The Real Cost of Skipping Health Insurance in the U.S.
The Real Cost of Skipping Health Insurance in the U.S. Thinking about skipping health insurance to save money? Think again. In the U.S., going without coverage can cost far more than you think — not just in dollars, but in stress, access, and long-term well-being. Why Do People Avoid Health Insurance? It feels expensive — monthly premiums, deductibles, co-pays. Some people feel “young and healthy” and assume they won’t need it. Freelancers and self-employed often face high plan costs. Real-Life Costs Without Health Insurance Emergency Room Visit: $2,000–$8,000 Broken Bone (with surgery): $10,000 Childbirth without insurance: $15,000–$30,000 Cancer Treatment (first year): $100,000+ Hospital Stay (3–5 days): $15,000–$50,000 With insurance, these numbers can be reduced by 60–90%. Hidden Costs Most People Don’t Consider Skipping regular check-ups → late disease detection Stress and uncertainty during emergencies No access to private ho...