What to Do When You Don't Have Health Insurance

People buy health insurance for different reasons. It can protect you from the risk of uncertain bills for health care. Without it, you may not be able to pay for expensive medical services. You do not have to worry about the cost of expenses when you are sick or ill. Your family can also benefit from this, because you can get more out of family policy for health insurance. You also do not have to pay income tax on health insurance benefits.

The best case scenario is that everybody has health insurance.  However, there are some instances when even the most prepared of us would suddenly lose their coverage - such as when they change or lose their jobs, or when they move out of their state. Also, during troubled times people tend to allot more of their budget towards the most basic necessities, such as food and shelter, and tend to forego things that they don't need at the moment - insurance coverage being one of them.

But what if a health emergency does happen? Here are some things you can do:

1. Go to a private practitioner. Avoid going to large hospitals. The health professionals there tend to be the most expensive ones, because part of their earnings go to the hospital itself. Some hospitals won't admit you (unless to the ER) if you don't have insurance. That's why it's best to consult with private practitioners, and even better if you live in a small community with a neighborhood doctor: if you've known each other long enough, then maybe you can ask him to forego payments first until you've accumulated enough money. You can also ask him for recommendations to his specialist friends for treatment at reduced prices.
2. Look around for free clinics in your area. The National Association of Free Clinics in the US is a non-profit organization that runs 1,200 clinics that do not charge for healthcare. Check out their website at freeclinics.us for a listing of these clinics throughout the US. You can also try freemedicalcamps.com.
3. Sign up for medical testing. This is another alternative worth a try if you have a more serious condition: why not sign up for medical testing? The upside to this is that you will receive well-studied treatment that makes use of cutting-edge technology, delivered by the foremost experts of the field. However, these are still basically experimental treatments: though they have been determined safe for human beings, you will still be part of a test group where the possible side effects and general effectivity of a medicine or treatment is still being studied. Plus, there's a chance that you'll be part of the group who'll be receiving the placebo treatment.
4. Ask for payment plans. Once you get to a hospital, one of the surest ways in getting the best deal is asking. Ask for their easy payment and installment plans; ask if they accept credit cards; ask if they have discounts or even if they offer free medication if you can prove that you are truly in need of financial assistance. This may be a long shot, yes, but it doesn't hurt to ask.
5. Find out what your government could do for you. There are options available that not so many people take advantage of, just because they don't know about them. Avoid this mistake by doing your own research as to how your government can help you foot your medical bills. For example, inquire about Medicaid, which uninsured and unemployed people (including their children) are usually qualified for. Find out about COBRA, wherein the government pays up to 65% of hospitalization bills for 9 months. If you're not sure where to start, do an online research or inquire at a Social Services office near you. They'll be glad to point you to the right direction.
6. Buy cheaper prescription drugs. Remember to buy the generic drugs to ensure that you get the best deal on your money. Purchase discount cards from Walgreen's or CVS, for sizeable discounts on your medicines.
7. Take good care of yourself. With your body being what you depend on to earn your living, the single best thing you can do would be to make sure that it is in peak condition. Eat right, exercise well and get enough rest, but don't overdo it. All these precautionary measures to ensure that your body gets treated right are definitely worth it in the long run.

All that being said, remember that it's still best to get yourself covered in cases of medical emergencies. Inquire about reduced rates, high-deductible policies and low monthly premiums. Try out websites of such insurance providers as Blue Cross Blue Shield and find the insurance coverage that is just what you need. The key here is to plan ahead and to think long-term: it just might be one of the smartest moves you'll ever make.