1. Unexpected accidents and emergencies are unpredictable

Even the healthiest people may encounter car accidents, sports injuries, food poisoning, or sudden illnesses (such as appendicitis).

Data support: The average cost of an emergency room in the United States ranges from $1,500–$3,000 (minor illness) to $20,000+ (surgery or hospitalization), and ambulance costs can be as high as $1,200 (out-of-pocket without insurance).

Insurance role: Health insurance can cover most emergency medical expenses and avoid overnight debt due to accidents.

Case: A 24-year-old healthy man ruptured his Achilles tendon while playing basketball. The cost of surgery exceeded $15,000, and the out-of-pocket cost after insurance was only $1,500.

2. Preventive medical services are the cornerstone of long-term health

"Small problems" ignored by young people may evolve into chronic diseases, and preventive services covered by insurance can intervene in advance:

Free screening: According to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurance must cover vaccines, annual physical examinations, HIV testing, mental health counseling, etc. for free.

Early detection: For example, HPV vaccines prevent cervical cancer, and blood pressure monitoring prevents hypertension. These services can avoid high treatment costs in the future.

Real dilemma: Uninsured people may give up routine examinations due to costs and miss the opportunity to treat diseases early.

3. Avoid the risk of "medical bankruptcy"

Medical debt in the United States is one of the main causes of personal bankruptcy, and young people are no exception:

Hospitalization costs: The average cost of a 3-day hospitalization for an uninsured person is about $30,000, while the price after insurance negotiation may be as low as $5,000 (less out-of-pocket).

Latent chronic diseases: Once a disease that young people may not be aware of (such as type 1 diabetes and autoimmune diseases) is diagnosed, the uninsured will face high lifelong drug costs.

Warning: Even if you have savings, a serious illness can deplete years of savings and even affect your credit score.

4. Legal and financial protection

Although the federal government has abolished the uninsured penalty, some states still require it:

State penalties: Massachusetts, New Jersey, etc. impose a fine of 2.5% of annual income on those who are uninsured.

Future protection: If you need to buy insurance in the future, existing diseases (such as asthma and depression) may be denied or charged high premiums.

Strategic recommendations: Buy insurance through the ACA market (those with eligible income can get subsidies), or choose a high deductible (HDHP) low-premium plan.

5. "Lock" the rate for future health risks

Buying insurance when you are young is not only low-cost, but also establishes long-term protection:

Premiums rise with age: After the age of 30, the premium may be 30%-50% higher than when you are 25 years old. It is more cost-effective to buy insurance while you are healthy.

Continuation of protection: If you lose your job or start a business in the future, you can continue coverage through COBRA or market insurance to avoid a protection window period.

Case: A 28-year-old freelancer paid $150/month (including subsidies) through market insurance. He had a sudden gastric ulcer and was hospitalized for $25,000, with only $2,000 out of pocket.

Conclusion: Health insurance is an investment for "preparing for a rainy day"

Young people often regard insurance as an "unnecessary expense", but in fact it is a financial shield against unknown risks. By choosing a reasonable insurance plan (such as a high deductible + health savings account), you can reduce current costs and provide a safety net for emergencies. Health is priceless, but medical care is pricey - only with insurance can you maintain control of your life in any situation.

Action suggestions:

- Use Healthcare.gov to compare prices and find a suitable insurance plan.

- Consult a professional broker to understand tax credits or state-level subsidy policies.

- Give priority to insurance products that cover emergency services and preventive care.