of the entire population--spent a portion of 2006-2007 without health insurance.

Affordable Health Insurance - The Cost of Being Uninsured

Before you think about the cost of an affordable health insurance policy, ask yourself how much it may cost to be without one. HealthAffairs.org estimates that Americans without health insurance pay $30 billion in out of pocket medical costs every year. In a good year when you don't get sick, your medical costs may be zero. But if you should fall ill and require surgery, you'll be faced with tens of thousands in medical bills if you don't have affordable health insurance.

The price tag for an ambulance ride alone is enough to bleed your bank account dry. If your ailment is serious enough to keep you in the hospital for a few nights, you can expect to be hit with an astronomical bill upon your release.

Here are a few examples of the cost of being without affordable health insurance:

Source: Blue Cross

Tips to Find an Affordable Health Insurance Rate

The best way to keep your health insurance costs low is to compare multiple rates. Choosing the first policy that pops up may be tempting, but shopping around may land you similar coverage at a more affordable rate. Also, you may want to choose an affordable health insurance policy with a high deductible. The rule of thumb is: the higher your deductible, the lower your premium. Keep in mind that you will be responsible for medical bills out of your own pocket until this deductible is reached.

If you're lacking affordable health insurance, don't worry--it can be affordable if you shop around and compare health insurance quotes.