Not having health insurance despite a high-risk lifestyle is a significant financial gamble that could lead to bankruptcy.
Takeways• Being uninsured for years despite high-risk activities is a major gamble.
• A catastrophic accident could lead to financial ruin.
• Personal health coverage should be prioritized over equipment insurance.
A self-employed individual admits to lacking health insurance for two to three years, despite engaging in activities like travel and sports that increase injury risk. This decision is viewed as a catastrophic mistake, potentially jeopardizing all future success for what would likely be a manageable monthly premium. The individual prioritizes insuring filmmaking equipment over personal health coverage, highlighting a dangerous misplacement of value.
Lack of Health Insurance
• 00:00:00 An individual has been without health insurance for two to three years since leaving their mother's plan, despite a lifestyle involving travel, sports, and cycling, which presents numerous opportunities for injury. While acknowledging the risk, the self-employed individual finds marketplace plans expensive and hasn't felt 'terrified,' though they understand the need for emergency coverage. This lack of coverage is framed as a significant financial risk, as medical emergencies are a leading cause of bankruptcy in the U.S.
Options and Prioritization
• 00:01:17 Solutions for obtaining health insurance include exploring marketplace plans or potentially rejoining a parent's group policy, as children under 26 are eligible. It is suggested that adding the individual to their mother's existing policy would likely cost less than $300 a month. Despite owning expensive, insured filmmaking equipment, the individual prioritizes protecting gear over their own health, a decision highlighted as a serious misstep in valuing personal well-being over possessions.